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commenter2 · 2 months ago

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"Mastermind" review

Surprised to see this? Same here, as even though it has been a little over a week since I said I needed a break from Helluva Boss canon, I have had a lot to say about the recent Helluva Boss episode that I saw when skimming it the first time and heard since then, as I still personally don’t like it. Luckily I got some free time and after realizing I wouldn’t want to review back to back episodes I’m not interested in again; I thought I at least do Mastermind as I’m not likely going to do Sinsmas due to an upcoming busy schedule and it’s pretty clear how that Octavia centered episode will end but more on that at the end of this review.

This is my longest review yet but hopefully I can make people understand why I personally think this episode could have been better.

Nothing new with the ticking at the disclaimer. Maybe in the S2 finale.

From Stella and later Andrealphus’ comments, it sounds like Stella’s divorce with Stolas got finalized. That would have been nice to go over in an episode, cause how is Octavia dealing with all of this now? What about Hell society, as I feel like royal divorce would be a big topic there. They could have at least added in a joke about how it was popular till Ozzie revealing he loved Fizz made people forget that.

Even Andre’s breathe can make ice and freeze things, causing me to wonder if he has an unnaturally low body temperature as a side effect of his ice powers. You think if someone force fed him hot sauce and spicy foods it would cancel out his ice powers? XD Keep that in mind in the upcoming fight with him writers.

This is what turned me away from the episode when it first came out. We all knew it was only a matter of time before IMP and Stolas got caught going to Earth illegally, yet instead of having build up to this somehow like Andre hiring spies to get this info and evidence, we just have Stella (whose’ total screen time so far in the series likely adds up to less than 6 minutes) just blurts it out and then her more competent, main antagonist worthy brother does all the work after just being given this info. I’ll be going over this throughout the review.

So Andre is still giving Stella those kinds of comments. Still gross but recently Vivziepop loved a comment someone made that theorized Andre is making these kinds of comments because he is trying to hide the fact that he is canonically gay as seen in that pride pic Vivzie posted this pride month. It makes an odd kind of since given goetia society still follow old traditions and with how power hungry Andre is, I think he knows that if he revealed he was gay he would have trouble gaining political power via marriage. I also think it would be funny if later on its revealed that everyone knows he is gay, but they are just playing along to see how far Andre is willing to go with the gag and unknowingly make a fool of himself. Still the fact he is dumb enough to not double check on what it means to be heterosexual is proof enough to me that he his Stella’s brother considering how dumb she is as well XD. Still I think it would have been more fitting if instead of a compliment, Andre says something implying that Stella needs to wise up as her looks are starting to fade. Not only is that proper sibling banter and possible foreshadowing, but it would be hilarious to see how Stella would react after being called old XD.

The Imp talking looks familiar. Isn’t he the OC of a Youtuber? I also love the idea of I.M.P. getting more employees besides the popular Stolas as a secretary idea, as after 2 seasons it would be a great way to mix up character dynamics. If it does happen I hope they get some employees that aren’t Imps or Hellhounds, maybe even succubi (excluding the one in the hiring scene XD) and hire new kinds of hellborn demon race so we can learn more about them, like an aquatic demon.

Is Blitzo referencing how he bankrupted the company last episode? Guess this disproves the theory of the shorts taking place after that episode.

New demon race. They look like grim reapers with a bit of the Dementors from Harry Potter. I do recall Alastor’s prequel comic confirming cops existed in Hell, making me wonder if there is an department run by cops that are sinners instead of Hellborn demons.

This was pointed out by a Youtuber I occasionally watch but the illusion these reaper characters used to when giving I.M.P. their charges use old pics of the crew except for Loona which is the most recent.

While fun the “Imp trying to erase everything and run away” scene does take time away that could have been used for the actual trial. This is what I meant by buildup as the writers should have had one episode end with the cops coming up to arrest I.M.P. and then the next episode starts the trial.

Loona saving a pic of the crew’s first job is cute, reminding us of her growth since then.

Just wanted to point out that the cops are Baphomets. This combined with the fact that most are doctors makes me wonder if they mainly take up jobs that are important to a community, like I bet some are lawyers and fire fighters, though yes I do recall season 1 having Imp firefighters.

That door has the symbols of all the sins. Lucifer’s is showed to be crack making people think it represents his depressed state he was in before season 1 (and likely still has a bit of it after the season) or that he could die one day. I really hope it represents the former as having Lucifer die would be to cliché, though I wouldn’t say no to having him suffer something really bad that forces him to retire as king of Hell and placing a not ready Charlie in charge. I also want to point out Mammon’s symbol. It looks like a centipede when I thought he was supposed to be a spider. I did have this theory of the sins being hybrids of various things so maybe Mammon is a spider/centipede hybrid that didn’t fully transform in his special. More on that later.

Blitzo references the HH pilot by bringing up his IMP commercial about him burning an orphanage. I’m hoping he was just fooling around and that was special effects or something as some people are debating about if that is canon or not.

One thing we can all agree about this episode is that it was awesome that we got to see not only the rest of the sins, but see most of them in the same room. Sad we couldn’t see Lucifer due to legal reasons but it is nice Vivzie was still able to references him with the rubber duck on his throne. I’m hopeful one day Amazon Prime will allow Vivzie to have HH characters in Helluva Boss one day or vice versa. After the leak they should as a way to cheer her up, apologize, or as a way to bring more traffic to Amazon Prime so people can watch Hazbin Hotel.

The remaining sins have interesting designs. Satan’s appearance is good and fitting with his dragon appearance with hints of bull (Bull King anyone?) in my opinion, having lava like veins, and having a punk/delinquent style with a tattoo on his shoulder.

I think he is a bit too tall though, but I only point that out as the sizes of demons have been all over the place from seeing Imps so small they can fit in purses to giant shark demons. Then there is the fact that the sins can alter their size as seen with Bee becoming giant enough that I think she could equal Satan in height, Ozzie taking on a smaller form where he doesn’t have his other heads out, and my recent thought that Mammon didn’t fully change into his demon form in his special. I think it would be funny if Satan was just flexing during the whole trial to look more intimidating and off screen he is about the same size as Ozzie. That or make it so that all the sins can be as tall as Satan (except Lucifer) but they choose certain sizes to feel more comfortable. If this is true this could possibly add more confirmation to my theory of Charlie having various forms.

The design of Belphegor is honestly disappointing. I was kind of hoping she would have a chimera like appearance, with the 3 heads being a sheep, goat, and snake in this case with each head having its own personality. The chimera in myth breathes fire making it more fitting since she has the lit candle. We only see her upper torso and other Baphomets have had snake tails before so maybe she does as well. Also what is she when it comes to the circus theme of the sins, a fortune teller or the odd looking animal cliché?

I was also hoping she would wear a doctor’s robe since most Baphomets have been doctors, and having bags under her eyes implying to be overworked and tired, hence her sleeping during the trial. This does give me the theory that the sloth ring specializes in medical practices because she ordered them to find a cure for her narcolepsy, with no success so far and over time the ring just became focused on medicine. I also wished she had a small role in the case as I feel like she would have great psychic powers like being able to project an astral form so her body can rest but her mind will still be paying attention, and more importantly having the power to read minds or make memories viewable to make sure no one is lying, as this is Hell so they should expect such things.

Leviathan’s design is very interesting. In the past I pictured a male sea serpent who along with being the tallest of the sins instead of HB’s Satan and kind of animalistic, was semi sentient who would talk similar to the Hulk or Transformers Grimlock and while having the title of a sin wouldn’t really have political power as others would take care of the government stuff for him since he wouldn’t understand most of it anyway, and couldn’t do much as he was mostly water bound.

Vivzie’s design is interesting as it plays off Lucifer’s circus theme by having her be a two headed lady, with each head representing a different kind of envy. While she also doesn’t have much screen time or much to do with the story, we do see enough that it has given me some interesting headcanons, one obvious one is her being friends with Bethesda von Eldritch.

Some people have debated on if Leviathan counts as two people or not. I think she would be given she acts like any other cartoon character with multiple heads with each head having their own personality, so I’m going to do that too and I’m going to differentiate the heads based on their color meaning Purple is the eel head while White is the piranha/goldfish head.

We see other royals of Hell like a dark hose (Blitzo’s horse in disguised?) wearing a Bill Cipher charm and a demonized Sneech from the Dr. Seuss book. I also thought I saw one shaped like a canine in a queenly outfit during that scene of Satan flexing his wings before we got a close up of the other sins.

I’ve seen other point this out but I hate how Bee doesn’t do or say anything about getting the muzzle and extra security taken off Loona, as not only are they both Hellhounds (kind of in Bee’s case) but she knows her and I think saying she trust her enough to not fight would be enough for the court to give her a break.

That vulture goetia seems to be a Goetia/Baphomet hybrid given the candles on his head. I wonder if that makes him less royal then Stolas or Andrealphus by comparison. Also the black crystal refence?

Bee and Ozzie noticed Andre’s comment about Stella, and seeing Ozzie smile gives me hope that he and other are indeed just playing along just so Andre can make a fool of himself.

Original storyboard art for this episode showed that other characters like Stella and Fizz were supposed to be in it, and I think that should have been kept in. It would have been really fitting as this episode should have had various characters reappear to give testimony to either defend or make IMP look bad. Stella could lie about things like how she never knew Stolas was giving Blitzo the book until recently, but mainly uses her time to embarrass Stolas like saying he begged for them to spice up their marriage after their anniversary until she caved to shut him up until she saw him bring an Imp. Fizz could have been brought to the stand so Andre could try and get him to convince people Blitzo is a bad person since he was the one to cause his accident. Of course Fizz turns this around by saying the two have made up and that if it wasn’t for Blitzo he and Ozzie wouldn’t have gotten together, giving us a scene where royals are mixed about it as some find it cute while others are disgusted. Fizz could also have a role for when Striker appears as he would reveals he will do anything for money and shows photos and video of him not only being the one to kidnap him but also audio where he says a “bird bitch” payed him to kill Stolas. Course this could go sideways when Andre makes it so that Crimson is to blame for the assassination attempt, but also bring up how he, and thus Ozzie, also knew about Stolas and Blitzo deal and even brings up the Asmodean Crystal Blitzo is wearing the whole episode.

Yogirt is a fun character. I’ve seen people compare him to the concept of a shoulder angel given his appearance but he also reminds me of Jimmy Cricket. I’ve also seen people starting to ship him and Satan which while adorable, I personally like the idea of them being or becoming best friends. We already have 2 sins in relationships with the lower class so I think it would be a nice change for the canon storyline. Besides Satan X Susan would make for a better ship XD.

It is also interesting to see the embodiment of wrath taking his advice on calming down, as this implies that his angers has screwed him before and realizes he needs someone to keep him in check. It shows off screen growth then just being the constantly angry guy.

Vassago is an interesting new character that has been around longer than others thanks to originally being an Overlord, but they never explain who he is specifically as a Goetia. Some say he is a “good natured” kind of being so he could be one of the more compassionate demons, but I mean is he somehow related to Stolas? Given he was able to make a star construct I think he is since Stolas is the only goetia so far with astronomy themed powers. Plus Paimon did imply to have many kids. Where is Paimon anyway? Is he dead at this point?

This was pointed out by YouTuber ClassicMan D (I recommend checking his channel) but Andrealphus plan with Blitzo is indeed really flawed. He made it clear that he wanted to get Stolas in trouble yet he makes the case all about Blitzo I.M.P. and keeps stating that Stolas shouldn’t be involved even though he plays a big part of the charges AND his original plan to gain Stolas' stuff. Now some could say Andre knew Stolas would watch the trial or maybe the sins would go after Stolas next, but that is a BIG gamble and a flaw in his thinking/this episode’s story.

What if Andrealphus and Striker pinned the assassination attempts on Crimson? They could lie about how the Imp crime boss wanted Stolas dead so he could gain the book or power, and knew about this possibilitythrough his son Moxxie. This gives Moxxie a role in the trial and adds another connection between I.M.P. and Stolas as Andre could state that all of this wouldn't have happened if Stolas hadn't given I.M.P. the grimoire in the first place, adding more to his goal of getting rid of Stolas.

We got some more interesting royals like a dark fire person and a guy with a saber tooth skull head and a low tech robot arm compared to Fizz’s arms.

Striker and his new scar. He got lucky everyone seems to be either too dumb or bigoted to notice any connection between him and Andre.

I’m glad Blitzo pointed out he could have rephrased his comment about being able to kill Stolas. I also feel like with his whole gimmick being strength, the idea of an Imp trying to kill a royal would impress Satan or someone in the court.

Finally the other sins speak.

Mammon’s insult to Ozzie and Bee implies that Bee and Vortex’s relationships is seen the same way as Fizz and Ozzie’s. I have seen a video around YouTube about how someone didn’t like how up till now Bee and Vortex by demon society got a pass while Fizz and Ozzie didn’t, so I bet the creator of the video is happy that this clears it out. It does make it a bit odd to me as with Bee being part Hellhound and being the party girl who has likely done a lot of crazy stuff in the past, her dating a Hellhound probably wouldn’t be anything new to royals. Maybe she has learned to tune it out? I think this could lead to an interesting future scene like maybe in the past Ozzie made fun of Bee for doing just that but now that he is in the same boat, he apologizes and the two become friends. It also just adds more to my personal belief that Bee and Vortex should stay together and not have Loona date Vortex.

Ugh not only is seeing Mammon flirt gross, but it seems like the White head of Leviathan is into it! I mean it makes some sense that there would be some connection since Greed and Envy both involve the feeling of wanting something, but still I really hope this is a one episode thing, and I do have some headcanons about Leviathan that could explain what was going on there, one also involves an fun idea for an OC that could be her love interest.

I think Yogirt’s advice is working as I could have seen Satan yelling at the sins to stop, but instead he just suggest voting in a calmy manor. I’m impressed and its part of something I will bring up later.

“insert real life justice system joke" here

Verosika! Now if this episode had been better, she would have made for an interesting witness, as she also knew about Blitzo’s Earth activities. Maybe she would have kept switching sides throughout the trial as she is still hurt by the breakup but by that point they have made some great mending between them. I also would have loved to see a scene of Leviathan being envious of her looks and popularity.

One of Fizz’s’ text says he is ordering sushi and joking says Ozzie can’t stop him. One of my early headcanons for Ozzie was that he is allergic to fish, and I just wanted to point that out as I wonder if he still is but is allowing Fizz to get it cause he loves him. Maybe we learn that he is allergic to a unique kind of fish or can’t stand the smell of it as I think that is what happened in the story I got this info from. If any of the “Ozzie has fish allergies” thing is right, then I like the idea of Leviathan having a few of those fish around in case she/the two ladies needed to deal with Ozzie or for protection against him Batman contingency plan style.

I know I’m not alone when I say that I don’t like how Satan has all the power in the court. Charlie’s story showed that Lucifer didn’t like how Heaven didn’t take his suggestions when making Earth, so when he fell, you think he would make Hell’s government be fair to everyone. Maybe it was for a time but after who knows how long of being depressed, Satan used his absents to take over and change the system. At least HB Satan isn’t 100% a jerk I thought he would be thanks to Yogirt. I think it would have been better if we found out that he was in charged because the trial was mainly about Imps, but if it was about someone else like an aquatic demon or a succubi, Levi or Ozzie would have taken over as each sin is in charge of the main races that live in their rings. Sure this would make a plot hole when Stolas gets involved but I bet they could have worked something to go around that.

Satan confirmed my theory of him making the Imps. This must mean other demon races were created by other sins like Bel created the Baphomets and Leviathan (mostly Purple) creating Ronaldo’s species (as I still think Infestors are a unique case). HOWEVER there are some exceptions, as Hazbin Hotel showed us that Heaven has their own equivalent of Hellhounds I call Heavenhounds, meaning some of their ancestors likely fell alongside Lucifer. They should make this canon as this could prevent the gross idea of Bee being Vortex’s great great X 1000 grandmother.

Again the original storyboard has Stolas with Octavia when watching the TV and leaving to save Blitzo. I think this would have been a good scene as we could have seen a dramatic scene that symbolizes Stolas breaking his promise to be there for Octavia, and Octavia seeing her fear of her father “running away with Blitzo” coming true.

I’m going to bring up something related to Blitzo’s “fighting the rigged system” at the end of review.

Aw man don’t make Loona cry!

Oh crap guy they are going to kill the main character. Seriously this is going to change the entire series, and I don’t think anything will stop it. Are you getting the sarcasm?

Of course they had to include a scene of Blitzo’s face touching Stolas’ butt XD. Same with Stolas explaining what is going on in song.

While it is nice to see Stolas take the blame for the Imp he is still clearly in love with (as seen with his pupils) for the Grimoire, he never does give a reason for why he was allowing Imps to kill humans. Heck there was once a fan theory stating that every soul I.M.P. killed made Stolas stronger through use of his book, so the writers should have stated that as fanservice as I personally think they refence more of the HB fandom later in the episode. I also feel like someone would realize he was lying liking Vassago, Ozzie, and Bee and try and help him. We should have gotten a scene like that. I also don’t see why Stolas doesn’t try and follow it up with proving that Stella was the one trying to assassinate him. I wouldn’t be surprised if Stolas had a power that showed Stella called Striker to kill him during dinner or Striker from “Western Energy” saying his wife wanted him dead but changed her mind. This could have worked with what I said about Bel revealing memories. Maybe Andre “accidently” proves Stolas is right, thus resulting in Stella also being in trouble. That last part comes into play later.

Stolas says he wants to be the master of his fate. S2 did bring up the concept of prophecies possibly being real (again more on that later) so I wonder if that is a refence to defying such things if they are true?

Again betrayed how exactly? This is another reason why this episode needed more time to cook, as they should have added in a line for Satan saying that Stolas should have known better then let Imps kill humans or else it could get all of Hell in trouble with Heaven again.

Yes I know about Vivzie’s response about Satan’s comment about ruling Hell before Lucifer being a lie. While a nice refences to Lucifer and a bit of a relief as this implies that Satan believes he would be a better leader of Hell then Lucifer (maybe having pulled a Starscream in the past) I am also kind of bummed out as this could have meant Satan was involved in that story Charlie read about her father and mother, which implied evil existed before Earth and humanity was made. Viv does seem to go back and forth on things.

Loona called Blitzo dad again.

It was pointed out to me that Stella forces the hug onto Octavia, but I didn’t notice until watching this that Via step backs when Stella starts to get closer, implying that their relationships may have not been great. Course now Octavia doesn’t have a choice as her heart is broken and Stella is going to use Octavia’s state for her benefit.

GOD canon Stella is so boring IT HURTS! I think I’ll make one of my DA goals for 2025 is to try and convince some Stella haters to admit that Viv kind of squandered her potential and that something like my version of her would have made the show more interesting.

I can’t imagine how sad Octavia must feel right now, and sadly things are only going to get worse. Also I apologize in advance as I am going to make 2 sad deviations involving Octavia’s sad state in the future.

Again “insert real life” joke here.

Andre, the ice bird, was able to BURN what I don’t think are strong angelic chains off of Stolas. Does this mean he has other elemental powers but prefers ice? I did read about a demon with weather/elemental powers (even made him Stella and Andre’s father in my Helluva Boss rewrite) but could Andre be based on him in a way? If those were angelic chains then that means Andre must be so evil he can destroy purity/pure holy metal.

I stated earlier that a lot of people are being dumb, which benefits Andrealphus here. I bring this up as I strongly believe that this episode will start an arc for Andrealphus where he believes with the right moves he could become an even bigger ruler of Hell that makes Stolas’ title and royal position look like an internship, and I have an new idea for how I think he will go on doing this.

I totally called Stolas’ punishment happening! Admittedly it also involved Stella losing her status, but that can always happen later thanks to her brother.

By lose everything, that means Stolas no longer has his book. This makes this pic kind of canon now. I do hope that Stolas did something so that only Octavia can use the book to its full potential, or hopefully in the next episode. I mean I don’t think we have to worry about Stella since I don’t think he has any natural magic, but Andre with it is worrisome.

Wait does this mean Stolas lost his pet Venus fly trap, the one he has had since childhood too!!!! Oh god Andre and Stella are going to kill it aren’t they! It’s the Targ from Star Trek: Lower Decks all over again! Can there please be a loophole where he gets to keep it, or Octavia takes care of it despite her feelings for her dad?

I think Andre ripping his fur coat off was a loose refence to a HB fan comic, as there is this comic where after Octavia reveals she is marrying the artist’s OC (who is a nice guy) Stella shrieks with joy that she rips her own shirt off, revealing her bra and chest XD. You should see what Stella does during their wedding XD. This wouldn’t be the first time the writers referenced the fandom, heck later Andre refences “horny jail” to Stolas which is part of another popular Helluva Boss pic on the internet where you see Stolas in a cardboard box labeled horny jail

Those rings that were used to strip Stolas of his powers had symbols related to the sins on it. I think it would make for an interesting arc if Stolas did stuff that made the sins proud of him and as a result they give him some of his power back.

At first I thought Satan was being dumb here thinking Stolas could live for 100 years, but now I think it is possible. Being a demon (especially a goetia) Stolas could have a longer life expectancy then Imps. However now this brings up the sad possibility that if Stolas and Blitzo end up together Stolas could possibly out live him, and we already have to worry about that happening with Fizz and Oz.

Part of me obviously feels bad about Stolas being scared about Octavia living with her mom, but like I said before it was inedible since the few times on scene they were together he mainly chose Blitzo over her. More on this later.

When Mammon is eating, you can see both Leviathan heads being disgusted. Hopefully this means White isn’t into him anymore, if she ever was. Also are people seriously cheering for him gulfing down the food! XD

Well Stolitz fans now Blitzo and Stolas are living in the same place. Your thoughts?

While people are hating on a former royal, Blitzo gets praise. This will be related to something for later. Also that sign with someone covering up the O in Blitzo name XD.

That look on Stolas face. That is the look of a broken person.

Another example of the higher ups being idiots and the episode needing more work, is that they never tell IMP that if they ever try to go on Earth again for any reason outside of being ordered by royals, or continue their business they will face consequences. Again I’m surprised no one pointed out the Asmodean Crystal Blitzo was wearing, let alone connect it to Ozzie and Fizz. Personally it would have been interesting to see IMP have to figure out what they would have to do for a business now.

(Blitzo kisses Stolas) And thus Stolitz fans rejoiced….kind of.

And that was my LOOONG review of Mastermind and why I didn’t like it, though I feel better towards it now then I did last week. Again such an episode was always going to happen, but I think it happened TOO early in this case especially since we have 2 whole seasons after this. Also again giving this episode more time really would have made this better from having proper build up and making it possible so that this episode could have had a lot of returning characters with a role in the trial.

Some people are saying that this episode is going to build up to a upcoming storyline where Blitzo’s actions will start off a chain of events where demons will try and change Hell’s system so Imps and such are treated better. This does indeed sound interesting, and could fit with my idea of Andrealphus wanting more power, though I can’t help but see Hazbin Hotel inspiring such a thing as that is what Charlie is trying to do with sinners. Admittedly in past reviews I might have overexaggerated when I say something in Helluva Boss is similar to Hazbin Hotel, but I know I’m NOT here.

I will admit that I did love seeing the other sins, how this seems to have ended the Stolitz break up arc and starting a friendship arc, AND brings my personal idea of Andrealphis becoming the main antagonist of Helluva Boss one step close to coming true, But still this episode made me have a hard look at the entire season so far, and it made me realized that it has been pretty bad from focusing too much on the Stolitz and their “break up" arc, having episodes with repeating storylines and similar plot points of things from season 1, and things that were just unnecessary or need more time to develop like instead of Crimson forcing Moxxie to marry Chaz he should have tried stealing Stolas’ book from them to commit crimes.

Does this mean I hate the series and the creators? HELL NO! However that’s not going to stop me from pointing out the flaws of something, especially something involving a big plot point. Like I said in previous stuff, I still think the trial should have been about Mammon suing Ozzie over Fizz. We still would have gotten a look at how Hell’s justice system works, and this would have given all the sins development since they would be hearing from two of their own. It would have ended with Ozzie winning but facing some consequences but this would be good foreshadowing as if a sin can face challenge and consequences, then who knows what a group of Imps and a Hellhound will face. I just don’t want Helluva Boss to be another show I will like at first because it started off good, but turns bad because of factors like random changes or drop in quality writing. I also hope Hazbin Hotel doesn’t suffer from this.

There is one more episode left of season 2, the holiday special Sinsmas, which again I won’t/can’t watch due to a busy schedule and needing a break but I think I know what is going to happen, and sadly it will have another sad ending for Stolas and potentially have a big important moment that will effect the rest of the series.

It a demon holiday in Hell and everyone is happy but Stolas as he wants to see Octavia, but can’t as even without the law Stella and Andre obviously aren’t letting him and are starting to manipulate her into hating Stolas. Blitzo, feeling bad decides to break the law again and help Stolas see her, where they also get a second objective to get some of Stolas’ stuff, especially his grimoire. Here they could what Stella and Andre are doing to Octavia and IMP learns Stella was the one who hired Striker to kill Stolas, and eventually we get a fight where we see IMP fight Andre and holding their own, as while Andre is powerful I don’t think he has any fighting experience. We also see Stolas and Stella physically fight, that would be cool and hilarious to see.

The episode ends with Octavia stopping everyone, likely using some powerful raw magic to prevent her uncle from attacking a cuddling Blitzo and Stolas as seen in the S2 trailer. She then rants to her father saying that he never cared about her but only Blitzo, making Stella and Andre happy as their manipulating seems to work, but I think Octavia would also go off on them as well but sadly still trust then then her father. Stolas is heartbroken but Blitzo promises that they will try and save Octavia, which cheers up Stolas and we seem Blitzo and Stolas hang out as friends for the holiday, but imply that they could date next season. I'm hoping for a scene where Loona either makes Octavia realize that if Stolas hadn't saved Blitzo she would have been without a father, saying she sees him as a hero. This combined with Octavia starting to realized her mom and uncle are using her (either by hearing something they said or being warned by Loona/IMP) starts to doubt if she was wrong about her father and starts to care for his Venus flytrap plant.

I also see this episode being a good way to start off the “Andrealphus power seeking” arc, as I recently I had an idea about how he could use Octavia for his gain. Going back to the possibility of prophecies being canon in Helluva Boss, what if in the next episode Andre learns or recalls a prophecy about a powerful female goetia that would bring greatness to Hell, and he believes Octavia is that goetia. I recall an old post from the Helluva Boss writers saying Octavia was born when strange circumstances were happening, like I think an eclipse happened that day. That’s definitely a sign implying that Octavia isnt be a regular goetia. If there is a scene where we see how powerful Octavia is, I could see Andrealphus pull a Emperor Palpatine and tries to control Octavia so she will work for him and advance his own agenda while disguising it as mentoring her/family care.

If you have made it to the end, I thank you as this was a lot of work especially in such a short time, so let me know your thoughts on this review and on the episode itself.

#helluva boss #vivziepop #helluva boss leviathan #helluva boss fizzarolli #helluva boss andrealphus #helluva boss stolas #helluva boss octavia

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optimisticcritique · 7 years ago

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Gotham Review - 4x21

I delayed this review a bit due to stressing and tweeting over season 5. Now I can edit this review properly :) Congrats Gothamites!

An episode starting off with Lucius and Harvey scenes? Already a good episode.

“Listen, Jim found his way out, understand?” I love how confident Harvey is in Jim’s survival. Either that or denial because he loves his best friend so much.

On second thought, he probably knows that Jim’s plot armor shall be his salvation!

Oof all those cops talking smack to Harvey over the Pyg fiasco. Now is not the time to be questioning his authority, people. Don’t let them get to you, Harvey!

Thank you, Harper. I have always loved you. Please don’t ever be cannon fodder.

Oh, I completely forgot that no one knows about Jeremiah being evil yet. All they know is about Jerome followers and Bruce/Jeremiah possibly being in danger.

Snazzy clothes Jeremiah!

Yeah, he does not like being compared to his brother. Always insulting Jerome any time that someone mentions him.

An evacuation huh? Hmm...

Huh. I kind of expected a bit of a more emotional response from Babs and possibly Oswald over Jim dying. I think Oswald is masking his pain with a styling wardrobe and money.

“or woman power, if you will” Awe look at Ozzie all for woman power lol

Using Butch’s “condition” to get what you want, Oswald? I see what you’re doing.

Tabby giving her girlfriend puppy dog eyes to get what she wants. How can you say no to that, Babs?

Oswald’s expressions always get to me XD

They saved your life from Jerome, mayor. It’s best just to roll with it and do what they say.

Great. Now Bruce will be blaming himself for Jeremiah and the whole city destruction because of Wayne Enterprises funding it. As if he needed more things to blame himself for.

Yeah, Jim would probably nag at Bruce to stay away, only for Bruce to not listen anyway. So, even with Harvey in charge, Bruce is right on track :P

The first thing you say on the phone is that you hope he didn’t catch a cold? As if that is his first concern when you are answering Alfred’s phone lol

You are going to prove you're his best friend by driving him insane, killing his butler, and destroying the city? Here’s a thought: buy him a card or dinner instead!

Lee and Jim interacting once again. Well, that was quick. Always awkward when you keep running into your ex.

Oh! Of course, it would be because of Ed that Jim is alive. Ha! Wonder if he will regret that decision later on.

“Bruce, I am going to be here whenever you need me” Awww that’s so sweet.

If she wasn’t such an important character, I’d almost think it’s a death foreshadowing.

Ed with the doubting and jealousy. Come on, you knew she was using you. Why are you still on this?

Okay, I love the idea of Ed helping to solve Jeremiah’s plans...but this isn’t exactly what I had in mind.

I love seeing Lucius and Harvey working together to save the day. We don’t see enough of their scenes.

“Lucius, English please” I feel like I hear the “English please” in every show that has to do with technology or science these days :P

Part of me doesn’t believe Jeremiah envies Bruce going through his “one bad day” but another part of me wouldn’t be surprised if he truly does.

No, don’t kill Alfred! That won’t make things better!

I don’t say it enough but great acting with Cameron. I never once ever see Jerome or Jeremiah as “oh that’s just Cameron”. I automatically see them as two separate characters with two separate personalities. Fantastic acting! Why is this cast so gifted?

Oh my gosh...all of these characters. In the same room. Together. I love it.

Oswald twirling that trigger is just fabulous.

Money? Wait, all you want is money? You are all okay with the city being blown to bits? Even Oswald?

I really hope they are expecting the unexpected here. Babs is right “is that it?” You shouldn’t underestimate. It’s a trap!

Yeah, I wouldn’t have let him walk away if I were you...

Oh okay! So they do want to help save Gotham. Good to know.

Gee Oswald, say it louder why don’t you...

Plan #2 is a bazooka? Well, now I’m intrigued with a plan #3.

You know, the more you insist you aren’t insane, the more people suspect you are insane.

“No! You promised the city 6 hours!” I got to say, I love how Babs has been written and shown these past few episodes. She just seems like she is given so much more depth. I also love that all of the villains are bad but have their own levels/rules of bad. Destroying a city and thousands of people is just too extreme for them.

Jeremiah is one fast runner. Did he ever run track in school?

Scarecrow! I really want to know how he got Jonathan involved with this. Was it the whole “you knew my brother” thing? Or Jonathan just felt like it?

Ed seems to be the only person so far that doesn’t care if the city turns to rubble. Given his past comments, it doesn’t really surprise me. At the same time, does he not care to save even his friend “through thick and thin”?

“I’m with Lee now” Oh here we go...

Ugh I’m sorry. I can’t with these scenes. It’s just so cringy.

I like that Jim uses the word “validate”. It’s such a good word to use for Ed.

Exactly! No one truly knows Lee the way that they think they do.

“Oh Jim, she’s with me in every way...” I didn’t need to know this. Somehow, I don’t know if I believe that. But honestly, this is Ed. He could just mean “every way” as “I teach her how to riddle”

Wow...this whole “ten times the killer” thing. I mean, Jim was a soldier and he has shot a lot of criminals in the past seasons but like...his motives were still somewhat different. I can’t tell if he is just agreeing to the killer thing because he feels guilty about all the deaths that were because of him (more likely) or there was a part of him that knew that him agreeing to Ed’s words was the only way for Ed to finally help him.

I love when Ed is solving puzzles and being smart, showing off his knowledge.

“Ed, wait, there’s one thing I can’t figure out” No! Ugh, Ed! Don’t be this stupid. You should be smarter than this! “One? Being a little kind to yourself...” Okay, that helped a little lol He just had to slide a comment like that in there.

“HARVEY!” It just wouldn’t be a Gotham episode without Oswald yelling. Or dressing amazingly. Or giving expressions that are moods.

Harvey’s relief to see Jim alive and then the hug. So nice :)

Harvey: we just need to know the locations. Jim: *walks in* I know the locations. Me: Could that be any more conveniently timed?

Selina and Scarecrow! Interacting! Sweet.

Foxy being all helpful :) He’s getting some nice screen time this episode.

Oh, this is all toxin then. Is he really even seeing what he thinks he’s seeing?

Oh my gosh...the cutting of the smile. This has to be the toxin, right? This can’t actually be Alfred.

Selina finding a man in the closet? Must be Alfred. I thought Jeremiah asked them to kill him?

Selina helping Bruce through it and getting his attention. So intense.

The looks shared between Bruce and Alfred. He’s so relieved! ...What? No hug!? Missed opportunity. Harvey took the hug quota in the episode I guess? Eh, he deserved them though.

“Lucius, they’re identical...” Harvey’s shaken and upset voice :(

Ooh Jim being savage.

Eeny meeny...? Really Harvey? lol

YES! HARVEY DID IT! A hero right there. He looks so happy.

Another failed trigger. Gotham just never wants triggers to work well.

Oh, Jeremiah is pissed. Very intimidating.

Haha he ran so fast out of there.

I admire that he has so many back up plans. Thinking ahead.

*burns his followers* “Hmm...well, that’s disappointing” lol

Wait, is that all of your followers? What happened to Ecco?

“Ever since we teamed up, everything has gone to crap” True but it isn’t the finale yet. Oswald tends to get back on top at that point.

Yeah, I definitely think Oswald hasn’t been forthcoming with this Strange stuff. I sense many ulterior motives.

Man, I just noticed that Oswald, Ed, and Jeremiah are all being outsmarted and foiled from their plans today. Just can’t catch a break to blackmail or murder.

Yup, it was also Ed that did that :) When are Jeremiah and Ed going to share a scene, huh?

Ra’s! I had a hunch.

“you’re behind me, aren’t you?” So, Jeremiah is familiar with tropes and “scary” movies, I see?

Jeremiah: no thanks. Ra’s: *mentions Bruce* Jeremiah: Okay! Let’s do this! What are we waiting for? *is already running out the door because it’s apparently his favorite sport*

Ed is going to be creeping and listening-yup. It figures.

Why am I not surprised that Ed is listening to all this? Yeah, I predict he is going to go after Lee, Jim, or both of them now...and fail at it because of plot. Oh, this is not going to end well.

Okay, this is conflicting. On one hand, I find this whole thing aggravating. I hate that Ed is always involved with love storylines and seemingly acting dumb because of it. I hate that Lee fell into that too. At the same time, in terms of his behavior in this episode, this is such an Ed thing to do in a way. He is insecure and seeks validation. That really fits his character. His paranoia is also understandable. He’s always been that way and made stupid decisions because of it. Like when he was paranoid that Jim was onto his murder of Kristen in S2 and blew it all for himself. So, that part of the storyline actually makes sense, which is why I can see him ruining everything next episode because of that paranoia. At this point, I just hope it gets resolved quickly.

Awwww! Everyone applauding Harvey! Giving him the appreciation he deserves! I love this so much! It’s about time!

Lucius and the GCPD joking with him lol

Aww another Harvey hug in an episode. That hug! So touching! I love it!

Are they gonna-yes! They actually kissed this time!

Well, at least one ship is happy. *Jeremiah shoots Selina* You just can’t let people be happy for more than a few seconds? Can you Gotham?

Bruce, your security system sucks. If you even have one.

Selina! No! I know you won’t die but still!

Hey, is that a new hat? Okay, how can Jeremiah have two new hats in one episode and Ed have his bowler hat yet Oswald gets nothing but a hallucination? A travesty. Jeremiah does pull them off though.

I hope Jeremiah gives Oswald his second hat as a way to broker a peace or something. Or Oswald just steals it after firing his machine gun at him, not being able to kill Jeremiah though.

Jeremiah doesn’t even care that he’s getting beaten up. He’s just like “whatever. I expected this”

So much silence of sound. The intensity... poor Selina. Poor Bruce, having to deal with another loved one shot in front of him.

This was seriously the plan? Walk in, shoot Selina, get beat up? Does Ra’s want her hurt so that he can leverage some Lazarus water or something? How does Jeremiah getting arrested fall under this?

Overall: Great episode. Many of the characters dealing with the same threat, which I love. Everyone banding together against Jeremiah, who I am very much enjoying thus far. I loved seeing the team-ups and interactions. Different changes of pace. Oswald and Butch/Grundy team up with Babs and Tabs to take down Jeremiah. It fails. They decide to go find/threaten Strange to help Grundy. Ed and Jim have a Lee conversation, Ed helps decipher Jeremiah’s plans and then gets knocked out by Jim. Trouble brews with Ed/Lee/Jim. Lucius teams up with Harvey to stop the explosions. Harvey disables it. The GCPD celebrate him. Jeremiah tries to drive Bruce crazy. It fails. Jeremiah burns all his followers. Jeremiah teams up with Ra’s. Bruce and Selina save Alfred. They kiss. Jeremiah shoots Selina in the gut and Alfred starts beating him up.

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