rewatching episode five, their escape seems a little implausible as shown. we were told that the butcher holds control over the other colonists, and none could go against her. however, we're shown that the butcher's son stopped her, and it comes out of nowhere.
i really think that the way they told the escape is not the real way it happened, and that they did in fact make a deal or something.

Keep in mind that Shelby and Matt are both aware they are being filmed by cameras when having their conversation in the basement. Matt can also be feeling guilt over their pact, in addition to fear from not knowing if the pact will truly help them. I'm not saying I even agree with this theory, because I'm not sure I do, but we can't take much at face value right now. I do certainly think
something
is going on with Shelby and Matt that we're not aware of.

I don't think so. There's a scene in the basement where Shelby and Matt are alone discussing "why would we come back here?" And "it's different this time". Also Matt wouldn't fear for his life if they were safe. He mentions that "THis time we're not gonna make it"

That's the onky thing that makes sense. They made a deal with the butcher to bring people to the house to sacrifice for their freedom. Chyanne Jackson now owns the house, so lots of people will die and the original people will go free. There would be no way they go back to that house otherwise.

I think your husband is correct. There is no way in hell they would have agreed to go back without some sort of pact happening.

I don't know, maybe that is how they escaped the land, making pact, promising fresh blood. Or maybe they never told producers that. Just don't understand how they would go back willingly if it was as bad as they said it was. Either way, love the way this season is going.

Unless they didn't tell the whole story and the Butcher can get them even if they are off the land.

That's interesting, but I don't think it lines up with the story. They wouldn't need to make a pact with the Butcher since they were able to escape the land. They had the means to leave. The Polks were illiterate and had next to no financial resourcesthey couldn't leave the land.
I don't think the Butcher can or will leave her landshe can't go after Shelby and Matt once they have left.

Makes sense.