On the heels of tragedy, the Spellmans receive a grim omen. Blackwood seeks vengeance. Sabrina prepares for her final challenge against Caliban.
In 2019, the television industry aired 532 scripted shows across numerous outlets. The way people consume content now is different than it used to be. It happens according to one's own schedule. As such, it's less necessary to provide ample coverage of each episode in any given season from a show. Moreover, it is simply impossible to watch everything. As such, this site provides shorter episodic reviews in order to cover as many shows as possible. With all of that being said, here are my thoughts on the next episode of Netflix's Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.
"Chapter Twenty-Seven: The Judas Kiss" was written by Lindsay Calhoon Bring and directed by Craig William Macneill
Sabrina and Ambrose hear the gunshot ring out from the Spellman family home. They discover Zelda clinging to life. Shortly afterwards, a banshee appears just outside the house. It's a signal that death is to befall this place. That is a powerful omen for just how dire this episode eventually becomes. In fact, this hour seemingly delights in killing off the majority of the ensemble. Now, it's reasonable to assume that many of these deaths will probably be reversed. These characters have regularly traveled from Earth to Hell this season. It's simply a destination on a map to them now instead of an eternal fate of torture for those who deserve it. But time magic has become more prevalent as well. Judas and Judith are no longer babies. Sabrina traveled to the past during her unholy regalia challenge. Moreover, Zelda's journey in limbo concludes with her seeing herself on her death bed. That provides her with the final clue that unlocks the solution to all of the coven's woes. Of course, that's what makes it more tragic when she recovers from her wounds only to be stabbed by Father Blackwood. She receives this clarity. She understands that the phases of the moon can help the witches regain their powers. But that's mostly just a vague tease for now. Right now, it's simply important to see Blackwood make an alliance with the pagans - who quickly go on the offensive against the citizens of Greendale. Harvey, Theo and Roz know to run away as soon as the pagans arrive at Baxter High promising free admission to the final night of the carnival. Robin is revealed as a hobgoblin who can run fast and pull them all out of danger. That skill isn't good enough though. Nor is having Nick alongside them during their final confrontation. The humans are still taken by the pagans for their ritualistic sacrifice. Harvey is still a virgin. His death will fuel the return of the Green Man, which is a somewhat vague and not entirely threatening name for the grand villain the pagans are hoping to resurrect. But again, the threat is very real. It also showcases the many stories vying for Sabrina's attention. Her friends need her. Her family needs her. The coven needs her. But her responsibilities in Hell seemingly overshadow all of them. Ambrose can rationalize the decision by saying that her place on the throne will guarantee that the witches are strong enough to combat these other threats. That can absolutely be valid. It just means Sabrina is missing in action when all of these events actually happen. She is defeated by Caliban. She may be able to fool Vlad the vampire who is guarding the final unholy relic. But she ends the episode encased in stone. That is her final fate alongside Lucifer and Lilith. Again, the show overwhelmingly wants the audience to be concerned about the futures of every single character. The show would probably be wise to contract itself a little bit. There is a lot going on in this world vying for attention. In fact, there are seemingly too many villainous figures who are trying to bring about their own sinister plans for the world. The pagans, Father Blackwood, Lucifer and Caliban all have their own interests. They can team up from time to time. Some of them profess knowledge of something grand yet to come. Blackwood believes he is above all of this even though he takes his revenge on the coven that betrayed him and his teachings. He is powerful seemingly because he has strength from the pagans and Agatha now being a killing machine. The fate of the world may rest on Ambrose protecting those he still cares about. Of course, it's likely that this imprisonment won't be forever for Sabrina. Right now, it's clear that evil has won and will destroy humanity as it currently exists. The show has been in that position before. All of this has the potential to dramatically change this world. Theo is safe because he is completely willing to lose his virginity to Robin. That is an earnest and rewarding moment. Meanwhile, Harvey and Roz's talk is once again full of melodrama about his potential feelings for Sabrina. That remains slightly awkward. But again, it teases a future beyond what this current perilous fate predicts. That can set up expectations for the audience that everything will eventually be fine. However, it's important that the actions that could lead to the end of the world resonant with these characters should they succeed in escaping these lethal fates. This hour delights in that and executes it all wonderfully.
