The patrons at The Black Spot were having a fun night out. But as last week’s It: Welcome to Derry came to a close, trouble was right outside the door. The latest episode follows the explosive events that occur during the rest of the evening.
(*Spoilers Ahead!*)
The cold opening provides background on the original Pennywise the Dancing Clown and his close relationship to his daughter. More relevant, the scenes depict a pivot in the entity’s strategy to attract young victims and why it took on its iconic appearance. A tasty mythology morsel before things get out of hand.
The following half hour of It: Welcome to Derry is a gripping sequence of events beginning with a tense racial standoff. When all Hell breaks loose, the moment captures the frantic chaos that results. The camera shots bring the viewer close into the action, and it’s as violent as you would expect from all the foreshadowing the series has done prophesying a deadly act preceding the entity’s deep slumber. The entire assault takes a reference from the source material and visually expands it for the small screen.
There are many casualties, but none are more heartbreaking than the loss of one of the kids. Rich has been such a cutie pie with his diminutive stature, jokes, and romantic side. He’s definitely endeared himself to the viewer. You always hoped he could find a way to save his girl, but unfortunately at his own expense. The dialog while he sacrifices himself is a schmaltzy puppy love confession, but it doesn’t make it less impactful. At least he goes out as a hero.
“The Black Spot” slows the pace afterwards to take a breather and mourn the losses. However, in this time, the plot goes off the rails a bit particularly with regards to the military narrative. The real plan is finally revealed but falls flat. We already know General Shaw could not be trusted but his motives are horrible. It’s a weak attempt to match the fascist sentiments of the present.
Luckily, It: Welcome to Derry is able to recapture the positive momentum in the final scene. You can never believe it in the horror genre whenever a character mentions how the worst is behind us. Especially when there is still one more episode in the season. The encounter builds the suspense exhibiting how manipulative Pennywise can be followed by the Deadlights. A suspenseful cliffhanger to head into the finale.
The bar siege is an enthralling first half of the episode filled with tense action and heartbreak. Though it loses steam with the military narrative, the suspenseful final moments recapture the momentum.
New Episodes of It: Welcome to Derry air Sundays on HBO.
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