The first season of Mayfair Witches was more about the aesthetics of horror. The Mayfair house was the best example, as it incorporated all those gothic and haunted elements of the horror genre. While interesting, it was sometimes done to a fault. The first episode of Mayfair Witches season two, “Lasher,“ gives us a few more visual and visceral images that may suggest the show is shifting gears and moving down a darker path. The season starts with promise, even with some slower and sluggish parts, regarding where it might go in upcoming episodes.
We begin the episode and season two with Rowan (Alexandra Daddario) struggling with her role as a new parent. The child Lasher, a sort of demon spirit combination named after his father (Jack Huston), is not your average child. Growing in leaps and bounds in this episode, he moves from infant to toddler to teenager. He is strange and dangerous in a way that is completely unknown. While some counsel Rowan to consider the unthinkable before he gets too strong, she is determined to protect him from all real and magical forces. This becomes rather difficult as he shows zero signs of any self-control.
As she tries to raise Lasher alone, she paints herself in a corner with no one to help her. Her relationship/friendship with Ciprien Grieve (Tongayi Chirisa), once a trusted ally, is at an all-time low. Ciprien is trying to keep an eye on Rowan but also needs to take care of his duties/issues with his organization, the Talamasca. Their role as guardians of the supernatural world seems to have more than a few side missions attached. A series about the Talamasca is in development and will be incorporated into AMC’s Immortal Universe with Interview with the Vampire and Mayfair Witches. Their role in this season will be interesting to watch.
The episode is a refresher regarding the vast Mayfair family, which sometimes feels rushed, even if it is understandable as all the pieces are placed on the table. The Mayfair clan is diverse in interests and powers, some embracing the gifts for good or bad reasons, some trying to pretend they don’t exist. One thing is for sure: not everyone is happy with Rowan’s decision, and they want answers, regardless of personal agendas.
The first season struggled to juggle all the characters effectively, making some whirlwind scenes in the premiere a bit concerning. While there is a lot of interaction between demon spirit child Lasher and Rowan, there are only nightmare images of Dad. Lasher and Rowan’s relationship was problematic last season, and after one episode, it’s hard to see where they will take it this season, which is one of the keys to making this all work.
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Child Lasher had the creepiest scene in the premiere, as Rowan awoke to him standing at her bed, his blood erratically splashing as he pulled out his baby teeth. An evil smile was on his face, and a chuckle on his lips. The episode has a much darker tone and look, even sinister at times, which is a welcome switch from the gothic feel of season one. Lasher’s lack of impulse control at the end of the premiere, needing mommy’s help to clean up the mess, makes you wonder how strong he will get and what lines Rowan is willing to cross to protect him.
There is someone who could help and has answers about young Lasher, and that’s Cortland Mayfair (Harry Hamlin). Unfortunately, he is still where they left him, his body a mere statue collecting dust in the basement. We see flashbacks of him being chased (his trapped soul) and possibly tortured in some other realm. I have no doubt he will be released from his captivity, and while that’s probably a horrible decision, it will be good to see Cortland back being mischievous and stealing scenes again.
Regarding season premieres, “Lasher” certainly wasn’t groundbreaking or shocking. However, there is a sense that this season could be darker, with more creepy and evil moments, and the atmosphere could help elevate the show to the heights it is trying so hard to reach.
