The second episode of Hazbin Hotel follows Heaven in the aftermath of the battle with Hell. Still grieving Adam’s death, vengeance is on their minds. But a new addition to their ranks changes their perspective, for better and worse. Episode 2 heroically illuminates the more nuanced ways good and evil exist in the world, and how swinging the pendulum too far on either side can lead to chaos.
As episode 1 ended with Charlie finding out Pentious was indeed alive, episode 2 explores how this unimaginable feat could have occurred. Pentious is questioned by the leaders of Heaven on how his soul could have made such a transformation. Emily, earnest in seeing the good in the former demon, is quick to equate that Pentious had indeed been redeemed. Somehow, his selfless act reversed his fate in Hell, adding him to the legion of souls in the upper room.
Despite the truth of Pentious’ conversion, some are extremely skeptical. Sera experiences a moral conundrum, realizing souls she condemned to Hell could have been saved. The blood on her hands forces her to question her ability to lead, which is captured in a beautifully written number sung by Patina Miller. This revelation not only changes the way Heaven operates, but it also opens them up to potential attacks from Hell. Sera is at a crossroads on wanting to keep Heaven safe, but without any more bloodshed.
On the other side of the spectrum is Lute, who sees Pentious’s redemption as nothing more than a false flag—another attempt at Hell looking for an opportunity to overthrow Heaven. As the second in command of the Army, she wants to go on the offensive and bring Hell to its knees for Adam’s death. But Sera forbids it, acknowledging that Adam’s son, Abel, will succeed his father as the leader of the army. Upset that she’s been overlooked for a position she rightfully earned, Lute vows to rain revenge on Hell, like gravity.
Meanwhile, Emily tries her best to welcome Pentious to his new home. While his existence is truly a miracle, it is also isolating, being the only one of his kind to exist in the realm. Emily does her best to bring a bit of Pentious’s former life to his new environment, reassuring him that he has a friend in her. He begins to warm up to the idea.
“Storyteller” is a strong successor to episode 1, highlighting themes of redemption and forgiveness, ultimately questioning the rule that a soul’s fate is predetermined after death. Pentious’s survival dictates that life is a mandatory balance of light and dark. Not the concrete ultimatum both Heaven and Hell have operated by for ages. The writing remains nimble, with excellent performances by Miller and Jessica Vosk as Lute. Overall, episode 2 improves on the best parts of its predecessor to even better effect.
Rating: 8.5/10