Can you feel it, Sleepy Heads? Love is in the air! With each episode Sleepy Writers are inching us closer and closer to the Ichabbie moment we’ve been waiting for. Friday’s “Kindred Spirits” was all about love and connection. When two souls are meant to be together, nothing can stand in the way of their union. Whether or not they live happily ever after once they get together is another story. In another fantastic “Sleepy Hollow” episode, we are taken on a riveting and emotional journey as all sorts of relationships take new shape. Time to board the love boat!
We all knew The Kindred was making his epic comeback, but seeing him in action again sends shivers down our spines. Derek Meres and Corey Castillano have collaborated to make one kickass character. The Kindred is unlike any other so-called monster on “Sleepy Hollow.” This dude is something special, probably because the wickedly clever Ben Franklin made him that way. We start off on Team Kindred when he takes out a potential rapist, but then things get grim. He kills the jerk’s innocent date too. Not cool, Kindred! What gives with his sudden interest in murdering couples? We’ll get to that in a bit…first, we need to relish some Ichabbie goodness.
Crane and Abbie are playing chess. She spent 10 months in constant daylight, talking to Ichabod and playing chess to keep from going mad (He’s her Wilson, you guys! Adorable!). She can’t just fall back into life’s normal pattern. While playing chess for real, Crane voices his concern. The second he goes into it, Abbie starts fake snoring. Ah, yes. True Love is pretending to snore when someone shows you how much he cares. Too cute! Abbie changes the subject and criticizes Crane for killing all of her plants. He insists that he had more important things to focus on, like saving her life. Awww, we really missed their banter. Crane sets out to replace the plants he murdered, while Abbie decides to go for a run to clear her head.
Ichabod sees Zoe at the nursery and things are downright awkward. Props to Maya Kazan for nailing the passive aggressive jabs. When he explains the plant situation, she quips, “That is what happens when you ignore things.” Oh, burn! You can’t blame her, though. We’re all for Ichabbie, but he did decide to date Zoe. If you’re going to court a lady, you can’t half-ass it. Crane admits he was in the wrong for “ghosting” her. Hehe, great line by episode writer, Heather Regnier. But Zoe isn’t finished. She suggests he get some cacti because they can survive without proper TLC. Ha! Yeah, somebody is a little extra prickly. Point made, Zoe. Ichabod feels ashamed of his ungentlemanly conduct. He’s going to need to find a way to get back into her good graces, if he actually wants to have a relationship with Zoe. Unfortunately, dating woes are the least of his problems.
Abbie experiences catacomb flashbacks while on her run. Her route leads straight to her special tree, engraved with the Sisters Mills’ names. Awww! She can tease Ichabod all she wants, but Abbie clearly has Crane on the brain. She’s also haunted by her traumatizing experience. Before she has chance to dwell on it for too long, Reynolds calls with a case. He’s at The Kindred’s crime scene and needs Abbie’s help.
After a closer look at the victims’ wounds, Abbie recognizes this M.O. Reynolds can tell she’s onto something, but she shrugs it off as cold feet. Abbie says she isn’t ready to jump back into work just yet. Reynolds practically begs her to come back to work because he needs her (for more than just professional reasons, if you catch his drift). Clearly, Danny Boy is still flailing without Abbie. She handles it well, considering their history and all the supernatural secrecy. We know Sophie is a solid agent, but she isn’t Abbie Mills. Still…Dude, give the lady some space! She has some important work to do with Team Witness.
While the gang tries wrapping their brain around The Kindred’s return, The Hidden One and Pandora provide some useful insight. The season began with Pandora trapping Death in her precious box. Now The Kindred is their only connection to dear old Headless (We miss you, Abe!). Looks like Franklin’s creation is destined to play an important role in the big baddies’ monster summit. Ultimately, this whole thing is about power. The Hidden One wants to gather as much mojo as possible. He even tells Pandora that her magical bounty doesn’t matter. She’s basically there to cater to him. Ugh, this guy is the worst. How rude! Hopefully, Team Witness will put an end to their evil plot.
The gang is gung-ho to catch The Kindred before he causes any more harm. They use every asset at their disposal. Although Abbie is still FBI, Sophie acts as their inside gal with the bureau and helps by interjecting herself in Reynolds case and keeping a lid on the supernatural shenanigans. Another one of Crane’s classic flashbacks helps the gang zero in on what resources they can use to help end The Kindred’s rampage.
Ichabod recalls the very first time he met Betsy Ross. Who knew Ben Franklin arranged meet-cutes? She was rather rude and dismissive to her new partner in crime. For shame, Betsy! Franklin thought they’d be a perfect pair for another one of his unconventional super-secret missions. Abbie assumes Crane’s usual role as head researcher and decoder. She leafs through Franklin’s journal and craftily unsticks the page they need. Abbie explains that she broke the Masonic Code during Crane’s year abroad. You go, girl! Now they’ve got a lead.
Jenny and Joe set out to steal a glass harmonica. Franklin built The Kindred with a failsafe. Playing the Greensleeves lullaby will calm the creature down. During their heist, Joe notices that Jenny is using her father’s zippo lighter. Jumping ahead for a moment…The lighter initiates a conversation that Joe later continues with Jenny during their mission to manage The Kindred. He encourages Jenny to reach out to her father. Their dynamic presents quite an entertaining gender role reversal. Joe sensitively talks things out, looks at the emotional aspect to situations, and urges Jenny to follow her heart. If she wants to establish a relationship with Ezra, then she should do so. It doesn’t matter what Abbie wants. The Sisters Mills are separate individuals who are allowed to do as they each see fit.
Well, will you get a load of Joe Freud? Easy, buddy. Don’t overstep it just yet. He doesn’t want to come off as pushy. Just because he regrets his behavior with his father doesn’t mean that Jenny would feel the same. Jenny appreciates his outlook, but essentially shrugs it off in dude-like fashion with a casual “whatever” and “let’s get back to business” vibe because they need to focus on The Kindred. Really, you can’t blame her for postponing this chat. Back to their current op…Once they’ve got the harmonica in hand, they return to Team Witness headquarters.
In the midst of their investigation, Crane receives a text from Zoe. She’s going to stop by the archives to pick-up a book she lent him. Looks like they’re taking baby steps towards breaking-up. This seems to be Crane’s last chance before she officially ends their relationship. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have time to mull over their shipper status. The gang has made a breakthrough!
The Kindred is not turning evil, instead he is turning human. He’s been people watching and has grown envious of their relationships. Awww! The Kindred wants a bit of romance in his life, how sweet. Hmmm, wonder where he could find a lady. If only he had Kinder. Emotions are getting the best of the big guy. Guess this is his version of puberty, except he’s killing people instead being all emo about life. During another attack, Sophie tries taking him out. She still hasn’t learned that plain old bullets are useless when it comes to supernatural foes. Just when we fret that he’s going to kill Team Witness’ newest inductee, The Kindred sets her free. Lucky break for Sophie, chalk this up to Team Witness Protection. Let’s face it, this all makes The Kindred an even more fascinating character.
We’ve seen a lot of creepy monsters on “Sleepy Hollow,” but The Kindred is really coming into his own during this episode. He’s developing a personality. Killing people is always bad, but his reason for it is twistedly sweet. He just wants to find his soulmate and won’t stop until he does. Sadly, the green-eyed monster within is taking over and killing those who have the kind of relationship he seeks. Latest case in point: Crane and Zoe.
Team Witness thinks they’ve got a handle on The Kindred. Joe plays the soothing, yet creepy Kin Hymn in hopes of lulling the beast, but it doesn’t work. He storms upstairs after Zoe and Crane. Her timing couldn’t be any worse. Zoe has come for the book and to give Crane an earful. She’s been grilling him about his withdrawn and odd behavior. The harder she interrogates, the more The Kindred can sense the connection between them. Crane keeps trying to postpone this conversation, but she fails to read the room. Suddenly, The Kindred charges in and snatches Zoe up. For the first time we hear him speak: “Mine. You follow. She dies.” Uh-oh! Well, at least he got Zoe to finally shut-up. She was coming off a bit desperate and really whiny, to be honest. It was annoying, especially since Crane was clearly preoccupied during her third degree treatment. Nonetheless, she needs to be rescued ASAP!
The Kindred wants a wife. As we come to learn, through another great flashback in which Crane puts snooty Betsy in her place, Franklin built The Kindred a female counterpart. Crane and Betsy thought they were hiding medical supplies, but it was actually The Kindress. Phew! For a moment we feared The Kindred was going to try to build his own wife and that would have been grisly. Get ready, it’s time for a blind date!
For whatever reason, Franklin buried The Kindress with a mace, so she pops out of her box armed and ready for battle. Really, Ben?! However, she drops her guard the second she lays eyes on her man. It truly is love at first fright for The Kindred and his beloved Kindress. This gives a whole new meaning to “’til death do us part,” right?! Now for the best bit, he greets her with bow, a la Ichabod Crane. Sigh! Even so-called monsters know how to act like gentlemen. Then they lean in for an awkward skeletal kiss. Yeah this is all as sweet as it is creepy. Still, love conquers all. Yay! Mr. and Mrs. Kindred ride off together, hand-in-hand. Wondering where in the world they’re going to honeymoon.
After all of the commotion is done, Zoe wakes-up. It is always so convenience how “civilians” are unconscious during these supernatural show-downs. Imagine if she witnessed all of that. We’d never hear the end of it. To her credit, she’s handling all of this pretty well. As one couple comes together, another one grows apart. Crane fears he isn’t ready to be in a relationship quite yet. Zoe disagrees. He’s ready alright, he just isn’t meant to be with her. Subtext: Ichabod Crane, you are ready to be with Abbie Mills. Go get her!
Ichabbie hopefuls are now beaming with glee. It is finally going to happen. Ichabod and Abbie are both ready for this. Right?! Not so fast. Reynolds pays Abbie a visit at home and decides to pour his heart out. He tells her that he still loves her, romantically. Ugh. Shoo, Reynolds! Don’t confuse Abbie with your sappy speech. She’s got Crane on the brain. Leave her be. This is really annoying, but it isn’t the only buzzkill in the episode.
Just when we think Mr. and Mrs. Kindred will live happily ever after, The Hidden One pulverizes them in a snap. They’ve abandoned their mission and are of no use. Even Pandora is shocked. Again, THO sucks! When will Pandora snap out of it and leave this jerk? But wait, it gets even more unnerving. As the episode closes, Abbie accidentally cuts herself while playing chess with Crane and starts bleeding. As he steps away to get her a Band-Aid, her blood drop on the table takes the shape of the symbol from the catacombs. That’s right, the catacombs are in Abbie’s blood. What does this mean?!
“Sleepy Hollow” has been on a stellar roll ever since its return from hiatus. The new time-slot has been getting steady ratings, which is a good sign. We all knew our beloved show never stood a chance on Thursday nights, so we are more than happy with the move. We really enjoyed The Kindred’s storyline. A conscious decision was made to revamp things a bit and get rid of the Headless Horseman, but bringing back The Kindred makes us miss Death/Abraham. “Sleepy Hollow” isn’t the same without him and we hope he’ll make appearance before season’s end. But that is beside the point, relationships were at the center of this epic episode.
Everybody wants to have that special connection. Jenny and Joe seem to complement each other very nicely. They really do complete each other in a way. Unless Joe’s insights start pushing her buttons, it looks like these two lovebirds are in it for the long-haul. Not everyone is so lucky. Zoe thought she found her match in Ichabod, but we all knew it wouldn’t last. However, she did play a very important role. Crane now realizes that he is ready for love. Katrina is history and that baggage has been tossed. Abbie’s absence only made his heart grow fonder. We are on the cusp of something amazing. Unfortunately, Sleepy Writers are going to make us sweat it out. Reynolds dropping an L-bomb on Abbie doesn’t help Ichabbie. But, just because Danny Boy’s in love with her doesn’t mean that she reciprocates his feelings. After all, Abbie could have made anybody her “Wilson” in the catacombs and she chose Ichabod. That means something, people! So, we are still holding out hope for Ichabbie.
Brace yourselves because things are only getting more intense. Joe’s argument must have made an impression on Jenny, since she decides to finally meet with her father in Friday’s new episode. Here is FOX’s official synopsis for “Sins of the Father”:
“When Jenny makes the decision to confront her father, family turmoil from the past rises to the surface. Meanwhile, Atticus Nevins returns to town, bringing more danger than the FBI could have imagined in the all-new “Sins of the Father” episode of SLEEPY HOLLOW airing Friday, Feb. 26 (8:00-9:01 PM ET/PT) on FOX.
Cast: Cast: Tom Mison as Ichabod Crane; Nicole Beharie as Lt. Abbie Mills; Lyndie Greenwood as Jenny Mills, Nikki Reed as Betsy Ross, Shannyn Sossamon as Pandora, Lance Gross as FBI Agent Daniel Reynolds and Zach Appelman as Joe Corbin; Jessica Camacho as Sophie Foster
Guest Cast: James McDaniel as Ezra Mills; Bill Irwin as Atticus Nevins; Peter Mensah as The Hidden One; Anthony K. Hyatt as Randall Martin; Alexander Ward as The Ghoul”
The casting section offers a few clues about the episode. It looks like the baddie of the week will be a Ghoul! That should be interesting. What will be “Sleepy Hollow’s” twist on this classic monster? Also, we haven’t seen the last of Randall and Nevins. It’s strange how Nevins is able to maintain control over the creatures Pandora summons. What’s up with that?! But what we are most excited about is the Mills family reunion. How will Ezra treat his daughters? What was his reason for abandoning them? Does he have a history with the supernatural too? James McDaniel is perfect casting for Papa Mills, so we really can’t wait to see him play with Lyndie Greenwood and Nicole Beharie.
Check HERE to see if FOX’s “Sleepy Hollow” YouTube page has been updated with new “Sins of the Father” sneak peeks. What do you think, Sleepy Heads? Did you enjoy “Kindred Spirits”? Do you think Ichabbie will happen this season? How do you feel about Joe and Jenny’s dynamic? Is Sophie growing on you? Are you surprised by Reynolds’ declaration of love? What are you most excited for in “Sins of the Father”? Will Sisters Mills get the answers they seek? Share your thoughts below and on Twitter (@TalkTVwTiffany).
“Sleepy Hollow” airs Fridays at 8 p.m. on FOX.
