Hazbin Hotel Temporada 2 Final Review – 'Armas de Distracción Masiva/Llamado Final'

      Ricky Church reviews the last two episodes of Hazbin Hotel season 2.

      For this review, I will cover both the seventh and eighth episodes of Hazbin Hotel's second season, as 'Weapons of Mass Distraction' leads directly into the finale, 'Curtain Call.' While the former episode stands well on its own, together they form a satisfying double-length finale, especially with 'Curtain Call' having an extended runtime.

      Starting with 'Weapons of Mass Distraction,' it quickly delves into Vox's scheme to ensnare Lucifer and exploit him as a power source for his weapon, launching a significant offensive against Heaven and threatening them with their own Extermination. The penultimate episode was well-paced, and a flashback to Vox's life as a human in 'Brighter'—a catchy song performed by Christian Borle—illustrated how little Vox has transformed between his human life and afterlife. His only notable change was his failed partnership with Alastor, highlighted in 'It's A Deal,' where he shows a hint of emotional vulnerability for the first time. This offered fresh insights into his villainous nature, emphasizing his ego-driven, murderous tendencies that allow him to express his true self in Hell.

      The episode also brought together many of the season's themes and character arcs, as both Charlie and Sera began to listen to the advice of others. Sera's struggle with guilt over the Exterminations led her to make some misguided decisions regarding her actions in Hell, and it was fitting that Sir Pentious—using wisdom he gained from Charlie—provided Sera with enough hope to avert a full-blown war. 'Live to Live' was a delightful duet between Alex Brightman and Patina Miller, with a lovely reference to season one's 'It Starts With Sorry,' while 'When I Think About The Future' presented a fantastic medley that featured most of the season’s songs, with the entire ensemble contributing.

      'Curtain Call' matched the excitement and tension we anticipated given the stakes involved. Instead of an all-out battle, the heist-like strategy crafted by the Hazbin staff to thwart Vox was refreshing, showcasing everyone's unique skills. It further demonstrated Charlie's growth as she learned from her past errors and sought assistance from her friends instead of trying to handle everything alone. Nifty and Baxter proved to be an unexpected yet effective duo, while Husk and Cherri Bomb displayed their expertise in their confrontation with Val. The animation of Husk’s magical tricks was smooth and well-executed, and the sequence between Nifty and Velvette was entertaining, revealing Nifty's considerable skills and strength beyond being just a wild character.

      Undoubtedly, the standout moment in the episode's battle was the rematch between Alastor and Vox, where Alastor revealed how effectively he had been manipulating Vox since his capture began. It was no shock that Alastor's long-term strategy paid off, as he had previously withheld the secret of the angels' weakness until it could benefit him last season. He cleverly leveraged the "one simple favor" Charlie owed him to great effect, managing to escape three deals in mere minutes—an impressive feat. His clever wordplay significantly contributed to Vox's downfall by highlighting Vox's inability to look beyond his own ego and scrutinize the details. Amir Talai’s portrayal of Alastor's excitement and menace, alongside Borle’s performance of Vox's breakdown, played a major role in making this moment memorable among the finale's highlights. Despite Alastor’s dubious motives regarding Charlie and the hotel, it was hard not to feel exhilarated as he freed himself from his agreements with Rosie and Vox.

      The animation throughout the finale was among the best in the series, showcasing excellent choreography, vibrant colors, and expressive characters. The dedication of Vivienne Medrano and the animation team to crafting the finale is evident in the stunning visuals from start to finish. Even amid the action, character development remained a focal point, as Charlie sought to demonstrate that redemption is achievable, aided by Heaven. The shift she and Emily made to save as many sinners as possible once Vox began attacking Hell to eliminate Alastor illustrated Charlie's evolving priorities, as she chose the concerns of others over her own after all of Vox's disparagement.

      This all led to 'Hear My Hope,' which serves as a culmination of the season's overarching theme. After the divisive actions of Vox and the Vees and Charlie's initial alienation of her allies, it all converged as Charlie, her friends, and several Overlords united to prevent Vox's weapon from wreaking havoc on the pentagram. The song is a gorgeous ensemble piece fitting for a finale, with a gradual buildup leading to an exuberant melody. Additionally, it offered payoffs for other characters, such as Abel finally taking charge, with Fall Out Boy’s Patrick Stump delivering an enjoyable solo within the piece, enhancing the character-driven essence of the lyrics