The United States military has taken an interest in the supernatural entity in It: Welcome to Derry in hopes of creating a weapon. As they up their search efforts, It continues to terrorize children in the the small Maine town.
“Now You See It” sheds more light from the military perspective. The flashback opening highlights how General Shaw has intimate knowledge of Pennywise. His experiences reinforce the mythology of the creature and the town set previously. No matter the era, It is always terrifying but the old timey freak show creates even more unsettling vibes. The series so far has always done a good job making the viewer uncomfortable at the right times.
The intro also builds the unique and complicated relationship Shaw has with Rose, the pawn shop owner. She was previously introduced during Charlotte Hanlon’s shopping, and now we have a better idea how Rose and the other indigenous people factor into the monster. It’s also an interesting look at an earlier generation tackling Derry’s dark secret.
The gradual lead up to the identity of the two children from the beginning is done well. From names to the slingshot to the pleasant reunion Although, the pleasantries might not last too much longer. Shaw and Rose seem to be on opposite sides when it comes to It. The episode effectively develops its characters on the periphery and the overall narrative at the same time. Various aspects of the overall story are starting to come together while potential future conflicts appear on It: Welcome to Derry.
The actual search for Pennywise leads to some striking and insightful visuals. We see how Hallorann’s telepathy works as he tries to form a connection. It’s like a glimpse at something forbidden as we see things through the eyes of a monster. When he is detected, Hallorann relives traumatic moments of his past as punishment and we preview his darker side. It’s a peculiar scene since we don’t normally see It interact with adults.
Afterwards, It: Welcome to Derry delivers some intriguing character moments and dynamics. Major Hanlon continues to be a sharp man of integrity. He is able to surmise Hallorann’s abilities and that he was one of his attackers in the premiere. It’s further placing the major as the chosen one since Hallorann is definitely spooked by Pennywise, and wants someone like Hanlon in the trenches with him when they have to capture it. It’s an uneasy partnership since Hanlon has his doubts
We can’t forget the kids from the show’s present. Lilly, Ronnie, Will, and Rich have an encounter as they try to obtain evidence of the entity. The quiet moments are fun, intimate instances of kids being kids. The horrors are delightful and thrilling. The movements and expressions from a statue properly set the stage for the excitement and urgency to come with the chase. There is a little twisted factor as the apparitions take the form of the dead friends and loved ones, and the whereabouts and use of the camera add to the panic and suspense.
Amongst the chaos, it’s the little things that also stand out helping to solidify the bond these youths have formed from their shared trauma on It: Welcome to Derry. When Ronnie and Lilly hold hands while they try to evade their pursuers adds a brief respite of relief knowing they are not alone. Further enhancing their togetherness is the embrace the four share once they are safe. All that danger pays off as you can feel their triumph after developing the pictures but the mood turns more ominous with the photo of the clown. An impactful closing shot after a literal race for their lives.
“Now You See It” begins to connect the dots from the different plot lines and ends with a thrilling and suspenseful chase.
New episodes of It: Welcome to Derry release Sundays on HBO.
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