NOS4A2 Season 2 Episode 3 The Night Road-Review And Recap- Who Is The Hourglass?

Traveling on The Night Road is dark especially when you are alone. Thankfully Vic embraces those that love her in NOS4A2 Season 2 Episode 3.

Where does obsession end and preservation begin? NOS4A2 Season 2 Episode 3 explores the blurring of the lines between those two often competing ideals. Vic is struggling under the weight of PTSD from her previous run-in with Charles Manx. She is a mess. Barely hanging onto her sanity, she can’t take care of herself much less her son. That doesn’t mean she shouldn’t try, though. By the end of the episode, she finally heeds her mother’s advice and lets those that love her help. Manx has his network of baddies, but Vic has a growing one of her own. For every dark Strong Creative, there is a light one, and Vic seems to be the strongest if she can harness her power.

What scares a monster? For Manx’s daughter, it is the realization that she killed her own mother. It is also beginning to dawn on Millie that her father is a narcissist and never cared about her as a person only what she represents. Charlie forbids the house on the mountain just outside Christmasland, but when the cats away, the mouse will play. He can only ignore Millie for so long, and that time is up. She is quickly learning; she can’t outrun her past. After years of neglect, the dream her father sold her is tarnished. How will she respond once she fully realizes who and what she and her father are?

Mother’s stay. Parenting is an essential theme in NOS4A2. What makes a good father and mother? As any parent can tell you, parenthood is a series of mistakes and triumphs. Most of the time, you are swinging precariously between the two. Millie’s mother hasn’t left her; she just exists outside of Christmasland. She refuses to go through and refuses to give up on her daughter. Vic won’t give up on her family either.

She learned a valuable lesson this week from her parents. They made significant mistakes with her but still love her. Vic’s father had his own substance abuse problems and could offer advice to Vic, who must learn to deal with her trauma differently, and her mother is wise and caring. The dynamic between Vic(Ashleigh Cummings) and her mother, Liz(Virginia Kull), is a highlight of the series. It was perfect in season one, and seeing a more adult but still protective view of the relationship provides nuance to Vic, Liz, and Chris.

Manx is losing control over his daughter. His arrogance makes him ignorant of the danger Vic poses. He wants all the Strong Creatives because they make him stronger. They also make him vulnerable. He is an imposing person. Zachary Quinto’s cold delivery matches the dapper yet deadly vampire. He is a zealot who never wavers from his beliefs even when he faced with proof he’s wrong. Those around him like Abe try to council him to stay away from her. He won’t listen, though, and it will ultimately be his undoing.

The Night Road is an underexplored world. This place holds monsters and secrets that could provide fodder for seasons to come. More of this strange and mysterious place is needed. A neverending supply of terrible people and devils drive the road to and from one horrible location and circumstance. Manx is on The Night Road to get an introduction to The Hourglass. Another Strong Creative who has remained elusive. The road is a place for those who have darkness in their hearts. Demons and killers are drawn there. Manx is curious about what darkness lies in Vic that allows her to go there. Little does he know she is full of remorse, regret, self-doubt, and fear but equally full of love, hope, and determination.

Powerful life lessons were dropped in NOS4A2 Season 2 Episode 3. “Mothers stay, you figure out the rest,” Liz McQueen tells Vic. In her obsession to save Wayne and Lou, Vic has put them and herself in danger. The time for Vic to go it alone is over. She must learn to accept help. As soon as she realizes those she loves make her stronger is the moment she becomes deadly to Manx. Wayne has made a connection with Manx and clearly has a bit of the Strong Creative in him. Vic needs to stay with him to keep him from falling under Manx sway. I hope the candy cane doesn’t act as a conduit because it might already be too late.

Kudos to the music department this week for the inspired Nightmare on Elms Street-Esque music at the beginning. Watching a terrifying creature be scared as she walked through a decaying house was surprisingly tense in large part due to the soundtrack. The musical team has been instrumental in both the first season and this one in bringing the characters, their world, and the tension to life. Things are heating up in Christmasland, and I can’t wait to meet The Hourglass. What special skills does he possess? Can he manipulate time itself? We will just have to wait and see. Catch up on all our NOS4A2 coverage here.

Stray Thoughts:

• Who is the Walking Backwards Man? Is that a nod to The Conjuring Universe’s Crooked Man?
• The Hourglass seems like the sort of guy that doesn’t want to get involved in other people’s messes? The obviously wealthy man looks more self-serving than anything. Will he decide to align with Charles Manx or Vic? Why is his ear bleeding? Is that the cost of his gift similar to Vic’s eye bleeding and sickness?
• Hourglasses are a symbol of mortality. The Hourglass carries a wooden hourglass with him. Likely this is his version of the Triumph and Wraith.
• Is Parnassus, the bar Manx meets Abe at a neutral site? It has a very Continental Hotel vibe.
• Mount Parnassus, near the ancient city of Delphi, Greece, was the home of the enigmatic prophets and muses.