ons of Belial

Comments

I thought this episode was pretty good. I didn't like the fact that Nick was squirming all over the table. It was kind of funny looking.

-- Julie Fundenberger

Very thought provoking episode. Basic premise of good and evil within all men (vampire/human) possible. Interesting that the demon knew of LaCroix, and of the 'possibilities' within Nicholas. Rating: 8 to 9.

-- Charles Sharp

My problems with this episode stem from wooden acting, yes, but almost entirely from an implausible story. Nick, who was in the crusades, a Christian man by all rights, becomes a vampire and denies his faith, his God, and his religion. Due to this he has his vampiric reaction to crosses, holy water, etc. In earlier seasons they show his reaction to this even in the title clips. So now when it's convenient it doesn't bother him at all. Then when it's convenient it does.

Look. This episode sucked because a show that deals with complex issues like life, death, morals, and ethics in every episode does not need to stoop to the level of whomever pulled the strings to get their pet religion on tv. There are more than one set of morals out there, and most of us who watch FK are exposed to the one they chose to showcase.

Enough already. If they had to use Christian mythology in this episode to demonstrate a point, they should be consistent. If the cross bothers him in the car with Schanke (title clips in season two) it will bother him in season three. It will bother him while watching the exorcism, it will bother him during the exorcism.

And if they are going to accept the Christian mythology that Nick has that "allergic" reaction to crosses (etc.) wouldn't they also accept that very Christian idea that a vampire is a former human body possessed by a demon? Wouldn't that prevent another possession simulataneously? Also why Nick, why not Tracy... THAT would have made for a better episode.

-- Shelly C Wallace

I loved this episdode. It was thoughtful and had a lot of action. My heart was beating the whole time. And no offence Merle, but why couldn't you buy the posessed bit? Do you not believe in that kind of spiritual stuff?

-- Maria Montgomery

My favorite scene in this great episode was when Nick asked LaCroix for help. I think LaCroix realized how vulnerable Nick was at that momment and that's why he took Nick to the exorcist.

-- Richard Gross

Normally I really like Merle's critiques, they get me thinking about the stories and I can usually relate to what is said. However, I really disagree with the "Sons of Belial" critique.

I fully enjoyed this episode; I thought it went well with the religious and spiritual nature of the show as far as I've seen it.

I won't argue with the points about Tracy touching the exorcism book and the cold breeze ... however I will disagree with some of the points made in the critique.

I did think Steven's exorcism bothered Nick, especially towards the heated end. He looks very genuinely uncomfortable. Also notice that he stands very close to the door, away from the proceedings of the exorcism.

Why did LaCroix take Nick to the exorcist? Because Nick practically begged him, very sweetly, and LaCroix has a hard time refusing his son. His own belief had little to do with his decision.

When he almost kills Nat and is suddenly able to drive the demon out I saw that as a representation of Nick realizing that Natalie is his humanity, his hope, and all about him that is good. Perhaps he thinks that if Nat can love him, he surely can't be completely unredeemable.

About the robber: perhaps he felt as if the evil he had done had caught up with him in the form of a demon coming to take him to hell...it would be better to kill himself than let the demon drag him away???

Why LaCroix advised the female vampire not to talk about Nick, well, he almost killed her! I suppose LaCroix doesn't want his son to have a bad rep, possibly drawing the attention of Enforcers to a vampire killing his own kind for no good reason?

Finally, someone posed "why Nick, why not Tracy?"...I think because, as Vanderwal claimed, a demon would need to find someone with an inner turmoil between good and evil to take hold. Tracy, being the perkiest woman on TV, sure has no inner turmoil.

-- Bridget Watts

Interesting set of comments on this episode from people; I find it amusing that so many are upset by the representation (or even the presence) of Christian ideas on the show. Remember that the source of most of our legends of vampirism is really based on a Christian response to the (perceived) presence of evil in the world. While FK certainly does bend the traditional rules of vampire lore often when it suits its purpose (like the no-reflection-in-the-mirror thing), it does try to stay at least partially on track with the accepted mythology, while often cleverly injecting new ideas into it (as in "Fever").

As to certain elements of the episode, it was a bit sloppy in its storytelling, but not as outrageous as some people are claiming. Nick's tortured soul would be exactly the sort a demon would most prize (see "The Exorcist"), and LaCroix's early disbelief in the possession and later acceptance of it was both realistic and moving. What a hard decision for him, to have to buy into both Catholic doctrine and Nick's remaining goodness all at once! LaCroix being forced to believe in Nick's goodness was a real admission (and a step back) on his part, an admission that a) he was not really "in control" of Nick, and b) Nick has "humanity" in his nature, something there worth saving. In fact, LaCroix has "humanity", too; he loves and believes in Nick, and even has morals (we see this in "Ashes to Ashes"). Nick's scene in the "Raven" club with the woman was also wonderfully erotic, and gives us a good feel for why this lifestyle is so appealing (as if we needed any reason to consider it so!).

-- Ed Ducayet

Please feel free to leave your own comments on this episode.