Dominion Season 2 Episode 7 Review: Lay Thee Before Kings
Henry A. Otero
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Not only was Dominion Season 2 Episode 7 Biblical, but it was a defining moment.
From this point forward, the way we think of the archangel Gabriel has been forever altered. I think it's safe to say, we finally understand his hatred of mankind better. That said, risking his life for Michael's "chosen one" was poetic.
A ton of stuff went down in this installment, but for me the flashbacks once again ruled supreme. I just love all that stuff and boy did the writers deliver here.
Well, Julian got straight to the point and explained his evil plan. The brothers, bound by Empyrean steel and sitting across from one another had to take turns grasping a pipe that would deliver an electrical charge... Ouch! Lyrae sure does love his torture and this one came courtesy of Stalin. The Sodom and Gomorrah references were great and I almost wish we had flashed back to that time period one last time.
Of course, as an audience we know that Michael and Gabriel are the two big players in this war. So all of Julian's threats are a bit pointless. He's not about to take over an archangels body and kill the other, but bonus points for trying big guy. In reality, the scenario was simply a device to get the brothers talking.
I've got to admit, it was a cool way of getting more backstory on Gabe.
Gabriel: Seems like a lot of work to kill us. You have Empyrean steel in New Delphi.
Julian: I don't want to kill you Gabriel. I want to break you. And then I'll take one of your bodies and make it my own.
Elsewhere, Alex's tattoos began twisting around. When the mysterious stranger appeared out of nowhere and questioned Noma about Alex's markings, I immediately assumed he was the same man she saw in the woods. Yes, even before he set that 8-ball on fire. Was this entity merely helping her deliver Alex to safety to later claim her soul? Is he the Grim Reaper, the Son of Morning or is he Mallory's prophet?
Noma did mention she was dying after sacrificing her wings, right? I realize there have to be casualties so the stakes are real. Since the archangels and Alex are pretty much safe, sadly it's going to be someone like Noma we're forced to say goodbye to. That's going to suck, big time.
I think more than ever, both Gabriel and Michael's points of view on Alex became quite clear. Michael mentioning what he's gone through made me miss Mallory again. Let's get back there already guys. Still, I wasn't expecting Gabriel's flashback to revolve around another "chosen" child. He was a father, something I didn't see coming at all.
The battle scene wide shots were damn impressive. Especially knowing that Syfy shows don't have hugest budgets. The moment Gabriel called the boy David, I realized they were telling the David and Goliath story. How frakkin' cool was that? I absolutely love the way the writers are weaving these historical events into Michael and Gabriel's past. David ultimately dies and the archangel's hatred for mankind is complete.
Speaking of children, back in Vega Claire was thinking of her unborn child while kissing Gates. I understand she thinks Alex is dead and moved on, but we as an audience know he's worked his ass off to save her and Vega. It just makes me like Claire a little less this season. I'm curious to see what their reunion will be like. While I was rooting for the two of them last season, I'm not sure I am anymore. Anyway, Claire's staff was murdered and she decided to chat with Zoe personally.
Julian taunting Risen about his inevitable death was plain cruel. I did like that he realized torturing the old man would only kill him and he'd take the amphora's whereabouts to his grave. I didn't realize Riesen even knew where it was.
Julian: Every great man has his weakness. What's yours?
Riesen: Dying men don't have weaknesses. They got nothing to lose.
Julian: One thing I'd love to know and I don't think it steps on your vow of silence, what brought you to New Delphi? And who's Clementine? I overheard you say her name to Alex.
Riesen gave up his story rather easily, don't you think? Since Julian knew the truth about Clementine, he was bound to use it against him. I was surprised Riesen fell for the old this 8-ball's Clementine trick, even for a second. Then again he's dying and was never reasonable when it came to his 8-ball wife. Is it possible Julian brought Clementine back? I'm just not buying it.
Man those lower angels at the convenience store were creepy as all hell and their behavior was weird. I loved their dual voices and how unlike zombies the 8-balls feel this season. They're definitely their own beasts. That whole shopping sequence was bizarre, with Alex pretending to be a shopper and he and Noma discovering that pile of fresh corpses. It was just a matter of time before the creatures attacked.
Hearing Gates question Arika's loyalty was right on the money. I'm not sure why Claire trusts her so much, but it was great to hear him voice his concern.
Claire and Zoe's meeting seemed to be going well, then the sniper struck and it's no surprise David was behind it. The watch gave him away too. Zoe's a smart cookie, you've got to give her that. Claire really stood her ground, I'm actually buying her as a leader this season. I think Zoe realized she wasn't messing around. Still, Claire being wounded and losing the baby means the rebels are going down.
That tied in nicely with Gabriel losing his own son.
Gabriel: The loss of him. His life. It's a stain on my soul, I can't bear it.
Michael: Father has a plan. You must trust him now Gabriel.
Gabriel: His plan is perfection, but they will pervert it. Destroy it. Father thinks too much of them.
Michael: Careful brother, you must stay your hand in all ways. We can not judge these humans by their flaws, their mistakes. We can't lose hope. Time will heal you.
Gabriel: Time will never heal this.
Learning the truth about Gabriel's loss truly humanized him. It's much easier now to understand his point of view and I think that was a brilliant move on the writers part. This hour is possibly one of the most important, defining moments in Dominion. The fact Gabriel risked his life to save Michael's "chosen one" was massive. What incredible performances by Carl Beukes and Tom Wisdom... Bravo gents!
Sure it was frustrating Gabriel stayed behind, but like he said Julian's got to go. Will he throw him from the highest floor of New Delphi. Do Dyad's have wings? I just think it would be a cool way to tie the two storylines together. Gabe's confrontation with the imposter king was epic, especially the part where he threw him out the window. Yeah Carl Beukes killed it this week, wow!
Alex sewing Noma up was rough, but hearing her doubt herself was worse. There's a real connection between these two, unlike Claire and Gates who we just met. It's going to get really uncomfortable when everyone reunites in Vega.
What did you think of "Lay Thee Before Kings"? Will Michael show up to save Alex and Noma? Are you surprised Claire lost the baby? Is that really Clementine inside a new host body? Did we just meet Mallory's prophet? Your turn folks, hit the comments!
Want to see that epic David and Goliath scene again? Watch Dominion online via TV Fanatic.
NOTE: Dominion Season 2 Episode 8 is titled “The Longest Mile Home” and airs on Thursday, August 27.
