Sleepy Hollow 4.04: The People v Ichabod Crane
Sam Chalsen
Jim O'Hanlon
Picking up where the end of the previous
installment left off, this episode digs deep into Ichabod’s current psyche, exploring
his internal guilt and self-doubt over the death of Abbie Mills, among many
others. It’s a bit surprising to see
that Ichabod is in such a dark place, especially considering that he has always
been a character of great resilience.
Claims that Ichabod hasn’t cared much about Abbie’s demise are certainly
addressed, and it doesn’t seem like the matter is wrapped up with a bow,
either.
That’s not to say that Ichabod doesn’t fight
back against his personal demons; he actually mounts quite a defense. It’s just that Henry Parrish, played capably
by John Noble as the personification of Ichabod’s damning internal dialogue,
manages to counter each and every move.
And he finally brings up what many in the audience must wonder: how can
Ichabod not only move on so quickly from Abbie, but also be so willing to offer
up a child to the same fate?
Meanwhile, while Ichabod is trapped by the
creature that is indicting him in his own mind, Team Witness works to free him
from its clutches. Now that the
introductions to the characters have been handled (more or less), we’re getting
to see them interact more and show some further growth. They are still thinly drawn at this point,
but they are starting to find some chemistry.
This is critical, since Diana won’t be able to overcome her (quite
rational) misgivings if Team Witness doesn’t present itself as a strong united
front.
Everyone is now going to be aware that Dreyfuss is the architect behind the demonic activity in Washington, and that will also help to unify the team. Nothing brings a Scooby Gang together like a common enemy, and Dreyfuss is the kind of villain that people can love to hate in this current political climate. What should come soon, however, is more explanation as to his motivations. I also hope that his self-absorbed complaining in this episode is an aberration, because that sort of whining will get old very quickly.
- The strongest episode of the season yet, thanks to solid character study
- Leaving the door open for the creature to return is a good sign
- Dreyfuss is better as an amoral businessman than a whiny one