Ichabod and Abbie track down a vengeful witch intent on returning from her state of undead with the help of Andy, who is no longer lifeless. Meanwhile, more of Abbie’s past is revealed. Here is a recap and review of ” Blood Moon.”
Recap:
A dim and foggy forest. An upside down world turned right side up as Ichabod leaps over a fallen tree while being chased by the four horsemen. Ichabod then finds himself tangled in roots that suck him into the earth, where Katrina informs him that the first dark spirit, a witch, will rise soon with the blood moon. What a dream.
Remember when the beast popped Andy’s neck back like a PEZ dispenser (Abbie’s words, not mine)? Well, Captain Irving shows Abbie video footage of this moment that tells a different story: Andy ran himself into the mirror. But, he’s not gone for long. In the coroner’s office, Andy bursts out of a body bag and springs his head back upright. With the beast in his presence, Andy pulls a trinket out of his mouth, which he uses to revive Serilda of Abaddon in a witchy circle of stone pillars. He pledges to help her track down the descendants of the man who burned her at the stake so she can use their ashes to become fleshy again.
Abbie reveals to Ichabod that she went off the rails after she saw the beast as a youth. Sheriff Corbin had arrested her for breaking and entering, but instead of taking her to jail, he took her to a diner and gave her five minutes to decide if she wanted to change her life or be put behind bars. From then on, he became her pseudo-father.
At the scene of a crime, Ichabod and Abbie find Serilda’s first victim burned to a crisp with a clawed out chest. Flashback to the Revolutionary War on the night of a blood moon. Ichabod recalls the camp being destroyed in the same way and mentions that the Redcoats aligned themselves with these evil witches.
Back at the station, Abbie finds that Corbin’s office has been cleared out, while Ichabod awkwardly chats with Luke, Abbie’s ex. Conveniently, Ichabod, with his eidetic memory, knows exactly where to finds the files and takes Abbie through a hole he busts into the basement wall to a chamber of old police reports. The tunnel also happens to contain the remains of convicted witches.
Upon learning first-hand that Serilda has stolen the ash-filled urn from the widow of the final descendant she is after, Abbie and Ichabod return to the tunnels to find Serilda completing the ritual to bring herself back. But, she is unable to escape the fact that the Sisterhood of the Radiant Heart, her enemies, used white magic to make her vulnerable to mortal attacks. While crouching out of Serilda’s sight, Ichabod throws a torch onto a pile of gunpowder and waits for the explosion … Serilda is easily defeated.
Later in Corbin’s office, Abbie envisions him telling her that she’s making an improvement in not letting her life be ruled by fear, but she should also not be afraid of #49, where she’ll find she’s not alone. Cryptic. Cut to room 49 of a mental institution. Jenny Mills, Abbie’s sister, fakes taking her meds and does a few chin-ups before sensing the beast in the room with her.
Review:
Sleepy Hollow is shaping up to be quite an intriguing series. “Blood Moon” continued to establish its strong thriller element and smart, quick writing, while servicing the two main characters’ stories. Yes, it’s bizarre and eccentric and mysterious – excellent at holding audience attention and undermining expectations in what has become an era of television aimed at garnering the greatest number of possible viewers. It’s no surprise that this show won’t appeal to everyone, but I suspect those of us crazy enough to just roll with it its many mysteries are in for one convoluted, captivating ride.
I always have a greater respect for shows that put the time and effort into creating an opening credit sequence. While the spooky theme music is not something uber-catchy (and I’m not rushing to change it to my ringtone), it is perfectly fitting for the series. The visuals, almost a black and white storybook, are reminiscent of the two sides of the battle and artfully done. So, thank you producers for keeping opening credits alive. On another note, Sleepy Hollow included a saga sell that, while it succeeded in being clear and comprehensive of a big pilot, ran slightly long.
Granted that suspension of disbelief is a necessity when there’s a headless horseman terrorizing the town, but the focus on the Revolutionary War as the beginning of this battle between witch factions is still peculiar. At the moment, it appears that the War provided a convenient event during the time period in which the rest of the series’ background is set for the writers to latch on to. With the other aspects of the series, i.e. witches, horsemen, and Ichabod, being based on historical trials, the Bible, and a short story, respectively, the inclusion of the War looks like happenstance. Given that this was only episode two, I’m not faulting the series, just observing.
The main aspect of this particular episode that stood out as noticeably unfitting was Serilda’s death being underwhelming. With the entire episode building to Ichabod and Abbie defeating her, their brief chase scene and successful first attempt fell flat as a conclusion not on the same level as the problem. Perhaps it’s a result of the series’ growing pains. Or perhaps we haven’t seen the last of Serilda if Andy’s reappearance is any indication.
The way in which the flashbacks in this episode were interspersed with the characters telling their stories was a unique way to use this TV trope. They served as a memory device as relevant to who the characters are as they did to explain what’s going on in the present. Also, Ichabod fishing for information about Abbie’s past characterized both of them – Ichabod as a curious friend and Abbie as a layered woman – while providing information that can be used later.
“Blood Moon” contained a few bits worth briefly recognizing. The post-it notes around Ichabod’s hotel room indicating how to use modern technology and his rant at today’s high taxes carried over that spark of humor from the pilot. These aspects don’t insult his intelligence because they’re realistic thoughts someone in his situation would have. In addition, Abbie’s strength and sass when dealing with Ichabod is remarkable, and her lines are generally amusing. “It’s a little early in the morning for Constitutional debate. Have a donut hole.” Finally, Ichabod’s belief that Katrina can be freed since she is stuck in a world between worlds seems to be hinting at her eventually popping up in the present day. Impossible doesn’t exist in this world.
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