This...THIS EPISODE HERE, this is what I've been waiting for since episode 1. The creepy, the magic, the monster, and the story, has all come together in this episode. This was, so far, the best episode of the series. (Can't wait to see what role the succubus plays!)
20 Reviews
This is the show I'm here for
sjorr785 October 2020
This episode had everything I've been wanting from this show. Sometimes the show is all over the place, which as a viewer is so frustrating. but I keep sticking around hoping it will find it's pace. If it keeps up with episodes like this, episode 1 and the meet me in daegu I'll stick around.
phenomenal
shatoumalou-691615 October 2020
Phenomenal series!
hnt_dnl5 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This show has really hit it's stride at this point. JIG-A-BOBO is now the new best episode of the season. Incorporating virtually all of the major characters, this episode had perfect pacing. Even in some of the weaker episodes earlier in the season, one thing I thought was consistent was the acting and it continues to amaze me deep into the season. Each episode has allowed a new character to shine and in this one, that character is Diana Freeman, the youngest of the show, brilliantly played by child acting phenom Jada Harris. This girl displayed some awesome acting chops start to finish, relaying Diana's (Dee for short) sadness, fear, determination and toughness. When even the child actors on your show are brilliant, you know you've got something special on your hands.
In addition to Dee strong subplot, this episode had a lot of other running subplots that were superb as (1) both of Atticus' love interests Leti and Ji meet causing trouble between he and Leti (2) Ruby and Christina have an emotionally powerful scene where Ruby questions Christina's ability to empathize compelling Christina to take drastic action (3) Atticus and Montrose continue to have a tempestuous relationship but work together to try and harness magic and (4) Christina has a separate interesting interactions with Atticus and Leti. In fact, I'd say that this was a strong Christina episode as well. Abbey Lee has been very persuasive as the mysterious, complicated woman trying to manipulate her way through a male dominated society. The writers do a great job of not just focusing on the racial aspects, but female power as well. I would also recommend that Wunmee Mosaku submit this episode for Emmy consideration because that speech to Christina was some sublime acting on her part.
I can safely say that this episode is the standout so far. I can only imagine what the last 2 of the season have in store for the viewers.
In addition to Dee strong subplot, this episode had a lot of other running subplots that were superb as (1) both of Atticus' love interests Leti and Ji meet causing trouble between he and Leti (2) Ruby and Christina have an emotionally powerful scene where Ruby questions Christina's ability to empathize compelling Christina to take drastic action (3) Atticus and Montrose continue to have a tempestuous relationship but work together to try and harness magic and (4) Christina has a separate interesting interactions with Atticus and Leti. In fact, I'd say that this was a strong Christina episode as well. Abbey Lee has been very persuasive as the mysterious, complicated woman trying to manipulate her way through a male dominated society. The writers do a great job of not just focusing on the racial aspects, but female power as well. I would also recommend that Wunmee Mosaku submit this episode for Emmy consideration because that speech to Christina was some sublime acting on her part.
I can safely say that this episode is the standout so far. I can only imagine what the last 2 of the season have in store for the viewers.
THIS is what we've been waiting for!
zorrodg-316-2383305 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Let's be honest, Lovecraft Country has been a tad bit uneven up until this point. The episodes with strong social themes skimp on the magic and scares, conversely the spectacle-heavy episodes have been lacking in the department of social commentary.
But THIS EPISODE had it all. Magic, monsters, a strong emotional center, biting social commentary, genuine scares and a bloodbath of an ending that twists what fans of the novel might've expected and sends the series barreling towards what will no doubt be a rip roaring conclusion.
The character work was strong, the action was gloriously gory, the narrative twists are juicy and my GOD I haven't been so elated over a last minute life-saving intervention since T'Challa stepped out of the portal in Endgame. This is Lovecraft Country operating at its full potential and I couldn't be happier with the results.
But THIS EPISODE had it all. Magic, monsters, a strong emotional center, biting social commentary, genuine scares and a bloodbath of an ending that twists what fans of the novel might've expected and sends the series barreling towards what will no doubt be a rip roaring conclusion.
The character work was strong, the action was gloriously gory, the narrative twists are juicy and my GOD I haven't been so elated over a last minute life-saving intervention since T'Challa stepped out of the portal in Endgame. This is Lovecraft Country operating at its full potential and I couldn't be happier with the results.
Creepier than Pennywise!!! R.I.P. Emmett Till SPOILERS
smokeweeda28 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I loved this episode! The young actress was excellent. It should be a movie on its own!! Halloween costume ideas galore!!
Also, notice how Christine purposeful dies the same way that Emmett Till died and then one of the men says " who would want to die that way". Great symbolism in that. Also notice how the little black girl goes through all this trauma but is constantly ignored or pushed aside by society and her loved ones. The symbolism has me shook!!
Also, notice how Christine purposeful dies the same way that Emmett Till died and then one of the men says " who would want to die that way". Great symbolism in that. Also notice how the little black girl goes through all this trauma but is constantly ignored or pushed aside by society and her loved ones. The symbolism has me shook!!
Insanely good
raphemond5 October 2020
Brilliant Episode, more like this...
jamesdaish5 October 2020
A Creepy New Addition Steals The Episode. Still Hoping For More Coherency For the Whole Season.
ObsessiveCinemaDisorder11 October 2020
This week's episode of Lovecraft Country, titled Jig-A-Bobo, centers on Hippolyta's daughter Diana. It begins with our heroes attending a memorial for Emmett Till, who is a friend of Diana's. Diana is stopped by Captain Lancaster who is in search of the orrery. When Diana refuses, Lancaster casts a spell that leads two malevolent spirits following her around.
The malevolent spirits Topsy and Bobsy were effectively creepy and stole the episode. Topsy and Bobsy are the equivalents of Freddy Krueger and the faceless stalking monster from It Follows having twin voodoo daughters. The twin spirits are perpetually tribal dancing with their back to you but moving their way towards you. Every now and then, they'll throw a death glance at you from behind their shoulders. What's creepy is these ghoul girls take their time, knowing they'll eventually get you. You wonder, what happens when they reach their target?
For diehard horror film fans, the character design might be sacrilege as it so blatantly takes its concept from A Nightmare On Elm Street. You will know when you hear it.
Things are seemingly coming together in Jig-A-Bobo as it sets up the season finale. This should be the moment to feel pumped up in anticipation but everything's been told in such a scattered fashion through this first season, it's hard to stay invested at this point to what happens because there have been so many carpets pulled beneath us so many times that any further plot twists are nullified.
I promise not to spoil here; Atticus reveals something monumental that could have been an entire episode in itself. Instead, it's just mentioned in passing, which is just hugely disappointing on a storytelling level. I officially accept Atticus Freeman as a protagonist that is just there to serve the weekly episode and no longer expecting the show to give him any real depth.
Even Ji-Ah shows up and is disappointingly dealt with in a throwaway fashion, wasting all the goodwill built from Meet Me in Daegu, one of the show's strongest episodes.
The writers keep trying to shock us with hot topics or magical story devices instead of getting us to care about what's happening to the characters. I don't know what's at stake and whenever I do, I lose track from all the story meandering. I appreciate the idea of referencing Emmett Till and incorporating that piece of black history, but it's used purely to grab the audience's attention at the beginning of the episode. I got a jolt seeing that part of history, yes, but on another level, I feel bad that the episode doesn't have anything to say about Emmett Till beyond the reference.
I've never tried this hard to like a TV show as I have with Lovecraft Country. Every week the show has intermittently shown its potential and squanders it in the next. I'm glad I am watching the show and am excited to see how it combines pulp fiction genres with social commentary that is current in our times. However, the sprawling attention-deficit story structure of this first season is slowly killing that excitement every week.
The malevolent spirits Topsy and Bobsy were effectively creepy and stole the episode. Topsy and Bobsy are the equivalents of Freddy Krueger and the faceless stalking monster from It Follows having twin voodoo daughters. The twin spirits are perpetually tribal dancing with their back to you but moving their way towards you. Every now and then, they'll throw a death glance at you from behind their shoulders. What's creepy is these ghoul girls take their time, knowing they'll eventually get you. You wonder, what happens when they reach their target?
For diehard horror film fans, the character design might be sacrilege as it so blatantly takes its concept from A Nightmare On Elm Street. You will know when you hear it.
Things are seemingly coming together in Jig-A-Bobo as it sets up the season finale. This should be the moment to feel pumped up in anticipation but everything's been told in such a scattered fashion through this first season, it's hard to stay invested at this point to what happens because there have been so many carpets pulled beneath us so many times that any further plot twists are nullified.
I promise not to spoil here; Atticus reveals something monumental that could have been an entire episode in itself. Instead, it's just mentioned in passing, which is just hugely disappointing on a storytelling level. I officially accept Atticus Freeman as a protagonist that is just there to serve the weekly episode and no longer expecting the show to give him any real depth.
Even Ji-Ah shows up and is disappointingly dealt with in a throwaway fashion, wasting all the goodwill built from Meet Me in Daegu, one of the show's strongest episodes.
The writers keep trying to shock us with hot topics or magical story devices instead of getting us to care about what's happening to the characters. I don't know what's at stake and whenever I do, I lose track from all the story meandering. I appreciate the idea of referencing Emmett Till and incorporating that piece of black history, but it's used purely to grab the audience's attention at the beginning of the episode. I got a jolt seeing that part of history, yes, but on another level, I feel bad that the episode doesn't have anything to say about Emmett Till beyond the reference.
I've never tried this hard to like a TV show as I have with Lovecraft Country. Every week the show has intermittently shown its potential and squanders it in the next. I'm glad I am watching the show and am excited to see how it combines pulp fiction genres with social commentary that is current in our times. However, the sprawling attention-deficit story structure of this first season is slowly killing that excitement every week.
Ex Oblivione
southdavid6 October 2020
It wasn't until the day after I watched this episode that I discovered that I'd been labouring under the misapprehension that there were 8 episode in this season and that I'd not just witnessed a season finale that was a bit of an anti-climax. With that in mind, episode 8 was another in the long line of fractured storytelling that, for me, has undermined this series - but it did have, comfortably the season's most unsettling characters.
With Chicago's residents reeling from the horrific murder of a young black child, racial tensions are again raised. Both Leti (Jurnee Smollett) and Atticus (Jonathan Majors) have their minds on using the magic they know to defend their family, but the cost for either of them may be costly. Diana (Jada Harris) having seemingly now lost her mother, falls foul of Captain Lancaster (Mac Bandt) who puts a curse on her, and makes her the target for two horrific creatures, that only she can see.
It's hard not to start with the pair sent to stalk Diana, played by Kaelynn Harris and Bianca Brewton, a creepy (and offensive) make up and costume effect does some of the work, but mostly it's the actors using their dance backgrounds to create the inhuman movements for the twin monsters that is the most unsettling. The show has been gory before, and utilised jump scares from time to time, but this is some genuine horror and their appearances are a shuddering highlight of the episode.
Less successful is still how all of what we're seeing ties together. Though this was one of the better episodes overall, it was more in the visuals of the conclusion and the creepy pair than it was in cohesive storytelling. It took me a while to work out that the funeral at the top of the episode wasn't related to something that we'd already seen. Plot points such as the totem that Ruby dropped in Lancasters office, Montrose murdering Yahima, the whole storyline with Ji-Ah don't feel (at the moment) like they've contributed to the season arc.
The power and relevancy of its themes have always been undeniable ("I can't breathe") but it's a show of good moments, rather than a good story.
With Chicago's residents reeling from the horrific murder of a young black child, racial tensions are again raised. Both Leti (Jurnee Smollett) and Atticus (Jonathan Majors) have their minds on using the magic they know to defend their family, but the cost for either of them may be costly. Diana (Jada Harris) having seemingly now lost her mother, falls foul of Captain Lancaster (Mac Bandt) who puts a curse on her, and makes her the target for two horrific creatures, that only she can see.
It's hard not to start with the pair sent to stalk Diana, played by Kaelynn Harris and Bianca Brewton, a creepy (and offensive) make up and costume effect does some of the work, but mostly it's the actors using their dance backgrounds to create the inhuman movements for the twin monsters that is the most unsettling. The show has been gory before, and utilised jump scares from time to time, but this is some genuine horror and their appearances are a shuddering highlight of the episode.
Less successful is still how all of what we're seeing ties together. Though this was one of the better episodes overall, it was more in the visuals of the conclusion and the creepy pair than it was in cohesive storytelling. It took me a while to work out that the funeral at the top of the episode wasn't related to something that we'd already seen. Plot points such as the totem that Ruby dropped in Lancasters office, Montrose murdering Yahima, the whole storyline with Ji-Ah don't feel (at the moment) like they've contributed to the season arc.
The power and relevancy of its themes have always been undeniable ("I can't breathe") but it's a show of good moments, rather than a good story.
FINALLY an episode that makes you invested in the story.
bokobojanov5 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Episodes are usually hit or miss, there isnt really a middle ground. Im glad this one was a solid hit, the curse of Dee, the reveal that Tic went in the future and it was unexpected that his SON wrote the book this series is based of and its explained in a meta way why the creators of the show changed things up and deviated from the book. But the monster scene and the father-son talk with Atticus and Montrose really made this episode memorable. Good stuff, judging the preview of the next episode things are finally picking up the pace.
On Full Blast Now
Uzer_error4045 October 2020
Up to this point, 'Lovecraft Country' has developed an infamous pattern where the previous episode doesn't tie directly into the next. I'm used to the uneven pace, which I found annoying at the beginning, but now I kinda see where the show is heading.
By far, this episode delivers on some authentic fears rooted in real life. You got the ever-present weigh of Jim Crow era America on top of strange magical forces and now even space/time alterations going on all at once. Like most episodes of this series, there is a lot to unpack and there's more said between the lines rather than outright.
Altogether, I feel the pacing of this show has improved significantly from the awful editing job of 'Whitey On the Moon.'
By far, this episode delivers on some authentic fears rooted in real life. You got the ever-present weigh of Jim Crow era America on top of strange magical forces and now even space/time alterations going on all at once. Like most episodes of this series, there is a lot to unpack and there's more said between the lines rather than outright.
Altogether, I feel the pacing of this show has improved significantly from the awful editing job of 'Whitey On the Moon.'
HOLY CRA*! HOLY CRA*!!!
rodrigues-3918911 October 2020
This episode had everything. It discusses racial injustices in the case of emet till and how POC are constantly harassed by police. It has the perfect amount of horror with the two demon girls (in perfect Jordan peele style). Things are finally starting to all tie together and the little pieces that have been scattered throughout the season are being pieces together perfectly. I was a bit skeptical about where the show was heading in the beginning but now I'm glad I stayed for the ride. AMAZING!!!
I agree with y'all - best episode ever
kirbie-3448115 November 2020
I am Glad the show is Kinda Picking up, but its Taken Too Long
DuskShadow5 October 2020
Its unfortunate that HBO seems to have such a flawed grasp of making shows I have seen through their services, fore I have far too often been disappointed.
I see the same things without deeper delves into things, and too many questions left not only unanswered, but virtually not even addressed. AND I HATE THAT IN HBO SHOWS!
Lovecraft Country was something I was looking forward to for almost 2 years, but then when it starts to get interesting in one episode, then its all over the place in another. Then it picks up, hits you with something unfortunate from that time period, like the death of Emmet Till, then it goes slower than books revolving around the same magic and eldritch monster genre of Lovcraftian greatness.. Sure this doesnt literally have anything to do with works by H.P. Lovecraft, but I wanted more.
The show tends to over shoot for glory like most of the shows on HBO over the last 20 years. Yet I still like it, but that pacing and direction just seems to waste so much time. Going from one riveting tale, then to one thats far blander, then BOOM to something about ghosts and exorcisms, just to have an episode full of more dialogue than action or a lack of supernatural eldritch goodness tends to make me lose interest. And this is still roughly the same as the actual "mythos" that share the same name. I get times were "tough" over 70 years ago, hell every era has tough times for somebody, and nobody has had a strict monopoly on suffering, so I understand that from a black persons perspective, running around trying to solve mysteries and the like would have ben much more tough that if a white person was doing it back then. ITs still an intriguing premise to the point that even with more knowledge and a bit of power, once the characters step outside they are once more subjected to the hate and racisms that plagued those times so dreadfully. But then theres an episode like this, where theres all kinds of stuff going on, but way too much of the same without batting an eyelash. Oh another sex scene between a woman that kinda wants to try being white, with a woman whom may or may not be gay but transforms into a man she knew and stole blood from to have sex with previously mentioned black woman...for the 4th time?! Come on HBO... If this kind of pandering is going to continue to go on, then an hour is no longer enough for a show like this. Hell I dont think less than 2 hours is good for most shows, and thats why they have usually been so crummy. But yet theres things that seem pointless , like when in this episode also there was a point where an "antagonist" literally looks at the camera, gives a ghastly grin, holds that pose for a second or two, and then moves on to do a nefarious deed. WTF?! lol Coupled with the out of place modern music overly used in the show, I really REALLY hope there is some kind of satisfying, non cliff hanger way this season ends. But considering how many shows and films etc i have seen, I know that its foolish to hope. And that seems to be one of the lessons of this show: When the poop hits the fan, just ignore it and say it smells like roses. I guess... COME ON ATTICUS! DONT DIE FFS! T>T
Stuff happens for no reason
gacsogergely23 October 2020
This is the point the show entirely lost me. The characters lost all motivation to do what they do, the overall plot lost amongst the many spinoff-episodes, the whole things feels leads nowhere, the sideplots get no conclusion or relevance, it just fades into oblivion.
For the enjoyment-factor it is only 1/10, but obviously the actors and the crew does what they can with the nonsense they were given, so for that I gave more points.
What the show also lack is LOVECRAFT. That darn thing is in the title. Where is my lovecraftian HORROR? I recognise elements here-and-there, but way too far-and-between, without practicaly no relevance to the story. Sure, there's this jewish magic - Lovecraft never had jewish magic, and the magic part wasn't that important for his universe. Where are the cosmic entities and cosmic terror? Or in general: what are stakes in here? Sure, there's this Illuminati magican society - but are they a threat, or something? Casting magic isn't inherently a problem, the protagnosts do that too, so what's the deal here, someone explain it to me!
For the enjoyment-factor it is only 1/10, but obviously the actors and the crew does what they can with the nonsense they were given, so for that I gave more points.
What the show also lack is LOVECRAFT. That darn thing is in the title. Where is my lovecraftian HORROR? I recognise elements here-and-there, but way too far-and-between, without practicaly no relevance to the story. Sure, there's this jewish magic - Lovecraft never had jewish magic, and the magic part wasn't that important for his universe. Where are the cosmic entities and cosmic terror? Or in general: what are stakes in here? Sure, there's this Illuminati magican society - but are they a threat, or something? Casting magic isn't inherently a problem, the protagnosts do that too, so what's the deal here, someone explain it to me!
Not great, unless you're here for the pandering
Roydsy_Reviews7 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Could have been a solid episode. I took a star off for each unnecessary race baiting 'social commentary'. Plus another one off for the modern music which ruins the setting.
The duo dance troop 'monsters' were pathetic. It was so cliche it didn't achieve the creepiness it so desperately tried to create. Anyone seeing a supernatural horror in the last ten years would be bored of this trope.
There was 10 minutes of solid stuff in this episode. The magic and monsters were great. Alas, it is definately not the 8-10/10 most user 'reviewers' are giving it. Still waiting for the perfect scorers to advice what drug they are on so I can give it a go. What ever it is, it makes people see eposides of Lovecraft Country through rose coloured glasses.
The duo dance troop 'monsters' were pathetic. It was so cliche it didn't achieve the creepiness it so desperately tried to create. Anyone seeing a supernatural horror in the last ten years would be bored of this trope.
There was 10 minutes of solid stuff in this episode. The magic and monsters were great. Alas, it is definately not the 8-10/10 most user 'reviewers' are giving it. Still waiting for the perfect scorers to advice what drug they are on so I can give it a go. What ever it is, it makes people see eposides of Lovecraft Country through rose coloured glasses.
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