Sleepy Hollow Review by Henry Tran

Sleepy Hollow 2.02: The Kindred

Sleepy Hollow 2.02: The Kindred

Written By:
Mark Goffman and Albert Kim
Directed By:
Paul Edwards


This show's first season was notorious for burning through a lot of plot very quickly. It's early so far in the second season, but that seems to be the same course here. The serialization is actually rather smooth. The events of "This is War" serve as a springboard for the events here. It would make sense that since Parrish is doing everything he can to enable the rise of Moloch, Abbie and Crane would counter with a weapon of their own.






The show is committing to the fact that the war is coming sooner, rather than later. While the name "Kindred" seems odd for a frightening monster (it seemed like it had fraternal implications), the monster does serve its purpose in giving our intrepid odd couple a mission in the beginning. They assemble the monster, then use it as an effective decoy to draw out the enemy in order to rescue Katrina. A simple plot that the characters can then build steady development around. It's the small things that draw the viewer's focus.


All the flash is nice and all, but there always has to be the substance to back it up. I keep running back to a small moment in the middle of the episode that serves as its pivot point. Abbie and Crane are in a tunnel or catacomb looking for the actual body of the Kindred. Up until now, all of their dialogue has been to push the plot forward. It's the staple of the show. All of a sudden, they both stop. Abbie then brings up her emotional ordeal in Purgatory. No plot, no talk of whether or not their plan to awaken the Kindred will work on the Headless Horseman. They just stop and talk about their emotions. Abbie tells Crane that Purgatory and hiding from Moloch nearly broke her spirit. Crane has to stop trying to be the hero from two centuries ago and provide some comfort to his friend and partner.


Bringing some humanity and lightness to a grave situation gives great respite to both the characters and the audience. That cannot be understated. It stood out, at least to me. Abbie sees Crane as her lifeline, tethering her to the real world. This only strengthens their bond and friendship. One of the scenes with the Headless Horseman and Katrina involved his misuse of this relationship to imply that there is some romantic connection between Abbie and Crane. Katrina has limited information to base this on so it's an effective tool for the Horseman to use. The scene in the catacombs proves otherwise, though Katrina has the misfortune of being unable to witness it.





Not that there was any real doubt about the love Crane shares with Katrina. It's that unshakeable bond that would give a reasonable explanation for her actions. She tries her hardest to turn down whatever charms and promises the Headless Horseman makes while he's in his Abraham form. It would have been the easier writing choice to have Katrina escape from his clutches, then go along with Crane and Abbie when they both show up to rescue her. The show has spent so long keeping the Cranes apart (briefly reuniting them in the season finale then splitting them up immediately) that it was cathartic when they hugged briefly.


Katrina made the choice to stay with Abraham on her own. Which is admirable. It may not turn out to be smart, but that's a wait-and-see proposition. Her reasoning is interesting, and that keeps the idea that the decision was a contrivance to further keep them apart at bay. Yes, Abraham and Moloch and Parrish would chase them to the end of time. That's a bad thing. But maybe she can use her inside status to shake up a few things. Maybe keep the forces of evil from destroying the world just a little bit longer. Something that neither Crane nor Abbie would have the ability to do.



It nicely ties two plot points together, too. Parrish covertly becomes Captain Irving's new attorney at his wife's request. Irving unknowingly binds himself to Parrish by signing a contract in his own blood. It looks like Parrish is intent on using Irving against Abbie and Crane, though for what exact intent is still the question. The situation is getting more and more complicated as time goes by. After the Kindred has a very cool three-way fight between it, the Horseman, and Moloch's proxy knight, the war will continue without much of a pause.




Abbie and Crane think they have Captain Irving on their side. That's not true. There's also a new sheriff in Captain Reyes who might be a growing thorn in both their sides. She's a stickler for the rules, another skeptic who seems blind to the supernatural forces that have taken over Sleepy Hollow. It's yet another obstacle in Abbie and Crane's way. The Kindred is still out there in the wild, though. It proved to be the first of what should be many weapons for the good guys to use in the war.


Our Grade:
B+
The Good:
  • Strong character work to match the fast plot pacing
  • The humor remains top notch
  • The monster fight was glorious
The Bad:
  • Why is this thing called "The Kindred", exactly?

Henry Tran is a regular contributor of review for Critical Myth; The Critical Myth Show is heard here on VOG Network's radio feed Monday, Wednesday & Friday. You can follow him on twitter at @HenYay

Sleepy Hollow by - 10/2/2014 8:30 AM316 views

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