Rebellion Breaks Out at Hexside!

The Owl House Season 2, Episode 18 Review

As Amphibia gears up for its grand finale, The Owl House continues to amaze me with each passing week. After all, the stakes feel higher than they ever have. Two weeks ago, we got the big “wham” episode revealing Belos’ true plans for the Boiling Isles. Last week, the show surprised us with the truth about King’s origins, and ended with the titular house surrounded by the Emperor’s Coven. Things have never looked so bleak for the show! However, all’s not lost. Even if Luz isn’t around, her spirit, and that of another, lights a fire of rebellion at Hexside. A rebellion that could be what the heroes need to save the Boiling Isles.

Hexside Without Luz

It’s not confirmed whether this takes place concurrently with the last episode or right afterwards, but I’m betting it’s the former. As the Day of Unity’s less than a week away, Belos prepares to tie up any loose ends. Which also means going to Hexside to forcibly induct every student into a Coven.

The fact that Belos has no intention of sparing even the children drives home how evil he truly is. In the more immediate news, this happens right as Hexside begins allowing multitrack courses, something that wouldn’t have happened had it not been for Luz and her friends. Fortunately, the timely intervention of Gus reveals the trap before it can be sprung. Unfortunately, the stress also makes Gus’ magic go out of control, covering the school in a massive illusion.

Remember how I said that illusion magic wasn’t useless? This is what I was talking about. The guy made an illusion that even throws the head of the Illusion Coven (whose a total jerk) off his game. However, it’s only thanks to help from Hunter that Gus escapes the Emperor’s Coven.

Hunter Trying to Heal

The last time we saw Hunter, he was having a full-on nervous breakdown. No could blame him, though. He learned that not only is Belos a liar and a monster, but that he’s, essentially, a clone. The latest in a series of clones that Belos repeatedly murdered. That leaves him traumatized, scared for his life, and paralyzed by the mere thought of Belos finding him.

At his core, Hunter is, and always has been, a good person. It’s why Belos could never truly control him. However, the poor boy’s so traumatized by the years of abuse that it makes it hard for him to trust others. As the flashback in the stinger reveals, Gus was in the same boat.

Gus has always had a feeling of inferiority due to his age. His magical talent, combined with his naïveté, made him a target for people who sought to use him. Meeting Willow and Luz helped, but the issues still there. And when he falls for a Coven illusion, he ends having another period of self-loathing. Luckily, just like he helped Hunter, Hunter helps him.

I personally loved the moments between Hunter and Gus in this episode. They reminded me a lot of two brothers helping each other out. The whole thing was so sweet, and reminds us of how the right people can help us overcome trauma. Amity and Willow also get some nice moments as they reaffirm their friendship with mutual respect.

The Rebellion Begins

The episode’s climax culminates in a brawl between the students and staff of Hexside against the Emperor’s Coven. It’s full-on rebellion as Hexside proceeds to throw the Coven out of their school, and I just loved it.

The episode ends with Hunter getting the love and acceptance he needs from people who actually care about him. It’s a really touching moment, and that boy more than deserves it. Yet, the big problem still remains: the Day of Unity.

The episode ends with Hunter about to tell Hexside everything he learned, and while we may not see it, everyone will no doubt be horrified. Everything they’ve believed in was a lie; how could anyone not be horrified by that. However, this could be good in the long run.

Think about it. Once they know, they’ll tell everyone they know. Odds are, most people won’t believe them. Belos’ lies have been ongoing for decades. However, the people who know them personally might listen. That might be enough to spark a rebellion against Belos. At the least, this will give Luz the help she needs to stop Belos. Which could only make it worse if they end up failing.

I want this rebellion to succeed, but The Owl House has one more season of specials coming. Odds are, the season might end in an even worse spot. Here’s hoping.

I Give “Labyrinth Runners” a 4.5/5

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