Mayfair Witches Recap: Texts From Your Ex

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As a cinema enthusiast, I must say, “The Mayfair Witches” is proving to be quite intriguing, albeit not on the level of masterpieces like “The Sopranos.” However, what’s captivating is how the second episode, “Double Helix,” and the one before it, have delved deeper into the peculiarities and campiness that are inherent in the series’ premise without succumbing to it. It’s a delicate balance they’re striking, and I’m here for it!

It appears as though all my theories have been debunked, but I’m at peace with that reality. As it transpires, Rowan is ineffective without Lasher by his side, and Julien’s soul isn’t hidden within his old garments; instead, it dwells within his antique Victrola. To be fair, the only credit I can claim is recognizing that there was a romantic past between Rowan and Lark – something rather obvious in hindsight. However, a romantic history I failed to anticipate? Yes, of course, you’re aware of that too.

Thankfully, I’ve managed to stay a step ahead of Sip, Mayfair’s perpetual naïve character, which offers some reassurance. It seems Sip is consistently taken aback, as I was saying, to learn that the man who deceived and left him in the not-so-distant past has once again done him wrong. Yes, Albrecht Escher ran off with Lasher, leaving Sip in a bind without any more than a passive-aggressive message on a bottle of amber liquor as a farewell. Now, it appears that the Talamasca have taken Sip to Amsterdam for an official interrogation, and honestly, I can’t help but think he should have foreseen this when he began working with Albrecht.

The series “Double Helix” spends less time on Sip’s incapability (the show hasn’t shown us what he read from the fireplace yet) and focuses more on the growing partnership between Rowan and Moira, reminiscent of strong TV relationships. Initially at odds, they must learn to trust each other for their collaboration to succeed. This journey will reveal not just teamwork, but a deeper understanding of friendship as well. Jojo hasn’t been completely replaced in the story, but if Rowan can’t save her from danger, then yes, she might as well be considered so.

Today’s situation involves Starsky and Hutch trying to rescue Jojo and Daphne, however, as long as Lasher remains distant, Rowan lacks the necessary resources. The day isn’t shaping up well, and it seems that Rowan and Moira haven’t grasped the importance of working together yet. It appears our heroes woke up this morning still upset from last night, arguing instead of cooperating to find solutions. Instead of collaborating, they seem more focused on outdoing each other, which I’ve noted down for your reference.

  • Rowan promised she would kill Lasher and didn’t follow through. (Moira +1)
  • But she really did try to kill him. (Rowan +1)
  • Well, Rowan sucks at killing Lasher. (Moira +1)
  • If Moira hadn’t tipped off the Talamasca, then Lasher would still be here, and they’d be able to un-thrall Jojo and Daphne. (Rowan +1)
  • Moira only tipped off the Talamasca because Rowan isn’t exactly trustworthy. (Moira +1)
  • Rowan, who was always the underdog in this face-off, whiffs it with a weak “fuck you.” (Moira +1)

With a score of 4-2 remaining, Moira, it seems like neither Jojo nor Daphne, who occasionally materialize as holograms within the mansion, would find much solace in our efforts. They might suggest that what they truly need is for Sip to quickly drive past the house with Lasher, giving Rowan a chance to tap into his magical power source.

It transpired that during one part of the night, Rowan, under the influence of magic, briefly woke up and sent Lark a series of confusing and regrettable text messages. Now, these messages need to be addressed. Here’s what they said: [Your quoted text]

This night iz a DISASTR. I’m trapped them in the house I have to ffix it. When I do

Meet tomorrow

Ur probably asleep I’ve sorry

I’m can fx this will do tomorrow

You should have stayed in SF nad Im NOT being selfish. You’d be a very good surgen

Family thing my fault

Genuinely, the most relatable Rowan has ever been.

In the morning, instead of messaging Lark an apology and explanation via text, she chooses to meet him at his hotel for a breakfast meeting. While some might think it’s better to communicate through text in such situations, Rowan prefers to discuss her issues face-to-face. This is understandable, given her past experiences. Despite the fact that Jojo and Daphne are engaged in a game of 21 Questions on an unseen plane, and I’m not sure if they even eat there, Rowan prioritizes her encounter with Lark – her former partner who failed to inform her about his new job across the country during their move-in process. Their conversation is uneventful, brief, and seemingly pointless, but it manages to arouse Lark’s suspicions enough for him to secretly take Rowan’s coffee cup for genetic testing. Kudos, girl, as Moira might say.

At the moment, let’s concentrate on our immediate goal. Unfortunately, Lasher isn’t available for assistance with a drive-by as he’s currently with Albrecht in some unknown location, and I myself am anticipating capture by the magical authorities. Moreover, our house is mysteriously collapsing, though we’ve categorized that problem as level C priority.

As a film enthusiast, my next step in this intricate puzzle would be to head to Cortland’s hideout – a place Rowan has just recollected being trapped within his father’s study, escaping the torment of Dead Aunt’s relentless harassment. If there’s still some connection between Cortland and Albrecht, perhaps he could provide crucial intel on Lasher’s whereabouts. However, figuring out how to persuade Albrecht for a Lasher drive-by, should we manage to locate him, seems like an issue for another day.

Moira plays a crucial role during interrogations. She’s like a human lie detector, but she goes a step further by providing context that Cortland often leaves out when answering questions. Yes, Cortland is sincere about wanting to help Jojo. However, it seems he can no longer reach Albrecht directly. (Even though Cortland may not have heard Albrecht call him “a dead end” explicitly last episode, he certainly picked up the implication.)

Jojo and Dead Aunt claim Cortland resembles his wicked father, Julien, but Moira clarifies that Cortland is not the villain we require; it’s Julien who fits the bill. Even though Julien has passed away, Rowan points out that this family’s history suggests such a fact doesn’t matter much. After a series of realizations, the group deduces that Julien managed to bind himself to his Victrola, the very same one Dolly Jean was observed loading onto her large trolley last night. Thus, we head towards Dolly Jean’s house!

Incidentally, here’s a brief update: The family is planning to overthrow Rowan. Moira expresses her displeasure, stating that Rowan has been using them as decoy, which they are not fond of. (Moira +1.)

After a dramatic surge of the Mayfair relationship gauge, it’s revealed that Julien is in a trio with undead sisters Dolly Jean and Evelyn. Although it seems likely that there’s some genetic separation between Julien and his sister-partners given their racial presentations, attending the same family gatherings doesn’t appear to provide enough genetic distance for me. However, let’s move forward with this intriguing scenario.

In summary, as previously mentioned, Julien’s vitality is tied to the Victrola, enabling Dolly Jean and Evelyn to spend romantic moments with him in a world he’s created. This same realm was where Julien used to torment Cortland during his statue phase. Eager to converse with Julien, Rowan is ready to dive into the Victrola, but Julien holds all the power within his domain. One might wonder why he’d let Rowan in since she’s not well-liked. On the other hand, Moira, who’s recently become proactive, attempts a daring move by attempting to directly read the thoughts of the Victrola. This action proves both courageous and potentially harmful to her health.

In a strange, almost trance-like state or medical incident, she suddenly yelled something relating to the children of God’s draft and “Taltos,” but provided little additional information. Despite this, it wasn’t entirely fruitless; it gave Rowan and Moira an opportunity to bond in the hospital as Moira recuperated, thereby concluding their buddy-cop storyline.

With mutual trust established between them (Moira and Rowan), Rowan has become more determined to discuss matters directly with Julien and undoubtedly express her feelings strongly. Meanwhile, back at her dilapidated manor, she consumes a magical concoction, allows Dolly Jean to prick her finger, applies the blood onto a revolving record, and finds herself transported into Julien’s realm.

For once, I hope she listens to Cortland when he calls Julien “a honey-tongued devil!”

Additional Questions, Comments, and Concerns

• ICYMI, Sip’s scrap of paper also reads, “Taltos.” Oooooohhhhh.

While Lark is analyzing Rowan and Lasher’s genetic profiles, would you suppose he wouldn’t mind checking on the rest of the family too? It seems there might be a high degree of familial interbreeding going on, which could potentially lead to complications.

Instead of Albrecht’s mind tricks allowing him to prevent Moira from accessing his thoughts, perhaps it could be rephrased as: How was Moira unable to perceive Albrecht’s thoughts right away, if not for his skillful use of mental deceptions?

The phrase embroidered on Albrecht’s cloak, when translated from Latin, means ‘We watch and are always present.’ If any Latin scholars have concerns about this translation, feel free to share your insights, but I’m not sure why you’d be here otherwise.

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2025-01-27 06:55