Dominion Season 2 Episode 3 Review: The Narrow Gate
Henry A. Otero
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There's definitely something off about ol' Julian, but is he the Son of the Morning?
I'm not convinced the leader of New Delphi is the fallen angel we're expecting, despite the black eyes at the end. He certainly didn't behave like an older brother or the most powerful of the archangels in the flashbacks. Gabriel referred to him as a higher angel.
That said, it's wonderful that Dominion Season 2 Episode 3 raised so many questions. Julian may not be Lucifer, but he is one of the fallen, and there seems to be a connection there.
There was no doubt Alex was going after that key. What I didn't realize was that behind that door was a series of passageways and rooms. It was a maze in there, and the scene played out like a trip through some 8-ball haunted house.
While Alex proved himself, it's a shame Julian managed to manipulate the Chosen One into retrieving that key. This is not the clear-cut alliance we expected. On the contrary, we now understand why Michael wanted to keep Alex away from New Delphi.
Still, as I mentioned at the top, if we were dealing with Lucifer why would he fear a bunch of insane angels? Unless this was all a test.
Alex: You want me to go into a madhouse full of insane angels with just a machete and a flashlight?
Julian: The Chosen One is destined to become a great general, isn't he? So prove it to me. Show me your markings are worth my alliance.
In Mallory, we learned that Laurel had everyone's confession and her sacrifice would keep the town safe. That sounds a whole helluva lot more wicked than what's going on in New Delphi. Was the mysterious prophet Lucifer? A supernatural force clearly communicated with Laurel.
The flashbacks were fascinating, weren't they? I love going back in time and witnessing the events that took place with the archangels. Gabriel quickly mentioned the amphori, a veritable Pandora's box and the ancient urn Julian possesses in the present. Is his goal to drive Gabriel's forces mad? Revenge against Michael? Or are the urns connected to the civilized 8-balls somehow?
Regardless, we saw a familiar face in that Sodom and Gomorrah flashback. I quickly realized the angel Lyrae was Julian, though he looked completely different with long hair. There's no mistaking Simon Merrells' voice. Does the double-bladed ax hold any significance? The guy was bad news. What's he got in store for our heroes in the present?
Michael: Father's wrath must have a face and that duty is mine. How say you Lyrae?
Lyrae: Death is as glorious as birth. Why else would father have made them mortal?
Gabriel: You value a higher angel's counsel over your own brothers?
Lyrae: Justice must be done.
Gabriel: No, I won't allow cruelty.
Lyrae: Father's orders were to cast these sinners out into the darkness. I want them to suffer the limits of their bodies.
Gabriel: Spill blood, but do so with honor.
Michael: Always.
That begs the question, did Gabriel not recognize Julian in Dominion Season 2 Episode 2? I mean, they clearly knew one another, but we saw Michael kill Lyrae in the flashback. How is it he's now running things in New Delphi?
Meanwhile, Alex continued to explore the 8-ball asylum and boy was it creepy in there. We saw General Riesen leave for New Delphi in the finale, but I wasn't expecting him to pop up in that scene. Good thing he had seen the gold disk and led Alex to the 8-ball.
In Vega, we met Gates, and it's nice to see Claire has someone on her side. Hopefully, he doesn't turn out to be the leader of the V1 rebellion. Claire handled herself really well this week, she is becoming much more ruthless.
Michael found his faith, and we knew from the promos he made the ultimate sacrifice. What if that blade had been made of empyrean steel? Did he know it was not?
Laurel: He warned us never to leave the safety of Mallory, our home. And to rid our community of secret and sin with confession and sacrifice. And I Laurel have taken those secrets and sins into my heart. As I die, so do they.
Michael: Stop! I'm here to take your place.
Michael's "death" was shocking (and Gabriel felt it), but I knew it wouldn't stick. Man, those damn Syfy teasers ruin so much. Still, we don't know what effect his resurrection will have on Mallory. Though the "spirit" seemed to transfer over, Laurel still holds all the town's secrets no?
It was chilling to hear Lyrae say that Michael's brutality was his inspiration. He was cast down to the lowest sphere of Heaven. Is that Hell in the world of Dominion? If he's no longer a higher angel, what exactly is he? Did he strike a deal with the devil? So many new questions this week.
I thought it was great that the 8-ball swallowed the key. That gave us a moment reminiscent of The Walking Dead, when Alex reached inside the dead angel to retrieve the key. I'm telling you, Dominion is hard-core this season, and I'm loving it!
Alex performed another successful eviction, he's definitely grown stronger. It was impressive the way he stood up to Julian and demanded his alliance. Unfortunately, as I said, it's not the alliance he bargained for. Will Alex, Gabriel and Michael fight side by side to bring Julian down?
What did you think of "The Narrow Gate"? Do you think Julian is the Son of the Morning? Did Michael's "death" surprise you? How did you feel about Claire's move this week? Your turn ladies and gents, sound off in the comments below.
NOTE: Dominion Season 2 Episode 4 is titled “A Bitter Truth” and airs on Thursday, July 30.
