With only three episodes left in season two, Mayfair Witches finds itself at somewhat of a crossroads in terms of the direction of the story. With little recent interaction between Rowan (Alexandra Daddario) and Lasher (Jack Huston), we expected them to interact more in the newest episode, “Michaelmas.” Alas, that doesn’t happen, and while the episode arcs in some interesting ways, the overall direction again seems a little lost and convoluted.
Rowan, Cortland (Harry Hamlin), Moira (Alyssa Jirrels), and Sam/’Lark’ (Ben Feldman), follow the clues from last episode and end up in a town in Scotland, searching for Lasher. They manage to lose Moira and, for some reason, are not registered at the hotel there, and get a lift to another place to stay. It is a dark, depressing abode owned and run by Ian Mayfair (Ian Pirie), Cortland’s brother. This, of course, is hardly a coincidence and sets up the possibility of some fine confrontations between Ian and….well, everyone.
Meanwhile, Ciprien (Tongayi Chirisa) has reached his destination in Amsterdam, a Talamasca stronghold where a hearing will take place regarding his involvement in the Lasher disappearance. However, it turns out the hearing is already over, and he has been completely cleared. However, the Talamasca wants his help looking at a clue they’ve uncovered about Albrecht’s (Dennis Boutsikaris) whereabouts. To everyone’s surprise, including mine, Ciprien draws a line in the sand and declines, offering his help only if they make him head of operations in New Orleans. It’s unclear how this will unfold, but it was great to see Ciprien stand up to those who have kept him in the dark for so long.
The strangest part of “Michaelmas” surrounds Lasher and what Ian and company have in store for him. They want to marry Lasher to a woman, who has apparently been waiting five hundred years for this, and create something they hope to control. I say hope because things like this rarely go as planned, and with the power of the Taltos involved as well, who knows what will happen?
Lasher’s captors let him have a peek at his bride-to-be, and it’s all very dramatic (minus the strange milk-drinking ritual). He’s so touched by the moment he tries to escape later when he’s back at Ian’s place, down below in the tunnels, but to no avail.
There are some solid moments of confrontation and dialogue in this episode, mostly surrounding Ian, who, while self-centered in what he wants, is no fool. His one-on-one with Cortland was almost heartfelt in their rather unkind memories of their father, but even here, you get the sense that he is playing Cortland like a fiddle. The same happens later when he goes toe-to-toe with Rowan, calling her out on her selfish needs and explaining how interconnected the family is, so harming one of them harms them all.
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It’s an interesting twist that puts Rowan on the defensive, at least for now. Rowan is given a clue later as to where she can find Lasher, down in the tunnels, only to find herself locked in and alone. She was most likely put there to keep her contained until the big wedding is over the next day.
I loved that during the initial casual chatting in Amsterdam between members of Talamasca, Daniel Molloy’s book (mentioned at the end of season two of Interview with the Vampire) was referenced with hints of the chaos it created.
The relationship between Rowan and Lark continues to feel forced and out of place. Granted, he is an excellent grounding mechanism for Rowan, reminding her of her humanity and how it is okay to feel human feelings. However, too many times, their interactions are awkward and strange.
Also, poor Cortland can’t catch a break, getting grief from Rowan and Moira and then feeling the pushback from his brother in Scotland. Hopefully, he will push back before the season ends, as I miss the more confident Cortland from last season, regardless of whether he was lying, backstabbing, or selfish.
“Michaelmas” has a lot going on, which seems to be par for the course for Mayfair Witches, and there are some solid moments this week. However, there is still a strange lack of focus here, and as the clock ticks away on this season, I’m hoping they can quickly bring it all together. There doesn’t need to be a resolution to everything; it is good to leave the audience thinking, but there are so many things to wrap up that need to be done soon.
So good to finally read a well-written review for this show!