Evil is a supernatural drama created by Michelle King and Robert King; this review covers “2 Fathers.” The central cast includes Katja Herbers, Mike Colter, Aasif Mandvi, Michael Emerson, and Christine Lahti. It originally aired under CBS before moving to Paramount+. As of this review, itâs available through Netflix and Paramount+ and its add-ons.
David (Mike Colter) and Kristen (Katja Herbers) investigate Davidâs father (Vondie Curtis-Hall as Leon) after learning of his ties to an ancient demonic sigil. Kristenâs husbandâAndy (Patrick Brammall)âreturns from his mountain climbing expedition. Ben (Aasif Mandvi) gets closure.
What I Like about Evil: “2 Fathers”
Of all the episodes to date, David steps into the lead role most in “2 Fathers,” which certainly fits as his father plays an important role in unraveling the first sigilâs mystery. This strained relationship gives Mike Colter a lot to work with.
Evil continuously builds its supernatural element, not yet showing its hand, while simultaneously unafraid to bring out the strange. “2 Fathers” might act as the best example yet of this balance, diving into rituals and monstrous abominations to a horror fanâs delight.
Ben shows where and how heâs willing to compromise his analytical absolutism. This episode dives further into his interesting ability to attract (or become attracted to) spiritual partners. Because of this attraction, Ben consistently encounters supernatural phenomena to haunt the lone rationalist.
Advertisement
Without going into too much detail, the demonic sigil relates to a particularly human evil, which aligns with the overall conceit of the show. While this does fall into that trap of relating real evil to supernatural forces, Evil still enacts a world where these two forces arenât mutually dependent on one another.
A scene in the crop haunts, creating a terrible creature for the viewer. While not the most realistic creature, itâs hardly the point of the ghoulish beast. Instead, the surreal beast drives home the surreal experience.
Tired Tropes and Triggers
A polyamorous relationship holds some elements that might read as trope material. Most specifically, the relationship includes two women and one older man. I will add that the relationship establishes a commune/hippie vibe while suggesting that the man acts more like the third wheel in the relationship.
There are some conversations about the slave trade, and by extension, racism. “2 Fathers” doesnât lean too heavily on the details, but a victim of the trade becomes central to the plot of the episode.
As Kristen often acts as the lead, she takes a step back for “2 Fathers.” I donât inherently see this as an issue as she acts as a key player in the main story; however, itâs a point worth considering in this section. As one of the titular fathers includes the father of her children, one might assume an equal focus.
The romantic tension between two characters might irk those sensitive to infidelity, though nothing comes of this tension.Â
Advertisement
What I Dislike about Evil: “2 Fathers”
Andyâs return shows the strained relationship between himself and his mother-in-law (Christine Lahti as Sheryl). Their relationship makes his decision all the stranger as he agrees to keep a secret from his wife for her. As Evil progresses, this doesnât make sense for their relationship.
The demonic houses still seem like an inconsistent concept. One house belonged to some random serial killer, and now the other belonged to a representation of the slave trade. This variety builds an inconsistency that further episodes expand on.
Final Thoughts
“2 Fathers” expands on Davidâs past while bringing the long-awaited Andy into Evil. This episode dives further into the supernatural, allowing the central plot to take precedence over the procedural story. If you like growing mysteries that tie into the real-world horrors in your supernatural dramas, “2 Fathers” certainly add these elements for Evil. (3.5 / 5)
Zeth received his M.A in English with a focus in Creative Writing at CSU, Chico. As a human writer, he published in the 9th volume of Multicultural Echoes, served on the editorial board of Watershed Review, and is a horror reviewer for Haunted MTL. All agree he is a real-life human and not an octopus in human skin.
Fascinated by horror novels and their movie adaptations, Zeth channels his bone-riddled arms in their study. Games are also a tasty treat, but he only has the two human limbs to write. If you enjoy his writing, check out his website.
âA is for Angelâ is an episode of the supernatural drama, Evil, created by Michelle King and Robert King. The central cast includes Katja Herbers, Mike Colter, Aasif Mandvi, Michael Emerson, Christine Lahti, and Andrea Martin. It originally aired under CBS before moving to Paramount+. As of this review, itâs available through Netflix and Paramount+ and its add-ons.
The assessors investigate a potential angelic possession. David (Mike Colter) meets a helpful nun (Andrea Martin as Sister Andrea). Kristen (Katja Herbers) talks to the police. Sheryl (Christine Lahti) takes out her frustration on someone who deserves it. Leland (Michael Emerson) makes a haunting confession.
What I Like about Evil: âA is for Angelâ
While âA is for Angelâ fears depicting a biblically accurate angel, it still evokes a haunting terror such angels evoke. Brandon J. Dirdenâs Raymond/Archangel Michael provides an unsettling performance that directly comments or alludes to actions that angels take in the bible.
This episode introduces Sister Andrea, who will become a key character of the series, acting as a spiritual advisor and mentor to David specifically. Sheâs interesting enough to evoke lasting memorability, given more attention than debut characters in their introductory episodes.
Lelandâs confession to David gets dark, revealing much of the personal relationship the two had before the series began. While nothing remains confirmed, and Leland clearly aims to antagonize David, Davidâs reaction suggests that some truthful admissions linger within the deception. However, itâs ultimately a viewerâs decision to weigh these claims.
Advertisement
âA is for Angelâ creates a rather terrifying dynamic that evokes a haunting narrative. Where the previous episode focused more on what comes next, âA is for Angelâ dives into the horrific implications of the procedural plot.
Tired Tropes and Triggers
As mentioned earlier, the procedural plot involves an angelic possession and some Old Testament godliness, which might upset some viewers. Some points suggest sexism and abuse, but little of this receives attention beyond the claim.
A character potentially murdered their wife, suggesting spousal abuse, but the reality of the situation seems blurred. Regardless, the victim tries to leave their abuser, which is a common source of abuse in domestic violence.
While nothing remains confirmed, a child molester apparently receives angelic punishment. The viewer takes the word of the angelâs supposed host on this claim, which hardly means an absolute confirmation.
Suicide, potentially assisted suicide, is another plot point alluded to in the episode. Little remains a proven fact, but the suggestion seems plausible considering what the viewer knows of the situation. As this remains the only confirmation, the claims seem interpretable.
What I Dislike about Evil: âA is for Angelâ
Again, âA is for Angelâ puts a lot of focus on the horrifying concept of an angel but doesnât try to depict a biblically accurate angel. Frankly, itâs a wasted opportunity, considering the haunting nature of their descriptions. Such descriptions rival that of Lovecraftian abomination in horrifying potential. It seems like a perfect opportunity for a show or film like Evil. Even as âA is for Angelâ challenges the depictions, it hesitates to open itsâ trillions of eyes to the opportunities available.
Leland allows the assessors into his home and leaves valuable evidence for the team to find. For such an intelligent character, these oversights seem uncharacteristic. Viewers might assume this frantic response is a ploy, but his reactions suggest otherwise.
Advertisement
Final Thoughts
âA is for Angelâ returns Evil to the horror roots that the previous episode hadnât lingered on. The episode unravels some mysteries of the past that better contextualize relationships. If youâre eager for Old Testament godly intervention, this episode brings out a proper dose of it. (3 / 5)
Welcome to Nightvale is an incredibly popular podcast created by Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor. It’s well-loved by horror and fantasy fans alike.
I think itâs, well, fine.
The book Welcome to Nightvale is the first of a series about the same nameless Midwestern town. And it was, well, not that great.
The story
We begin our tale with Jackie. Sheâs a nineteen-year-old who works at the pawn shop in Nightvale. She has been a nineteen-year-old for decades. Her life is simple. She works and she goes home. At home, she doesn’t do much but listen to the radio.
Advertisement
That is until a strange man comes to her shop.
Meanwhile, a mother named Diane is struggling with her son. He is a shapeshifter, and also a teenager. He appears to be struggling with both. Diane is trying to help him, but he doesnât want her help. She’s feeling unloved and unappreciated. Which makes sense, because he is sure acting like he doesn’t love or appreciate her.
Then, his father returns to town.
What worked
The Nightvale world is, if nothing else, a creatively dark world full of illogical Eldridge horrors. There are simply dark things lurking, without any rhyme or reason. Fantastical and horrifying people live side by side with literal miracles. This is easily the most entertaining part of the whole book.
What didnât work
That being said, all the lovely world-building in the world isnât worth anything if there isnât a decent story in place. Itâs like a gorgeous set for a play that goes nowhere.
Advertisement
And it felt very much like this story went nowhere. Or, at least it took forever to go anywhere.
The story felt incredibly repetitive. For instance, we went over and over how Jackie was nineteen and had been nineteen for decades. We didnât need to do that. Itâs bad enough that sheâs choosing to not move forward in her life. We donât need to experience it with her.
This over-explanation kind of killed the one part of the story I liked. It took all the fantastical, unexplainable parts of the story and killed them with over-explanation.
Maybe this wouldnât have mattered as much if I had been gripped by the characters. But I just wasnât. Both Jackie and Diane felt boringly real, despite their fantastical lives. They seemed stuck in their ways and unwilling to do anything to change them. And that is just not a character that I want to read about.
In the end, this just isn’t Fink’s best work. If you’re looking for something great from him, read Alice Isn’t Dead.
Advertisement
Or maybe itâs just not for me. I, after all, appear to be the only person on the planet who doesnât like this podcast. If you enjoy the Welcome to Nightvale podcast, you might enjoy this book. But if youâre just looking to start your Halloween reading, there are better options.
âN is for Night Terrors” is an episode of the supernatural drama, Evil, created by Michelle King and Robert King. The assessors assess a friend of the Cardinal.
âN is for Night Terrors” is an episode of the supernatural drama, Evil, created by Michelle King and Robert King. The central cast includes Katja Herbers, Mike Colter, Aasif Mandvi, Michael Emerson, and Christine Lahti. It originally aired under CBS before moving to Paramount+. As of this review, itâs available through Netflix and Paramount+ and its add-ons.
The assessors assess a donor and personal friend to the Cardinal. Kristen (Katja Herbers) confesses to Dr. Boggs (Kurt Fuller). David (Mike Colter) struggles to balance his work and studies. Ben (Aasif Mandvi) meets a demon.
What I Like about Evil: âN is for Night Terrorsâ
Kristen returns from her season 1 finale with a strangely unreliable playfulness. With what the viewer knows, the performance creates an unnerving new norm for season 2 to unpack. While subtle, the trauma creates a domino effect across all her relationships. Everyone knows somethingâs off, even if they donât understand what.
Leland receives the most material to execute, allowing him ample opportunity to build meaningful hostile relationships with all three assessors. The viewer sees a perfect example of this through his new interactions with Ben, with whom Leland had no previous direct interactions.
David further indulges in dangerous behaviors to evoke his visions, replacing his old habits with pain to access these visions with renewed clarity. David needs God’s attention, forcing him into unhealthy cycles. Itâs a particularly unsettling pattern to witness.
Advertisement
As Ben is the least affected by the supernatural forces in the show so far, âN is for Night Terrorsâ sets season 2 as the correction of this grievous error. This dynamic creates a synergy between the first and second seasons, having already built Ben as the least tolerable to the supernatural shenanigans.
Of all the seasons, season 2 establishes my personal favorite title gimmick across the seasons. While some episodes of season 1 have great titles that tie in the episode’s procedural plot, season 2 achieves this standard while matching the tone and overarching plot.
Tired Tropes and Triggers
Leland directly abuses the bureaucracy of the Catholic church to get what he wants. While season 1 explores potential corruption in the Catholic church, âN is for Night Terrorsâ shows this corruption in action.
As mentioned above, David uses pain to activate his visions. Itâs clearly shown as a negative with real repercussions on the body, but it does work. This wonât be a lasting solution for Davidâs visions, but that doesnât help âN is for Night Terrorsâ communicate the toxicity of this behavior. Aside from this claim, one moment shows the toxicity of this behavior as David misses a call from the person heâs attempting to help.
What I Dislike about Evil: âN is for Night Terrorsâ
The episode begins with a recap but also lingers on the ending of season 1 after this recap. It seems a strange point to linger on. The streaming era makes this a more exaggerated issue as a viewer gets bombarded with the same information three times.
Because of the personal relationship that all but one of the assessors have with the subject they are assessing, it seems inappropriate that they would continue assessing them. The more obvious their bias, the less sensible Bishop Marx seems when he keeps them on this assignment.
Lastly, the focused trajectory of season 1 takes a backseat to the procedural plot. While itâs an understandable writing decision, it does step back from the initial focus. In a structural sense, this deviation becomes an obstacle specifically placed in their way, but it does reduce tension.
Advertisement
Final Thoughts
âN is for Night Terrorsâ re-accompanies the viewer with the dynamics of the Evil series following season 1. It plays a little too safe, afraid of expanding too much beyond the refamiliarization, but it adds a few new dynamics for season 2 to follow. (2.5 / 5)
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.