Let’s all move to Mount Spinster.
This is our review of the second part of Galavant’s episodes this week. Click here for our review of the first half-hour.
Warning: Full spoilers for the episode below.
This week’s hour of Galavant started strong, but the second half-hour didn’t quite hold the momentum of the first installment. The battle between Valencia and Hortensia progressed, and paths are finally starting to collide. Given their roles in each of the armies, it was only a matter of time before Madalena and Isabella faced off. I have mixed thoughts about their shared scne. They of course can’t be friends after what Madalena has done. At the same time, it’s lame to have the two female leads be at odds with each other. The interaction sort of reinforced the stereotype of women not getting along. Their hostile attitudes for each other are a result of actions in Season 1, and again, I realize they can’t be pals, but I don’t know that a catfight was necessary.
On the flip side, I like seeing two wildly different women portrayed in the series. Madalena and Isabella have several points in common but are handling their situations in completely opposing ways. And regardless of my reaction to their musical duel, Karen David and Mallory Jansen turned in fabulous performances in their badass armored bodices.
I’d hoped “Do the D’Dew” would bring a reunion between Isabella and Galavant, but they’re going to make us wait. It’s maddening. The couple has been teased since almost the beginning of the first season. We’ve seen them kiss just once and otherwise be kept apart and figuratively tortured. Pushing the payoff until the end of season when a third season is far from a sure bet is an interesting choice I can’t wrap my head around.
Timothy Omundson and Clare Foster in Galavant
At least Galavant is aware he has a problem to fix besides the war, and it’s endearing to see him motivated by love. The undead army was an odd addition — and reminded me a little of the Army of the Dead in The Return of the King — but it was humorous to see them respond to love. It’s not the usual driving factor for zombies.
Every couple faced a challenge in “Do the D’Dew.” Things were going swimmingly between Roberta and Richard. I didn’t understand exactly how much I cared for Richard until I felt such joy at seeing him happy. Timothy Omundson (and his beard) has done an outstanding job of rounding out the character. Richard’s undergone the biggest change this season. Because of that and because he also has the Hero Sword, the season could have been titled King Richard instead of Galavant.
Robert’s decision to leave though? It doesn’t add up. We haven’t spent a ton of time with her, but from what we’ve seen, we know she isn’t the type to turn away from battle. She’s the type who would stay and protect Richard if she was worried about him.
Madalena and Gareth faced their first hurdle too, even if Gareth doesn’t know it yet. She lied to him. They’re letting Madalena remain true to herself, and it’s an excellent way to play it. She’s power hungry — of course she’d want to turn to Wormwood’s D’Dew to ensure the battle will go her way. I don’t think love could ever overpower her ambition.
This week was the penultimate one for Galavant’s second season, and Galavant and Isabella still haven’t reunited. While it’s been a treat to see other team-ups instead of merely repeating the dynamics of Season 1, waiting until the last two episodes to bring them together may be too little too late.
