June 1, 2006
2.09 - Habeas Corpus
Lisa struggles to deal with Toby's death. The "Nadjanna" situation is out of control. Crucial information on the Kalishax demon threat comes from an unlikely source.
habeas corpus, L. More correctly habeas corpus ad subjiciendum, "(That) you may have/hold the body to be subjected to (examination)." In common law, a prerogative writ ordering that a prisoner be brought to the court so it can be determined whether or not the prisoner is being imprisoned lawfully.
The teaser is a montage of flashbacks. We see a series of recent events, both those that happened on-screen and those that happened off. Central to this is Lisa, Ben, and Nadja attending Toby's funeral at the family estate in Napa. We also see signs of the continuing demon exodus -- the streets of New Orleans are deserted, nightclubs are boarded up. We get the distinct impression that it isn't safe to be out at night.
The episode begins with a flashback to Mardi Gras 2004. Anna Durkin is there, oblivious to her impending demise. The people in the scene around her move in slow motion and begin to fade out. Anna fades out as well and we morph into a much subdued Mardi Gras 2005.
The Krewe watches a parade in the French Quarter. As a float passes by, Armstrong glimpses someone staring at him from across the street. The stranger is blocked by the passing floats; when the float is gone, so is he. This happens several times and the krewe moves closer. We finally get a good look at the mysterious stranger: it's Toby.
Back at Lisa's apartment things get metaphysical. Lights go out, windows rattle and shatter. Rain pours suddenly from a cloudless sky. Lightning flashes light the dark room, showing glimpses of something moving about. Books fly off of shelves and pile up in the corner. Doors slam open and shut of their own will.
A wisp of irridescent mist begins to coalesce in one corner of the ceiling. It grows rapidly, billowing outward like smoke. Suddenly it streaks out of the corner and to -- and through -- the nearest human. As it passes through them they are instantly numbed physically and they mentally go blank. It seems to them like a much longer time than it actually is. It continues this behaviour until it has passed through every person present. Several of them pass out from the shock. The "presence" blasts upward and disappears through the ceiling. At this point the lights, etc. come back on. Candles flicker slowly back to life.
Toby has now joined the party, but claims that the just-witnessed fireworks were not his doing. He claims that he's been assigned by W&H (see below) to act as the Krewe's liaison in their current investigation. He doesn't know how or why he was killed, but W&H is very curious. As a sign of good faith he presents them a dossier on the wizard behind the Kalishax threat.
Later, at the Domingue house, Toby shows them a "portal" that the five of them pass through. When they arrive at the other side (wherever that may be) they find an old crone waiting for them. (It seems like she's been waiting for quite a spell.)
Demons? Meddlers in sorcery? Craven little beasts that feed on vampire filth? Dead things? Is there NO hope?
-- Crone
In a somewhat cryptic manner, the crone instructs them on what they must do to defeat the Kalishax and their master: "The five shall join their blood. The killer first and the one who deceives. She who is more and less than what she seems will lay hands on them and join her blood with theirs. The two who are the vessel must be wrapped in the shroud of the dead one. When it is full, IT shall drink."
The crone's prophecy delivered, the five find themselves back in Armstrong's living room. There's a great deal of discussion over what exactly is meant by "the killer," "the one who deceives," etc. After some heated discussion they perform what they believe the ritual to be. The "shroud" vanishes and they believe they're on the right track..
The final battle with the Kalishax horde is a bloody mess. Joel's "agency" lends support but the carnage is still extreme. Nadja/Anna figures out the key to the prophecy and ritual -- whatever magic they have performed has made her poisonous to the wizard controlling the Kalishax. When he attempts to feed from her he is destroyed... and Anna and Nadja are permanently joined.
Toby's Deal
Contrary to standard practice, Toby's contract with Wolfram and Hart did not contain the standard "perpetuity clause." Instead, he was approached after his demise with an offer he couldn't refuse. He has no clear memories from around the time of his murder, but he -- and Wolfram and Hart -- are very interested in finding out more.
Music
- Nine Inch Nails, "The Fragile Left"