Rowan was completely in the dark about what Lasher was after he was reborn. She did the best she could in raising him. Yet many people wanted to harness his power for their own benefit. He was a part of a plan set in motion generations ago. Everything happening now was destined to occur. That took some of the unpredictability out of the narrative. The story thrives on a quest for power. That serves as the motivation for these characters. The rules from the very beginning outlined who was capable of wielding it. Every woman in the Mayfair family was a powerful witch. They had these opportunities to thrive. The designee carried the burden of managing the source of that power. Rowan delivered on that promise. She formed an attachment to Lasher. It was always fundamentally about power. That's outlined in the choices she makes now. However, the story still plays into the moments of genuine affection between the two. Lasher's instincts tell him to trust Rowan and not the Scottish Mayfairs. This side of the family has cared for Emaleth. She doesn't see the danger she is in. It's better to imagine the wondrous beauty that will be created from their new family. She's completely oblivious. Everyone one is focused on expanding the breadth of their own powers.
Rowan wasn't surprised that Cortland betrayed her. It was always a possibility. She trusted in his affection for Jojo. Poisoning her only clarified that he will always protect himself. Of course, it's not Cortland carrying out these actions. It's Julien. He came back to life to obtain all of this glory for himself. He ultimately sides with Rowan instead of Ian because of the intrigue she provokes. He is fascinated by her analytical and empathetic mind. She steps forward as a true rival. One who will perpetually test and strengthen his newfound power. The people who killed Lasher centuries ago were fools. They didn't know how to gain powers from the Taltos. The power was within his blood. It provides beauty. The purpose of the Taltos is twisted in humanity's quest for more. The family was caring only because it would benefit them eventually. The Scottish Mayfairs are willing to slaughter children to obtain their powers. Lasher is killed because his blood can further enhance the powers within his children. These Taltos are even more formidable figures. They have to grow. Yet they can't reach full maturity either. Then, they aren't easy to control. Everything must happen quickly. That escalates the stakes. But it's still built around the idea of Rowan as the central figure.
The narrative decides that Julien wants to keep Rowan around. It would be wise to remove her from the proceedings. Yet Julien always gets what he wants. He allows those who have always been loyal to him to die in pursuit of his own interests. Ian has been the imposing figure necessary to make all of this happen. Julien couldn't rely on Cortland to complete the task. He had to branch the family off to this new extension to make everything a reality. They were successful. They were also disposable. Julien makes his presence known. He devoured Lasher's blood by himself. He didn't share. He rose above them all. He only offered the same to Rowan. She eventually accepts. She too is driven by power. That's not a surprising reveal. In fact, it's presented as the only sensible option given the threat from Julien still lurks. The children are rescued by the Talamasca. Sip gets them to safety. Polina is killed. That's not a particularly devastating loss. Sip came to a new understanding of all that he previously knew. His perspective changed. He aides Rowan. Yet he too can only do so much. The Talamasca are frequently just catching up to the disasters caused by supernatural beings. And now, Julien becomes the most daunting threat they must face.
Rowan and Lark offer a nuanced discussion about power and those who wield it. Lark remains skeptical about Rowan's plans. He loves her. He can't be involved with this any longer. Their love was weaponized against them. They both survive. That's rewarding. It's better for Lark to forget her. That's the only way he can cope with all that he has experienced. He isn't meant for this world of witches battling for more power. Rowan has plans. She will revive the family in New Orleans. That serves as her base of operations. Julien is already watching. He has big plans for her. It's a tantalizing tease for what's to come. However, it's a lot of action that doesn't offer much time to breathe. Lasher is killed twice. Rowan is capable of saving him the first time. She isn't strong enough to do so again. Moreover, nothing is shared about what happens to Emaleth during this whole mess. Her life has been destroyed too. Her children are taken from her except the one she held onto. That remains a possibility worth exploring. It's impossible for people with power to control everything. Their influence is expansive. Others are unpredictable. That makes their calculations more precise and impressive when they emerge on top. The journey still must be entertaining. After two seasons, the narrative is mostly a redundant pursuit of power by members of a family both impressed and terrified by one another. That's a familiar construct. One that provides plenty of drama. It still reads rather one-dimensional more often that not in the execution. At least Rowan followed through on her pledge to rescue Jojo and Daphne from the thrall.
