Dominion Season 2 Episode 2 Review: Mouth of the Damned
Henry A. Otero
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Civilized 8-balls?!? That's certainly new, as were many things about New Delphi.
Julian proved to be a fascinating leader, but not one Alex can trust as far as he can throw. Dominion Season 2 Episode 2 continued to open up the world and resolved certain mysteries while planting brand new ones.
The mystery that is Mallory continues to fascinate me. I've shared my theories below, let me know what you think in the comments section.
The installment picked up right where we left off, and yes, the mercenaries Alex, Noma and Pete came across included 8-balls. Their language is a dead giveaway, and I've got to say, that little detail makes them way less zombie-like. You get a real feel for the fact they're possessed creatures, which is an improvement over last season.
I'm not convinced Consul Whele hired Zoe to kill Claire. Why would he go with someone so obviously inexperienced? Was that the lamest assassination attempt ever or what? Do you think Zoe fumbled it on purpose, not wanting to kill Claire? Either way, the incident was enough motivation to frame David.
In New Delphi, we quickly realized the 8-balls were more human than we're used to. I'm assuming Julian has a training program similar to what Arika used on Rose. It appears those that don't evolve enough are locked away in that room Alex was brought to at the end.
Alex: This doesn't make any sense. The 8-balls are different, civilized. I don't know how it's possible.
Noma: Some lower angels are more evolved than others, but I've never seen them act like this before. They're so human.
When I spoke to Dominion creator Vaun Wilmott, he hinted the way folks in New Delphi lived was going to surprise people. Well, I certainly didn't expect a society where humans and 8-balls lived amicably. It begs the question, how unpredictable are all those 8-balls?
The series has such a different vibe this season. New Delphi is nothing like Vega; it's actually much more post-apocalyptic in a sense. Whereas General Riesen set everyone up in hotels in Vega, these guys are roughing it. Quick note on the music: composer Bill Brown's score is bold and cinematic. It really does elevate the series. It's like watching a feature film.
Simon Merrells is a wonderful actor. You might recognize him from the final season of Spartacus, or the short-lived Tomorrow People. There was no doubt he'd pull off a charismatic leader, but there's a hint of madness there as well that's brilliant. I think he's the guy to watch this season.
Alex: It's not a man, it's an 8-ball.
Julian: No, we don't use that term. Do we? You see?
Alex: What I did was acting on instinct. You have to understand that this... humans with 8-balls, it's not how it is out there.
Julian: That's what makes New Delphi unique. Angels and humans living in peace in our underground paradise.
I'm loving the Mallory storyline, and Michael using that 8-ball as a guinea pig was kind of cruel. Though I'm sure that bonfire will remain a mystery, chances are it has nothing to do with God. Is it possible Lucifer might make an appearance on Dominion? The connection to fire is fairly evident, right? Have we already met the fallen angel? My money is on Laurel. How great a twist would that be?
Harper certainly didn't last long on the show. Though keeping Michael's secret would be a massive burden, it would have been nice to learn a bit more about her. The archangel's conversation with her really was a special moment. We got a chance to see some of the original Michael shine through. His journey is definitely going to be one of the more interesting this season.
Creepy 8-balls crawling on ceilings never gets old. They are wicked this season. At first, I wasn't sure what Arika was up to, but in the end the training just may serve to explain New Delphi better. Though she and Claire managed to frame David, there's no way he's out of the game. Will an ally set him free? What's his next move?
Chris Egan is doing terrific work. Alex certainly has grown a pair, which is a huge relief. I guess months of torture at Gabriel's aerie did him some good. Can you believe the way he spoke to Julian? He's not afraid of Gabe either, which is kickass. Speaking of kickass, Noma gave that higher angel a serious beatdown; very impressive.
Julian, unfortunately something of mine has made its way into your wretched city and I want him back.
Gabriel
Didn't it seem like Gabriel gave up too easily? His visit to New Delphi turned out to be quite anticlimactic. That said, I'm sure he will go for reinforcements and return to lay waste to New Delphi. It's also possible Alex, Julian and the others will hit the road in order to spare the city. Will they travel to Vega? He's got to prove himself in that room first, though.
The rituals on this series go from bad to worse. Just when you thought the Black Acolyte rib cracking was grueling, Mallory gave us confession by fire... ouch! Wes is such a nasty piece of work, is it possible he's behind the town's supernatural force?
I like that Julian realized there was more to Alex than he was letting on. It was curious that he didn't seem particularly impressed by the tattoos. Will Alex enter that room and perform evictions on all the possessed? Will he hack them to pieces to retrieve the key? Boy, it's going to be a long week waiting to find out.
What did you think of "Mouth of the Damned"? Did New Delphi's living arrangements surprise you? What's that disk Julian is after? Did Arika killing the 8-ball shock you? Your turn folks, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
NOTE: Dominion Season 2 Episode 3 is titled “The Narrow Gate” and airs on Thursday, July 23.
