2.13 - "THE WITCHING HOUR"
Directed by Brannon Braga
Written by Adam Simon
Previewed by Gavin Hetherington
Written by Adam Simon
Previewed by Gavin Hetherington
THE CHARACTERS
SEASON GUIDE
Click on a title to be taken to the review for that episode. Need a catch-up of season one before starting season two? Be sure to read the ultimate catch-up review of season one.
Season 2 Episode Guide2.01 - "Cry Havoc" (April 5, 2015)
2.02 - "Blood Kiss" (April 12, 2015)
2.03 - "From Within" (April 19, 2015)
2.04 - "Book of Shadows" (April 26, 2015)
2.05 - "The Wine Dark Sea" (May 3, 2015)
2.06 - "Ill Met By Midnight" (May 10, 2015)
2.07 - "The Beckoning Fair One" (May 17, 2015)
2.08 - "Dead Birds" (May 24, 2015)
2.09 - "Wages of Sin" (May 31, 2015)
2.10 - "Til Death Do Us Part" (June 7, 2015)
2.11 - "On Earth As In Hell" (June 14, 2015)
2.12 - "Midnight Never Come" (June 21, 2015)
2.13 - "The Witching Hour" (June 28, 2015) - Advance Preview
'THE WITCHING HOUR' PREVIEW
This finale has absolutely winded me. I cannot breathe. My emotions were obliterated throughout this intense 45 minutes of Salem. I don't even know what to say. I feel like I can't even say anything without it being a spoiler, so I'm going to be careful about how I convey my feelings. I have so many feelings. Oh my God where do I begin? If you guys are wondering about how the Dark Lord fits into being in Salem, let's just say he is probably the most ruthless villain to ever grace Salem - far more villainous than Increase Mather and the Countess Marburg and this is just from 1 episode. Should Salem be renewed for a third season, and I am hopeful that it will, this Dark Lord is going to be the biggest thing to hit Salem and it's going to be epic. This season finale was epic. Epic in every sense of the word. Jesus, I still need to sort out my feelings.
The Dark Lord is a force to be reckoned with. He gives out punishments to those who wronged his mother, including Tituba and Mercy. His punishments are cruel, to say the least, and despite both characters having been wicked in the past, you do feel for them both. It does offer both characters some of their best scenes this season though and I am so excited to see what the hell happens next! The Countess and Mary face-off is just as scorchingly hot as the promo suggests. It's a scene I absolutely love and can't wait for you guys to see! Really cannot say anything more without spoiling things, but I just know you guys are going to be brutally shocked by the outcome of it and what transpires during it.
Some of the highlights of the episode comes from Anne and Cotton. Anne really does shock you in the finale as Adam Simon said in his exclusive interview with me, and I really did not expect what happens between the married couple. I know for a fact you guys will sit watching what happens between them with complete and utter horror. For those who wanted more of the love spell and its consequences, you will definitely see this come to a head. Isaac had a pretty minimal role in this episode but his scene is a fantastic one, and Sebastian will surprise you in this episode too. So this leaves John - following on from running away from the consecration the night before, John has some great scenes with the Indians. You'll also be blown away by a development between them, and even Mary, that will set up huge storylines for the third season.
This episode is the definition of fantastic TV. 'The Witching Hour' excited me, thrilled me, terrified me, mortified me... and that was just the first 20 minutes. It continued to deliver, right up until the very end. There's a cliffhanger - a huge, HUGE cliffhanger - and you seriously won't know anybody's fate come the end credits. To put things into perspective, this was Salem's Red Wedding. You may think you know what's going to happen, and I thought I had it figured out, but at every single turn, the finale surprised me. Enjoy this ride on Sunday Heathens, I'm still reeling from it.
TEASES
- I know I said this about the episode before, 'Midnight Never Come', but this was the best episode of Salem so far.
- There are a number of casualties in the climax of the witch war.
- Anne will definitely shock you with what she does, not just to Cotton, but to others.
- Mercy's world comes crashing down around her.
- Tituba suffers the consequences for her lies.
- This is literally all the character's biggest episode all season.
- We will see just how much power the Dark Lord has.
- The Mary and Countess face-off will be hot as hell.
- This episode promises season three to be off the wall amazing. It shows us why this show needs to be renewed. It's now not just a want, but a fundamental need.
- This finale blew season one's finale out of Salem.
PROMO
SNEAK PEEKS
CHECK OUT THESE RELATED ARTICLES
MIDNIGHT NEVER COME - REVIEW
With the Starry Messenger comet drawing ever closer, John Alden fights for his life while Anne Hale works to comfort and protect one whose life or death brings with it great consequences for Witch and mortal alike. Mary, palpably affected by recent events, finds herself in a wholly unfamiliar situation, leading her to try a risky gambit. When John shares shocking and unbelievable information with Cotton, it leads the younger Mather to seek out answers.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ADAM SIMON
I had the pleasure of interviewing one of the creators of Salem, Adam Simon. Be sure to read the interview as it was very insightful. Adam discusses the beginnings of the witchy show, the writing process that goes into each and every episode, the developments of his mesmerising characters, what's the come in the finale and whether we should be hopeful for season 3.
Have any questions about the intense season finale of Salem? Obviously I can't give away any spoilers, but let me know what you're most excited about seeing in the comments and be sure to watch the season two finale this Sunday on WGN America at 10PM! You DO NOT want to miss it!
I seriously can't breathe Heathens. I absolutely cannot wait for you all to see this amazing season finale this Sunday at 10pm!
ReplyDeleteDamn!!! You got to watch it already - throwing jealous shades your way.
ReplyDeleteAnyways, thanks for the advance preview. More excited than ever.
Glad to know Tituba and Mercy will be punished. They both deserve it.
Most anticipated scene (for me) - The Countess and Mary battle.
Character I am most concerned about - John Alden.
Character interactions I am looking forward to - Anne and Cotton.
AHHH I CANNOT WAIT!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI feel so fortunate to get to watch it - I've been dying to see it! It doesn't disappoint. Glad it's made you more excited than ever! Love to hear what you're most excited to see and concerned about ;)
ReplyDeleteAHHH IT'S AMAZING! Seriously, I just know you're going to have so many feelings about this episode!
ReplyDeleteHm hm. Stopped at episode 2. I want to watch now.
ReplyDeleteDo you think I should watch ep 3,4,5,6 to be caught up or should just I start from episode 10 or something? (I mean will I be lost if I skip some episodes?)
I think you would be lost if you skipped over the episodes as there are some big developments in the middle towards the consecration. Plus, there are some episodes in the middle that I loved! Probably best to binge the whole season from the start. Honestly, the end of the season picked up so much steam and this finale just blew the roof off television. It was kind of like the Red Wedding of Salem.
ReplyDeleteOh, Gain, how much you get me excited for anything your preview. This season looks like it will end, like it started, on a high note. So thrilled to watch it and start the dreadful hiatus all over again. Hopefully, we'll get another season.
ReplyDeleteEven though I don't watch the show I've been reading some of your reviews Gavin and now this preview.
ReplyDeleteI'm 100% checking this out. In fact, I'm downloading the episodes now on Amazon Prime. A finale described as a "Red Wedding" is something I have to see.
Yay! Thanks Robert, and thanks for being so enthusiastic about seeing the show. I am so glad you're checking it out, and I really hope you enjoy it! I don't want to have bigged it up too much for you to be disappointed, but I cannot stress that this finale will be one of the craziest episodes you'll ever see. It felt like Salem's Red Wedding episode. Let me know how you get on, and when you see the pilot and if you like it :D
ReplyDeleteGaaaahhh!! why tease us so? this is just cruel. I literally cannot wait any longer!! the anticipation for this episode is killing me. I'm really looking forward to this as Salem has been hands down my favourite show of this past TV season.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the kind words! I'm very sure you will love this finale if you thought the season started on a high note, which it did, but this episode was just... I'm speechless. It was very hard to write this preview when I could barely recover. I'm excited for you to see it and the hiatus is killing me already.
ReplyDeleteThanks Adam, and I totally agree with you and am glad Salem was your favourite show of this past TV season - hallelujah! You're not gonna believe what's going to happen and I am so excited for you to see this episode! Be sure to let me know your thoughts of all the crazy things that happen :D
ReplyDeleteCant you just like leak the epsiode, we wont tell anyone. :v
ReplyDeleteHaha Ron, I can't wait for you to see the episode, but I wouldn't spoil it for anyone! I'll just have to be as evil as the Dark Lord and tease you and make you wait till it aires :P
ReplyDeleteIt sounds epic. I can't wait to see it. Cliffhangers :( If it gets renewed, we probably won't get to see more till the Spring. Thanks for the preview.
ReplyDeleteyou can even record it via webcam and i wont even be mad.
ReplyDeleteIm soe xcited to see what teh dark lord will do to Tituba, i really thought we were gonna see a grown up man, The Countess says she was waiting for ehr husband and now she has to wait till he grows up to be with her?
I dont get that part quite well
The part with the Countess and wanting to be with the Dark Lord will be made extremely clear in the finale, so don't worry ;)
ReplyDeleteTituba's scenes are off-the-wall amazing!!
Thanks for reading! I cannot wait for you to see it, and the cliffhanger here is literally going to kill us until it returns. Spring is too long to wait :(
ReplyDeleteOk I have some free time on Sunday and Monday... I guess I'll be watching Salem.
ReplyDeleteThat's what I did with season 1. I watched the first two episodes then watch the rest once it was over.
even more reason for you to leak the episode. Dotn make me wait man, that's not fair.
ReplyDeleteHaha then I'd have no power over you ;)
ReplyDeleteYay! If you do, let me know what you think. I should have my review of the finale out on Monday with a Season 2 retrospective so if you're around, be sure to let me know as I'm very interested in your thoughts!
ReplyDeleteyou will ahve it anyways, you will have the chance to see Shadowhunter and you dont even know how i love thoses books.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to try and read some of those books before the show starts so I'll at least know what I'm supposed to when previewing. That's assuming we get screeners for the show - otherwise I'll have nothing to preview haha.
ReplyDelete*judging you* You tellin me , you havent read the books?. WUTTTTTT!!
ReplyDeleteNo im kidding.
To tel you teh truth they are nott he best. Book One is boring as hell but there was soemthing in them that amde me fall in love and that soemthing wasnt the main couple, i mean they are annoying as F. I love the friendship aspect of it all, Thta's what i love about it.
You will get one, i eman that's proably the show ABC is having all their money for their new branding thing. And I really hope it works. I need at least two season to see oen of my favorites escenes on tv.
I love reading but I had heard mixed things about the books so avoided them as I didn't have the time and I was more interested in other books. But I may check them out now, download them on the Kindle thanks to your recommendation :)
ReplyDeletethis is probably not teh post to talk about stuff but have you read any books from Andrew Smith? that's my go if i have to recomend one. They are fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI just hope that Sebastian doesn't die!! You can at least say if it will be possible to see more of Baron von Marburg :)
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of him, what's his best book? I'll look it up.
ReplyDeleteHaha now that would be telling ;) But I do really like him too and he had some truly shining moments in this finale.
ReplyDeleteActually I thought the Devil would try to get rid of the Countess because he mentioned Mary was his favourite witch. My guess would be Sebastian using this to advantage and help Mary. I also think that he deliberately didn't kill Alden in the previous episode. But I would be pissed if he dies after that! There is much to explore in terms of his relationship to Anne Hale or Mather or von Marburg :)
ReplyDeleteThe Countess is totally devoted to the Dark Lord - she'll do anything for him and he sees that. So much potential for Sebastian, it really would be a shame if he dies in the finale (wish I could tell you if he does or doesn't but I can't, so sorry)!
ReplyDeleteStart with The Marbury Lens and it's continuation Passenger then read Winger and tehre are so many more but start with this two xD
ReplyDeleteCool thanks, I'll try and read them when I get a chance :D
ReplyDeleteOK I could use one little cue!
ReplyDeletePlease tell me they did not killed Cotton off
ReplyDeleteGavin, is Mary who end up dead in Red wedding but Dark Lord bring her back from Hell because she is the ONE Dark Lord wanted not Countess.I pick up you cant breathe because you love Mary like I do. John cannot die yet because of the indian storyline must delivery in season 3
ReplyDeleteGavin thanks for your great work here and enjoy read your reviews here !!!!! Salem lover from S1 & S2
ReplyDeleteOMG Gavin first of all I wanna say thank you.. You´re amazing.. salem is my favorite show ever, I am obsessed with this show..I´ve seen the promos also, it´s gonna be freaking awesome.. why do u think the dark lord is trying to help mary? I mean, she betrayed him, he should be pissed right? just saying..lol..
ReplyDeleteI'm so jealous you got to see it early, but at least I know by your review that I'll love the finale, even if the cliffhanger might frustrate me.
ReplyDeleteMercy dies? :( She Is my favourite
ReplyDeleteTune in tonight to find out :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry, the first thing I thought of when I was watching it was "I wish IvyB could see this with me!" I'm sure you will love the finale though there are some parts I'm sure we will have plenty to discuss with mixed feelings. But altogether it's fantastic!
ReplyDeleteHey David, thanks so much and I am happy to spread the Salem love! So glad it's your favourite show ever, it's certainly deserving! The Dark Lord still sees Mary as his "mother" so he's very obsessed with her. It's actually so cool to watch and it leads to some wicked things. And he should be kissing Tituba's feet!! Can't wait for you to see it, make sure you leave your thoughts of the finale on my review of it tomorrow :D
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your comment Jennifer! Very appreciated! I'm with you on the S1 & S2 love. This show never lets us down :)
ReplyDeleteI love Mary just like you do but I can't say whether she loves or dies. All I can say is she's FANTASTIC in this episode, like seriously I didn't think I could love her any more, but I do haha. But there's so much happening in the finale that punched the very breath out of me haha, it's so good! Can't wait for you to see it :)
ReplyDeleteAhhhh can't say, sorry! But tune in tonight to find out, it's going to be epic ;)
ReplyDeleteAwww, that's so sweet. I can wait till tomorrow, but it's awesome you got to see it early and the fact that you loved it (for the most part) is great and a bit reassuring, although "mixed feelings" sounds a bit ominous. Can't wait to see it and discuss it!
ReplyDeleteIm not invested in John Alden this season because they've went off the rails with him with no pay off yet this season. So if he dies it wont matter to me much.
ReplyDeleteok, but for me the wait is longer, I do not live in the US and usually wacth in the midst of the week, but ok I will wait... (:
ReplyDeleteWow, you really weren't joking about how powerful the finale was, especially in its final few minutes. I can't believe that (SPOILER) Anne did the same thing to Cotton that Mary did to George. I felt much more for Cotton because George kind of deserved it when it happened to him, but Cotton was more or less an innocent. I hope that Mary's not really most sincerely dead because she's my favorite character of the series and I'd love to watch her interact with Anne now that Anne's come into her own. It would be awesome to see her as the villain of season 3, given her actions in the finale. Can't wait for next April!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you've seen the episode, and if you have time, be sure to check out my full review of the finale: http://www.spoilertv.com/2015/06/salem-witching-hour-season-finale_29.html
ReplyDeleteI can't quite believe Anne at all in this finale - she surprised me in so much that she did. Poor Cotton! I hope he isn't basically comatose the whole of season 3. Totally agree with your sentiments of Mary, she will be most interesting with Anne and she will also have a vendetta considering she will blame Anne for the death of her son. Anne as the villain, albeit unknowingly as she keeps doing the wrong things for the right reasons, would be so cool to watch! Thanks for reading my preview :D
I read you review and I can imagine how much it must have sucked to have to keep all of the deaths and double-crossings of the finale to yourself. I didn't read this article until after I watched the episode so I wouldn't spoil it for myself, but I guess I didn't need to have worried. I'm curious about who they'll bring back from the dead because I doubt everyone will come back, at least not in the premiere. I hope that Tituba and Mary are back, although that might be too much to hope for. I hope Cotton will be able to do more than just stare and get spoon-fed too. George was most interesting when the familiar was taken out and he was able to reclaim some of the imposing tyrant persona he had back when he ruled salem himself. Now that he's dead for good, if and when Mary comes back, I wonder if she'll marry someone else to regain her status in Salem or if she'll just take back her power herself and let the people of Salem know who's really in charge. I for one hope she goes rogue, after the way her hive treated her, they don't deserve her help or her leadership. Her struggle with Anne really would be a great focus for season 3 because it would be interesting to see how two people who are similar in all the wrong ways can clash just as much, if not more than two people who are way too different from one another. I agree with you that Anne has become much more like Mary over the course of season 2 and now that she too has given up her love for power and independence, she has nothing to lose that would deter her from trying to take the throne of the Salem hive, based on how powerful, intelligent and determined she is, she seems like a much stronger competitor than Mercy was. I wonder if her clothes will start to change to match her change in status, just like Mary's have, as you pointed out. I love the attention to detail in this series and I'm sure that whatever happens, I won't be disappointed.
ReplyDeleteYeah haha I was dying to just scream out "NOOO TITUBA!" and "NOOO LUCY LAWLESS" and "NOOO MARY!" amongst other things, but had to keep all that inside :( You are right, I don't think they'd resurrect everyone as it would lessen the impact of this finale, make it a little anti-climatic, but I think Mary is definitely coming back as Brannon basically confirmed it, but Tituba really is up in the air, and the Countess isn't really dead either - just Lucy Lawless won't be coming back :(
ReplyDeleteTotally agree about George, I was actually starting to like him when the familiar was taken out and he had some great development with Mary, was a little sad by his death to be fair as I wanted to see more of that. I hope Mary just comes back swinging and takes charge - she doesn't need a man to grant her that ;) Total girl power which makes this show stand out. Agree about Anne and it would be interesting to see her really change in the wardrobe department to reflect her status. Maybe she'll stay the same as she desperately clings onto her goodness, but would love to see something change.
The show is so attentive to the detail and it makes it so much more unique and believable. Great show, and I hope we will never be disappointed with whatever comes next :)
You're right that too much resurrection would make all death meaningless, but I hope that at least some of my favorites get to come back next season. I'm sure the Countess is gone for good, at least in this body, she was a good villain, but I'm still excited to see who the villain will be next season and I think the format of this show promotes a seasonal villain better. I also hope that Mary completely breaks free of the constraints of her time and proves that a woman can rule without a man beside her. If that happens, she'll probably encounter even more resistance than she faced before from Hawthorne, Increase, etc, but It think it would still be worth doing for her and I'd love to see it unfold.
ReplyDelete