The diabolically queer adult animated musical series, Hazbin Hotel, returns this week for its highly anticipated second season. The first episode wastes no time jumping back to Hades, where the hotel has been rebuilt following Hell’s victory against Heaven. Business seems to be booming as newly welcomed sinners seek to join what they believe is an army to fight their upper room opponent.
All the while, Charlie Morningstar is struggling after losing her friend, Pentious, in the battle against Heaven. She feels her emotions misrepresent her true intentions with the new hotel and its influx of guests. This includes a mad scientist named Baxter, who seeks to prove redemption is a false concept. Meanwhile, Vox, Velvette, and Valentino of Voxtek plan to use Charlie’s vulnerable state to spin mistrust about Charlie and the hotel. Their ultimate goal is to overthrow Heaven.
The episode is a hearty good time that balances the quick-witted comedic bits and sexual innuendo with some strong, heartfelt moments for our lead. The cast is stacked with many returning voices to portray these colorful characters. Erika Henningsen shines as Charlie, and her chemistry with Stephanie Beatriz’s Vaggie is genuine, helping ground the larger-than-unalive scenarios. The rest of the supporting cast, including Blake Roman’s Angel Dust and Keith David’s Husk, adds a sinister flavor that is naughty yet endearing. And Christian Borle is brilliant as Vox.
The humor is crude, but not overtly coarse, in how casually it flies by. A great running joke throughout involves a reporter and his need to note that he plotted, and then decided, to kill his wife. Charlie, amidst her grief, is reminded that it’s good to feel and experience her emotions. It’s all part of the loss process. And between the raunch and righteous message are two vibrant songs that display the writer’s ear for music.
Overall, this first episdoe sets up our main narrative for the season well with an exciting cliffhanger to further complicate Charlie’s journey.
Rating: 8/10