Mayfair Witches Recap: A Bad Trip

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Have you ever experienced a situation similar to this: During Thanksgiving break at college, you unexpectedly run into a cousin you haven’t seen in a while. She invites you to a party, and despite your initial reservations, you agree. Before you know it, you find yourself playing Flip Cup with an individual named Chad in an unfinished basement in a place you’ve never been before. The problem is, you can’t leave because your cousin is involved with Chad’s roommate, Matt. This scenario somewhat resembles the events of this episode. However, unlike the original situation, Rowan doesn’t have the option to call her father in distress because her father is actually the one serving Jägermeister shots (symbolically speaking).

Although I understand how and why our group of Rowan, Moira, Cortland, and Lark traveled from New Orleans to Scotland, it always feels as if they’ve suddenly popped up in another story without warning, making them seem out of place. The peculiarity is that only Lark seems to recognize this. To be honest, I must confess that I’m growing fond of Lark more than any other character within these 40-plus minutes. Out of everyone on my screen, Lark is the one who reminds me most of myself.

The atmosphere is incredibly foul as soon as the NOLA Mayfairs (including Lark) arrive at Kilbride, for Cortland’s wicked brother Ian has deliberately made it so. Ian is leaving no room for doubt that the NOLA Mayfairs won’t spoil the wedding he’s arranged between Lasher and Emaleth. Lasher, as you may know, is a god, according to some accounts, and Emaleth is said to be his only true love, along with being the only other living Taltos besides Lasher. Instead of simply inviting them over, Ian devises a complex plan to kidnap his American relatives, using a baffling flat tire and missing hotel reservation as excuses.

The residents of town are hosting a Michaelmas festival, creatively designed by the girls from Yellowjackets. While Michaelmas is traditionally a Catholic feast day, Rowan points out that this celebration appears to have little connection with Catholicism. Historically, the Catholic Church has been known for its aesthetic elegance, but they’ve always been against horned creatures.

As for that topic, have you ever found it reminiscent of Catholic structures? I’m referring to the mysterious, secretive Amsterdam-based organization known as the Talamasca. Now, Sip is here again, and I must share some intriguing news: he’s showing a hint of defiance, choosing not to continue working with the Talamasca unless they grant him Albrecht’s old position and begin sharing the truth with him. They promise to discuss it further after their meeting, or as they put it, run it up the flagpole and get back to him post-conclave.

Returning to the topic of Kilbride, let’s recap the events: Moira went missing after she followed a man in a red cloak due to some voice she heard. Unfortunately, their reservation is missing from the hotel system because it was made through a third-party app, and they’ll need to sort it out with Hotels dot com; she merely works here. Quite visibly, there’s already someone ready with a vehicle to transport them to another hotel.

It’s hard to believe we need to ask this, but could it be true that they’ll leave Moira behind in this foreign town for a kidnapping scheme? Regrettably, yes, that appears to be their plan since Rowan believes she’s engaged in high-level strategy like 3D chess. Frankly, it comes as no shock. Over the years, one thing I’ve learned about Rowan is that she’s often on the verge of a flimsy excuse for abandoning her loved ones to their peril, and more so when she’s the one who’s put them in danger initially.

Lark’s apprehension intensifies fourfold upon reaching “the other hotel,” which turns out to be Ian’s residence. Lark repeatedly expresses her suspicion that this is a trap, but what if Rowan manages to deceive the Scottish Mayfairs by following their wishes? They won’t anticipate that move! Here, both Lark and I are mentally pounding our heads against a wall, as Moira remains missing.

Rowan boldly enters the manor, exhibiting the unjustified arrogance of a young tech CEO, yet lacking any real power or influence. At every turn, she’s outmaneuvered and humiliated. First, she politely requests from Ian if she could obtain a single vial of Lasher’s blood, but is denied. Cunning adversary! She swiftly resorts to magical strangulation as a means of coercion, only to be thwarted once more. The entire family is mysteriously connected to Bonnie, such that if Ian can’t breathe, neither can the innocent girl sitting quietly in the corner. Oh bother!

Unfazed, Rowan makes one final, awkward attempt at manipulating Hamish, who she has quickly labeled as the family’s outcast following a brief observation. Believing she is engaging in sophisticated psychological tactics, Rowan offers Hamish money, college tuition, and a green card on the condition that he betrays his entire family by revealing Lasher’s whereabouts. Intrigued, Hamish agrees to help find Lasher. However, Rowan should be aware that she is being deceived, a fact that anyone with experience at summer camp would immediately recognize. Nevertheless, Rowan is so convinced of her own cleverness that she blindly trusts his words.

In simpler terms, it seems Cortland isn’t aware that he’s being manipulated and thinks highly of himself as a puppet master. Currently, Cortland is acting out his hurt feelings like a child, so Ian merely needs to say, “But the whole time, Dad made me feel left out because of you!” This makes Cortland believe Ian is under his control, allowing him to enjoy the family barbecue. However, I find it hard to sympathize with Cortland, and I don’t think anyone else trusts him enough to be influenced by his opinions. So, Cortland can bond with Ian “Human Sacrifice Master” Mayfair as much as he wants. As far as I’m concerned, he can stay in Scotland with the peculiar relatives.

The relatives are downright spooky, even by Mayfair’s peculiar standards. Bone Doll’s magic is akin to advanced astrology compared to a mask crafted from human skin, specifically Albrecht Escher’s. It seems these individuals treat Albrecht’s face as casually as one might a Halloween costume purchase, yet Rowan still chooses to rest in that house. Rowan’s lack of concern about potentially becoming their next mask suggests she may have overestimated her intuition. Lark does not share this confidence in Rowan’s instincts, but is swayed by his own desire for her, a desire that sets us apart. After seducing Lark to slumber, Rowan secretly slips away to probe the suspicious tip. Naturally, once she reaches her destination, the black sheep seals the door shut behind her.

Meanwhile, as all these events unfold, Lasher is being prepared for his wedding to the woman claimed to be his one true love. However, the Scottish Mayfairs assert this, but Lasher has never met her and continues to doubt even after seeing her perched on a highland cow in a neighboring meadow, who has been waiting for five centuries. To him, she doesn’t seem appealing enough, and moreover, he is aware that he kills those with whom he shares intimacy. This upcoming wedding seems destined for catastrophe.

Additional Questions, Comments, and Concerns

Mentioned is Daniel Molloy’s book, indicating the likely limits of the connection between it and “Interview With the Vampire.

• At least we got some answers about the milk thing.

It seems that Moira has learned birds have entered the Mayfair residence. This leads me to suspect that Jojo and Daphne might be in trouble.

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2025-02-17 07:59