Into the Badlands 312 – Cobra Fang, Panther Claw
Pilgrim’s assault on the Monastery yields some surprising results including an impressive beatdown of the Master. With the power levels established among the major players the tone set for the rest of the episode, and just in time as a new big bad makes himself known.
With the Master in tatters, Pilgrim makes his way to her greatest secret – those that wield the gift that she’s depowered. Strutting like an alpha peacock, Pilgrim offers her flock the chance to achieve the greatness they were destined for, but if you were paying attention to Ankara’s warnings last episode that threatens to put them right in the sights of the Black Lotus.
The Master’s practice of depowering those with the gift, extends to the Sunny/Bajie/Widow storyline as well. On their way back to the Monastery, they have to neutralize the witch’s powers and turn to an Abbot safehouse in search of needles to perform the procedure. While there, Sunny and the Widow get to chat and he makes it clear that all is not forgiven where Veil is concerned. No matter what transpires between them in their quest to stop Pilgrim nothing will keep Sunny from exacting revenge.
After the Chau mother and child reunion last week, the siblings get a chance to renew acquaintances. Baron Chau and Giaus must have been a delight at the dinner table while growing up and the unrest of the Badlands has done nothing to warm their relationship in the ensuing years. As Baron Chau turns to torture, literally, where her brother is concerned her plans for Tilda seem even more ominous. Propelled by one of Ankara’s visions the Widow takes off to save Giaus and Tilda leaving Bajie and Sunny to learn the true story behind Azra’s destruction.
Magnus, the new big bad on the block, makes his presence felt in a big way before the screen fades to black. The last half of Cobra Fang, Panther Claw is a pretzel of emotions and intrigue. Tilda’s strength in the face of danger shows her time with the Widow wasn’t wasted. Ankara’s revelations, M.K.’s ascension in Pilgrim’s ranks and the shocking assault on Bajie answer some questions while posing several more.
The obvious power of the Black Lotus is nothing to be trifled with and the inevitable collision course with Pilgrim, who is amassing a collection of gifted soldiers, and this new threat on the horizon will no doubt leave many fallen in its wake. The bold bath has apparently already begun and with the ranks thinning out somewhat its imperative for Sunny to stop being a pawn and regaining some of his form from Season 1 for things to end on a positive note.
