Warrior Nun Season 2 Overview by Nick Bythrow
Episode 1
Season 2 Episode 1 hit the ground running!
- Two months later!? Wild timeskip
- Great to see Ava and Bea ended up together. Now whether they're "together" or not I couldn't tell just yet.
- Adriel's building a cult. Interesting turn of events.
- Miguel is an interesting yet mysterious character so far. Looking forward to how him and the Samaritans will add to the story
- Really liked seeing Superion and Camilla together! Feel like they didn't get enough development in S1 so glad to see they're paired here.
- But why is Camilla using TikTok? What plot implications will this have? Lol
- Yasmine doesn't sound like good news so far. She listens in on an OCS conversation and then there's a worldwide attack? Then again, this show threw me for a loop with "villains" before. Hmm...
- Duretti's getting into the spirit of Pope. Doesn't like Adriel. Cool and hopefully this dynamic develops directly too!
- Kind of backtracking but I loved the shots with text showing where everyone is right now. Creative way of displaying everyone's location.
- Poor Salvius. She really just wants her kid back.
- Interesting how Christian is falling into Adriel's trap, believing him to be a messiah figure. Heh. Ironic.
- Vincent and Lilith: Adds mystery to what happened to Mary. Still don't feel like I have all the answers...
And now of course the highlight of the episode:
LILITH RIPPING PEOPLE APART AND TELEPORTING IN A CONTINUOUS LONG SHOT YOOOOOOOOOO
I think Lilith was slowly growing into my favorite character, because this ending just cemented it. WOW. Excellent and awesome!
Seems this season is going to have a fairly fast pace. I'm hoping this doesn't mean less development for the characters but so far, everything's going great! Excited most especially for more Lilith + Camilla and Superion's upcoming adventure in Spain. And of course Ava and Bea!
Episode 2
Season 2 Episode 2 continues to impress.
- Funny watching Miguel try and figure out what's up with Ava and Bea. Even in the face of truth he still doesn't know it!
- Though he probably does now that Ava's blasted a demon out of some dude
- Adriel making miracles happen underscores just how easy it can be for religious imagery to be used as manipulation tactics
- His conversation with Duretti makes me think he's mostly motivated by revenge against the church
- Interesting Jesus parallel brought up
- Lilith's mom: I don't like her. But she did reveal Lilith's loneliness given her new abilities + self-imposed (?) distance from the OCS
- Salvius is going to study Lilith. Interesting, her body seems to be responding to the Argen--I mean, Hell energy, in it.
- Lilith talking to herself, growing more frustrated with her position
- Yasmine doesn't seem trustworthy. Claiming to be a journalist last episode, now a secret part of a group similar to the OCS? Inconsistent stories. Got my eye on her
- Lol Camilla with the tranq
The scene between Ava and Bea at the end was the highlight. Their conversation was packed with emotion, made all the more potent by Lilith's message about Mary. Incredible acting, writing, directing, lighting...everything in this scene was stellar. Bravo!
So far I'm enjoying Season 2's fast pace and how well it's able to weave an ensemble cast together despite some drastically different stories going on. Interested to see how this will all come together in the end, as well as how characters will progress going forward.
Episode 3
Wow, Episode 3 is really picking up the pace:
- Really cool seeing how Superion signaled where her and Camilla were to Ava and Bea
- Excellent use of Ava and Bea's character dynamics to show their own outlooks on the current situation
- I'm a little surprised that Yasmine turned out to be trustworthy...at first...more on this train of thought later
- The Crown of Thorns being an actual artifact that could stop Adriel is cool! Kind of wanted them to get into Jesus' role, but I'm sure that'd distract lol
- Seeing Camilla do more was great! It's cool that her and Bea have the same mindset of being precise for the mission, but Bea's so worried something will go wrong she questions Camilla's abilities for a moment
- Speaking of which, damn she throws those camera thingys!
- Lilith continues to shine in her part of the episode. She's growing stronger...
- Salvius probably should have thought twice about angering her, but now they know more about Hell
- Hmm, time works different there, Salvius saw a face...grown up Michael soon!?
- The heist: Cool stuff all around, especially the buildup to the realization that it's a trap
- This is why, despite being right about the Thorns, I still don't trust Yasmine. Comes out of nowhere with all the answers and now Ava's in the enemy's hands? Suspicious...
- Almost forgot about Duretti's part in the episode: Showing where he stands on things
- ArqTech's involved with Adriel! Does Salvius know?
- Lilith going to Adriel makes sense. Who better to ask about Hellish powers than the dude making himself into a messiah with them?
Episode 3 was another great addition! Still don't trust Yasmine and really looking forward to more world-building as we go.
This season's much faster paced, so I have many more thoughts than I expected. But it's only a testament to how much the show improves over time!
Episode 4
Season 2 Episode 4 was phenomenal!
- Ava dreaming about a whole bunch of Carls. What does this mean?
- Miguel came in and saved the day! His fight with Vincent was great. Made me wince when Miguel body-slammed Vincent on that railing. Oof.
- I'm starting to get the feeling I was wrong about Yasmine, if only because of her presentation in a more comedic light this episode.
- "Erotic pastry van" and then Superion's just like "screw it" lol
- I don't think Vincent's walking this one off
- Ava and Miguel were the most interesting part of the episode. He's human, but has these Hell-like powers. I have a theory about this I'll present at the end of the thread.
- Fear gas plague. Interesting concept. Miguel's face transforming was surprisingly creepy!
- Poor Bea. That scene with Fear Gas Ava clarified what I already knew.
- The Ava x Bea stuff is developing well btw. I enjoy the way it's written and I feel like it's being presented really well. Props to the writers for this part of the plot in particular.
Backtracking a bit to the 2 side-stories I forgot:
- Lilith talking to Adriel. Interesting dynamic, though not much to comment on. Feels more like buildup for later.
- Is Lilith really using her powers without knowing? I think Adriel's tricking her...
- I know she's grieving and studying the Ark but Salvius was big dumb to sign her company over to a cult
- Christian being part of the Firstborn Children: Not surprising given previous rhetoric
- Salvius in a helpless spot: Could destroy the Ark, but risks her son
- Demonic possession: Feels Invasion of the Body-Snatchers-esque
- Miguel's powers are awesome
AND SO WAS THAT ONE TAKE FIGHT SCENE YOOOOOOOOO
I really enjoy when the show gets creative with its cinematography
- Miguel's home?
Which brings us to my tinfoil hat theory:
THEORY:
Miguel is Michael Salvius. He checks every single box:
- Hell Time could've made him older
- Has Hell powers from being there for long time
- Knows who Ava is, wants to help her
- Glows blue, indicating divinium in his blood
- Miguel sounds like Michael
- British
But now that leaves me wondering: Who did Salvius see last episode in the Hell footage?
It can't be anyone we know, but Miguel also said he was "sent" there. Adriel mentioned a woman's name I can't entirely remember. Could this be her? If so, what's going on?
Intriguing.
Season 2 Episode 4 was my favorite episode so far. Barring the lack of Duretti acting like if Mike Ehrmantraut became the Pope, this was a strong midway point for the season.
Episode 5
Episode 5 was one hell of a ride:
- Interesting backstory about the halo from both Yasmine and Adriel. Very cool to see perspective played with here.
- I KNEW IT and am glad they didn't drag out the reveal that Miguel is Michael Salvius
- It sounds like Raya (Reya?) has plans for Michael that aren't exactly favorable. But they could also save a lot of people. Curious but also probably sad.
- Camilla's got a cross thing and Adriel is stealing prayers from her. Super interesting concept here.
- Camilla talking to Bea felt necessary, and now Bea has someone in her corner rooting for her and Ava
- Speaking of which, not much with Ava this episode. Kind of wish we saw more of her here.
- Vincent's fine. But it seems he's starting to question his role...
- WARRIOR NUN RED WEDDING OH MY GOD (well, aside from beloved characters dying, that is)
- Superion just killing dudes left and right was great. Made me feel like I was watching a John Wick movie.
- Duretti staying behind. Absolute hero.
- Ava falling was hard to watch, Bea being as honest as she could let herself be in that moment
- I noticed Ava almost went in for a kiss for like half a second but decided not to aw lol
- Now, the halo shutting off is interesting, and I wonder what that means too still
- Lilith being able to see demons. Still wondering if Adriel is using his own powers to trick her.
- But that ending transformation Godddamn. And then she wrapped Adriel in a wing hug awwww! (They're going to destroy the world together)
- Is she brainwashed? I think so.
Episode 5 was great! I'm kind of hoping Lilith is able to snap out of whatever's going on with her, though. I feel really bad that she's being used this much by Adriel. At least, that's how I see it right now. Excited to see what the final 3 episodes bring!
Episode 6
Season 2 Episode 6...where do I even begin?
- The Superion/Shannon backstory was great. Not only the fight scenes but learning about how the halo rejected her was interesting to see
- Ava questioning her role as halo-bearer was also interesting
- "I am the bomb" -Michael Salvius 2022
- For real, though, I truly do hope there's some other way that ends with Michael alive. But after the events of the episode...
- Camilla standing up to Adriel was great to see! This season she's really come into her own, love it!
- The plan did sound solid. Which is what made me wonder if Michael was being paranoid.
- But then I saw the plan was starting in the middle of an episode that wasn't the finale, and realized things were gonna go south
- Not that far south though, CHRIST!
- I realized right away they hadn't accounted for Lilith because they didn't know about her allegiance with Adriel
- The Lilith and Ava fight scene was great, very intense because of Ava losing her halo powers throughout
- How the hell did ArqTech know they were coming?
NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!
DURETTI! MOTHER SUPERION! NO! AAAHHHHH!
Duretti went out in such a wild way too! Struck down "by God" and with a flaming cross on his back to boot! Don't get me wrong, it was one legendary death. But still...damn.
And Superion. Still processing.
- Sister Dora comes out of nowhere to save the day, but the team is still pretty much screwed
- Vincent took the crown! But was also questioning Adriel's tactics earlier. Hmmm...
- Also love what they're doing with Adriel, may need to write an essay about him alone
Episode 6 was my favorite so far. Everyone got a chance to shine in some capacity and our heroes are at their lowest point. I have no idea how they can get out of this in just 2 more episodes. Lots of expectation and excitement here and I can't wait to continue watching!
Episode 7
Episode 7 had a lot of great setup for the finale:
- That Lilith and Ava fight scene was stunning! Probably the best fight in the show so far. Lots of Devil May Cry vibes
- Mother Superion is alive! Yay!
- Interesting the halo still interacts with her.
- Michael telling his mom that he has to die to make things right...heartbreaking
- Salvius herself has become one of the most tragic characters in this show. She really is a great addition.
- Ava wanting to run away with Bea. Sad, but understandable
- Poor Camilla can't catch a break, with Todd getting brainwashed
- But at least Yasmine was there to rescue her! And now they're on a rescue mission of their own.
- The Ark is underground. Parallelism to Adriel's first appearance--it all ends in the dark
- Have my doubts about Ava's pessimism about death. Can we trust that there's nothing after death? Perhaps she just isn't meant to remember it in the living world.
- Her alliance with Vincent was solid. I do like that he's turning back to the hero's side.
- Best (non-fight) scene in the episode by FAR was Ava using Vincent's divinium tattoos to mess with Adriel. He can be defeated. He fears the Crown.
- Now we're going to learn more about the Crown Carls! Can't wait to see Ava maybe dispose of them (sorry Carl)
This show truly did come into its own during Season 2 and I cannot wait to see how it ends. Hopefully, though, this isn't the end of the show as a whole. I truly believe it won't be.
Episode 8
WARRIOR NUN SEASON 2 FINALE!!!
- The Carls all kneel to Reya. And so too, it seems, does Ava.
- Really liked seeing Bea protective of Ava, confronting Vincent, who we know has indeed changed.
- Dora as a voice of reason. Want to know her more.
- The Plan: Ava won't tell anyone about her and Michael's sacrifice. A sad scene because we, the audience, know what they're planning.
- I wonder if Michael reassuring his mom is true. Perhaps this opens the door for his return in some form WHEN we get Season 3!
- Superion and Ava's last conversation: A far cry from when they first spoke to one another. What a journey it's been.
- Bea rightfully doesn't trust Vincent, but they need him. Glad to see him prove himself despite everything he's done.
- "AVA PHASE!" fight. Epic!
- Ava reveals the truth. Bea ties to stop her. AND THEN!
*Ahem*
[BEA AND AVA KISS]
LEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEETTTTTTTTTTTTT'SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCKIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNGGGGGG
GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- I thought Ava and Bea's kiss was very well done, and I liked the song playing over it, "Hymn for Her" by AMES.
- Ava's conversation to Michael afterwards was really nice too. Without Adriel, I feel like the two of them would have been great friends.
- Seeing Yasmine hold her own was great! Despite my initial misgivings about her, she's grown on me as a character. I really want to see more of her in the future.
- Speaking of which: Bea's fight scene. Anyone between her and Ava will die. Just. Awesome.
Oh, look, Ava and Michael made it to the Ark and Adriel's there, I wonder how they'llNONONONONONONONONONONONONONO!
WHYYYYYY DO THEY KEEP FORGETTING ABOUT LILITH!!!! AAAAHHHHH!!!!!
My favorite side villain killed my favorite side hero. I don't know what I feel, but I feel.
- The final sequence with Adriel, and with Camilla, and with EVERYONE was intense!
- Ava's sacrifice was really sad. And to think all they needed to do was have the cross blow up, too...
- I have tons of thoughts on Adriel and Reya, but I will save them for a future essay
- The gist of it, however, is that Warrior Nun is once again playing with who is the hero and who is the villain. An interesting concept I want to see play out later as well.
- "I love you." So sad, and yet so happy they at least got to know one another before it ended.
- "A Holy War" says Lilith. But who will consist of each of the sides? Who will go against Reya? Or perhaps it's someone Reya will fight...
- Bea leaving makes sense emotionally. Interested in her journey going forward.
- Sword glow blue. What mean?
What a great finale! At last, I fully understand why this show should get renewed. Simon Barry and everyone involved in Warrior Nun deserves to have the rest of their planned story told. The series just gets better with every episode and by the end I loved it so much!
Finally, I want to thank the Warrior Nun fandom for all their support these last few weeks. I am so grateful for being introduced to this show and everyone reading my articles and episode thoughts. And just like the show, this is not the end. I'm not going anywhere.
Now that I'm caught up with the series, I'm so excited to directly see how everyone is trying to save the show and contributing to the fandom. Ava and the OCS deserve to have their stories told. And I really, truly hope we can do it.
In this life, or the next.
#SAVEWARRIORNUN
Warrior Nun Season 1 Overview by Nick Bythrow for the OCS Newsletter