Warrior Nun 2×03 “Luke 8:17” made something happen that I’ve been dreading: the separation of Ava and Beatrice. It’s beautiful writing from the minds behind this series, who have a clear understanding of what a slowburn is and what viewers want. But I don’t have to like it. On the Lilith front, she’s seeking new pastures and I don’t even blame her. As for Pope Duretti, oh he’s messy. And the one that’s going to cause his true downfall…well, look in the mirror, buddy. It’s you.
The Kidnapping of Ava
First of all, I didn’t see this coming in Warrior Nun 2×03 “Luke 8:17.” I thought they were going to get the crown, make their way out, and have the hardest time ever getting the actual thorned crown on Adriel’s head. Oh no, Adriel is way ahead of them and has probably been searching for this thorned crown since he was freed. I mean, if that were the only thing to stop me from world domination and it was used to trap me before, I would do the same thing. I bet he already knew where it was too and was waiting until it was in Ava’s hands before popping it on her pretty head.
This trick by Adriel speaks to how much planning he has put into everything. But it also speaks of how little he thinks Ava is a threat. Because he could’ve just taken her down. She’s not ready yet to face him. But he kidnaps her and leaves the Sisters alive? To him, they are no threat and it will be his downfall. (Or he’s got something bigger planned, the cynical part of me thinks.) Either way, Adriel doesn’t understand that the power of gay love can pierce the veil of bullshit that he’s spewing and save the day. And that gay (or queer) that I’m talking about is Ava and Beatrice.
Both Ava and Beatrice have just reunited with their found family after ages of only hiding away together. And even before that, Ava chose to take care of Beatrice instead of taking Father Vincent and figuring out what was going on. This is the second time this season, the first being when she blasted that demon that was going to possess Beatrice, that Ava has chosen her friend. That speaks of a bond that is growing with every day that passes and every look that they share. Now take all of that and imagine what Beatrice is going to do to protect Ava? And not only because they’re best friends. But because they are so much more.
Lilith Seeking Help from Adriel Makes Sense
Personally, I’m not even mad that Lilith went to Adriel in Warrior Nun 2×03 “Luke 8:17.” She knows what he is and that he will use her. Better the enemy you know, right? Because Jillian was using her. Yes, she was trying to find her son. But she was going to willingly throw Lilith back into a place that burned her and left her feeling frightened. That’s not a place that Lilith ever wants to go back to and she’ll do anything to guarantee that. Even if it means seeking out the trash drama queen that is Adriel.
Her decision to leave behind her necklace was also done on purpose. In Lilith’s mind, the church isn’t going to choose her. At least this version of her. She was never really friends with the other Sisters and her only ally, Mary, is gone. Father Vincent is a traitor who used and betrayed them. Throw on top of that the fact that Lilith’s own mother thinks she’s a failure because she didn’t become the Halo bearer, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster. Or a recipe for a road of self-discovery. I’m truly hoping for the latter.
But the most interesting part of Lilith’s journey in “Luke 8:17” is that she’s on a path heading straight to Ava. The “Warrior Nun” is everything that she’s ever wanted and she’s going to be in a position where she can help the “chosen one.” What she decides to do at that moment will define Lilith. And it will set the tone for where she goes from here on out and if she’s against Adriel or with him as a means of finding out what is happening to her. Either way, I still love her journey and how she’s blossoming.
Pope Duretti Has Already Lost
As a fellow messy chismosa who loves drama, I find it perfectly delicious that Pope Duretti has already lost in Warrior Nun 2×03 “Luke 8:17.” He’s had inklings that he’s losing control of the Church and the people around him. That’s why he arrested one of his own and tortured them for information. But he’s not realized the true depth of Adriel’s manipulation. Oh, and the fact that Adriel used tricks that Pope Duretti would have used in a heartbeat, the Catholic Church too, makes it even better.
As much as Adriel is responsible for the upcoming downfall of Pope Duretti, so is he. He tortured one of his own in front of others. That is bound to break some of them and make them question the direction the Catholic Church and this Pope are going in. Hell, even I would question it and wonder if Adriel is real and the Church denying him is an act of betrayal to “God’s chosen one.” After all, if Pope Duretti was God’s messenger or whatever, wouldn’t be keep his flock safe and not torture them?
There is one part of Warrior Nun 2×03 “Luke 8:17” that I can’t stop thinking about and that I know the writers of this show put in there to shine a light on Duretti and Adriel. It’s the quote that goes, “This devil believes that combining his power with our institution will make him unstoppable. Adriel wants the church. But he will have little use for its leaders. Powerful men whisper to the weak. They dangle a taste of their influence. They promise safety and secure partnership. And then inevitably the knife.”
Duretti, girl. Look in a mirror. Why are you talking about yourself?
Warrior Nun season 2 is now available on Netflix.
