Warrior Nun 2×06 “Isaiah 40:31” had my brain reeling as everything started to click into place as far back as the first episode of season one. And in an unexpected move, that I’ve never seen a show do intentionally, this felt like a season finale. It had the confrontations, the deaths, and the relationship developments. And even though it didn’t explicitly spend time on Avatrice, their bond and trust in each other was evident from the very first moment of this episode to the last.
Ava, Beatrice, and Michael Thoughts
Ever since Michael (Miguel) came on the scene on Warrior Nun I’ve been worried about what it was going to do to Ava and Beatrice. As a queer person, I’m used to being played with and discarded to give priority to the heterosexual couple. And that’s what I feared when it came to this show. I’m glad I was wrong. Because yes, there is tension between Ava, Beatrice, and Michael. But it’s not romantic tension, even though Michael hinted at feeling something for Ava. And Ava had no time for it because A) she is clearly working on some intense feelings for Beatrice and B) they were about to go up against their biggest enemy and don’t have time for unwanted declarations.
But Warrior Nun 2×06 truly solidified itself as dynamic storytelling on Netflix, the likes we haven’t seen before, because of the scene pictured above and the moment Beatrice saved the “pretty boy” at Adriel’s compound.
The moment that Michael grabbed Ava’s arm and Beatrice interfered, you could see something shifting within their dynamic. For one, Michael realized he made a mistake. Ava is the Warrior Nun and he crossed a boundary he shouldn’t have if he truly cares for her. But Ava also isn’t alone. She has Beatrice as backup if Ava needs it. And for Avatrice, they kind of came together so seamlessly without disappearing into each other, if that makes sense. They know they have each other’s backs and will support the other in taking care of business because they’re capable. And they do this while acknowledging that Michael isn’t the enemy. He is a fellow soldier.
Then there’s the moment where Beatrice saved the “pretty boy” aka Michael. Other shows would’ve gone the jealousy route and made it so Beatrice abandoned him to help Ava fight Adriel. But this isn’t any other show. This is Warrior Nun. And Beatrice knows that this is a battle that Ava has to take on and she has confidence in her. She’s also aware that she can’t take on Adriel. So she does what she can by protecting Michael, who Beatrice knows Ava cares for. Not romantically, of course. But Beatrice knows there is a bond there and she is not threatened by it. She supports it and will carry his ass out of there, even if she has to drag him because Ava is her partner. And she’s not going to let her down.
Finally, Lilith vs Ava
Did anyone else get goosebumps watching the confrontation between Ava and Lilith in Warrior Nun 2×06 “Isaiah 40:31”? Because I know I sure did.
This confrontation has been a long time coming. And even though I am terrified for Lilith (and her fashion choices) I couldn’t stop watching them. This entire season I thought they were heading down a path where they could stand by each other’s side as powerful women in their own right. But like everything else on Warrior Nun, I was surprised by the skillful writing of this show that makes sense. I mean, they could still go down that path and end up standing against Adriel or Reya. But right now they are on opposite ends. One is fighting to destroy Adriel and save her friends. And the other is fighting for herself while unfortunately supporting the drama queen that is Adriel.
Remember back in season one, when Lilith went after Ava with a vengeance for that Halo? She fought against Mary, followed Ava onto a boat, and ended up getting pulled into a hell dimension by the end of it. And that woman who was looking so desperately to get her hands on what Ava had…she’s no longer there. Or if she is, she’s buried under Adriel’s sweet words and delusions. This Lilith doesn’t need Ava’s power or her Halo. And that confuses Ava. What is she to say to Lilith to get her to see the light if Lilith has found her own light that gives her peace, power, and understanding? It’s a physical battle as much as it is an internal one.
I truly don’t know where we go from here when it comes to Ava and Lilith. I don’t think Lilith is irremediable. Her character is too complex for such a simple conclusion. But I do think Ava is going to have to train harder and come together with her sisters to figure out how to defeat Adriel and bring back Lilith into the fold. Because yes, Lilith is a baddie right now. But just like Beatrice knows that Ava cares for Michael, Ava knows that Beatrice cares for Lilith. In her own way, of course. And Ava is probably not going to just stamp Lilith off as the enemy and that’s it. But this is Warrior Nun after all and they have beat my theories at every turn…
The Consequences of Everything Adriel Plans
Warrior Nun 2×06 “Isaiah 40:31” had me sitting back and thinking about everything that Adriel has done to get to this point. Because from what we know, he’s a man (or being) with ambitions bigger than his master Reya. So he stole from her and has fashioned himself into an angel, or messiah of sorts, in the human world in his attempts to have what Reya has. And it’s kind of sad that he can’t be ok with himself and what he is. But it’s also kind of ridiculous that it seems like his only motivation is sticking it to Reya, as evidenced by the end of this episode when he said, “Missed me again.”
And before I dive in, kudos to Warrior Nun for slowly giving us pieces to build a picture on Adriel instead of just info-dumping us as other shows do.
So, Adriel. Ever since he came to our world, he’s been after power. He stole a Halo that didn’t belong to him, stuck it in Areala, and then fashioned himself a little army because he knew he couldn’t do this on his own. He’s too weak to do this on his own. So he surrounds himself with strong people that can get the job done for him. That’s why he went after Jillian through Michael, the Pope through his companions, Father Vincent, and Lilith. The last one is the most interesting because he needed to fashion himself something as close to an angel. And he “helped” Lilith do that while getting a fierce protector.
Ultimately, Adriel on Warrior Nun is a commentary on weak and devious men who use, abuse, and then toss out those around them without a care in the world. There is no humanity in them. And even if there is a tiny flicker, like his “feelings” for Areala or the way he looked when Lilith touched his face in 2×05, it is brushed aside for something bigger. Power. Adriel wants it. And thinking of our world now, there are plenty of men like that. Insatiable men who use fear, violence, and paranoia to fashion themselves into the savior of the people who have been “lied to.” And if anything, this show has given me perspective on how truly weak and pathetic they are.
Notes for Warrior Nun 2×06 “Isaiah 40:31”:
- Adriel really went for that Jesus aesthetic, didn’t he?
- Also, he legit killed Pope Duretti. And I’m shook.
- And Duretti is dead.
- But if Mother Superion is dead, we will have problems.
- Oh, and while we’re at it, Camila really has stepped it up lately.
- And go ahead and flirt with people girl.
- While you’re at it, please spend more time with Yasmine. She’s loveable.
- I would’ve destroyed Michael.
- I probably said it above but I’m gonna say it again.
- There was something so disturbing about that acolyte of Adriel’s drawing a blood cross as Jillian watched in horror.
- And what does Adriel need the portal for? Reya? Like…you want her to come through?
- For what?
- Messy.
Warrior Nun season 2 is now available on Netflix.
