During Season 1 of Hazbin Hotel we were so focused on defending the residents of Hell against the extermination, that we didn’t think of what comes afterwards. And that’s a regular occurrence in stories. The immediate problem takes precedent and what comes after isn’t defined until after the smoke clears. So you set it aside. Hazbin Hotel Season 2 Episode 1 “New Pentious” doesn’t do some big time jump and skip over a bunch of details. It throws us right in the middle of what comes after. We see the smoke clear. And that’s the best decision they could’ve made.
For Charlie, she’s mourning Sir Pentious. And it’s right in line with who Charlie is. It’s also in line that she hasn’t considered how others are going to take advantage of the situation aka the death of Adam. On top of that, “New Pentious” was a little heartbreaking in her realizing that she made some progress with the hotel and with Sir Pentious. But the people of Hell don’t want to be redeemed. They’re there for the opportunity to kill angels and don’t want to change.
MORE: Already watched Episode 2 of Season 2 of Hazbin Hotel? Read our review!
Vox is taking advantage of the whole situation.
He’s currently using Miss Katie Killjoy to spread propaganda. Yes, Charlie wants the people of Hell to change and grow so they can go to heaven. But Vox, the opportunist he is, used this whole situationship as an opportunity to step into the vacuum of power left. Because Adam, the d-bag he was, kept Hell in check. He was a threat and you knew he was going to come every year, to slaughter your people. So Vox kept his head down while amassing power. Now Adam is gone and he uses his cutting nature to turn the masses against what Charlie is doing.
In a way, what Vox’ doing is probably the most horrifying part of the show. We know what it is to be manipulated by the media. And while a lot of us want to escape in something like Hazbin Hotel, we learn from the media we consume. And right now we are learning that someone with good intentions, their efforts can be twisted so someone else can step up and take power. A show like Hazbin Hotel can and is being used to build visual literacy on how systems of power work.
MORE: If you love Hazbin Hotel then you should check out Haunted Hotel! Read our review!
By the end of “New Pentious” Emily appears and surprises Charlie by revealing that her hotel worked. And it’s a game-changing revelation. Because right now everyone thinks that Charlie’s hotel is a joke. But what happens when the people in Hell come to find out that Sir Pentious is in heaven? Because not everyone is as dark and jaded as Vox and the other V’s. Some of them in Hell are doing the best they can. But if there’s an opportunity for them to right the wrongs of their past and not live in a hellscape, there will be ones who will take that opportunity at the Hazbin Hotel.
But that’s getting way ahead of ourselves.
Hazbin Hotel Season 2 Episode 1 is just laying the groundwork. And Emily’s appearance is proof that things are about to get more complicated for everyone involved. In the meantime, Vaggy is going to find a new name, Angel Dust will hopefully find a new calling, and Charlie will fight back with her friends at her side now that she knows souls can be redeemed. Her hotel really really works. And it’s important to remember that while there will be those who take advantage of this change, like Vox, there will be more like Adam who want the status quo to remain the same. Now that’s what I’m really afraid of.
MORE: Have you watch Knights of Guinevere? Read our review!
Additional thoughts about Hazbin Hotel Season 2 Episode 1:
- Someone tell me what the ship name for Alastor and Lucifer is. Because every single time they are on my screen, the way that they annoy each other my shipping alarm goes off.
- Is it problematic of me? Probably. Do I care? No.
- Talking about Lucifer, the scenes between him and Charlie are so grounding. Sure, they’re in Hell. And he’s the king while she’s the daughter. Also, remember the demons. But there is something to kind and welcoming about them. And I’m scared if these moments are going to change when Lilith comes around.
- Brandon Rogers was right. We got to see what was beneath the desk for Katie Killjoy.
- I’m so proud of Angel Dust for going to therapy. Remember the broken pornstar from Season 1? This Angel Dust is still the same person. But they’re softer and more grounded. And I can’t wait to see what comes of that.
- Nifty my girl. I’m glad people are seeing your genius.
Rating the songs of “New Pentious”:
- Hazbin Guarantee (Trust Us): Thank you for giving Charlie and Vaggie a beautiful flying moment. It’s prime shipping material. But also they’re not hiding that Vaggie is an angel. Also it was really interesting seeing Charlie glitching out while selling the hotel. It was made even more interesting by the contrast between what Charlie is trying to do version Vox.
- More than Anything (Orchestra Version): 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭🦆. I don’t know why this version isn’t on Amazon music. I need it now. Someone. Please.
- Once We Get Up There: While the song is super super catchy, I can’t stop thinking about Velvette. She looked so beautiful in that gown. Sure it was made out of angel wings. But sooooo beautiful!
Hazbin Hotel releases new episodes Wednesdays on Prime Video.
What did you think about Hazbin Hotel “New Pentious”? Let us know in the comments below!
Catch up on all our Hazbin Hotel Season 2 reviews below:
- Hazbin Hotel Season 2 Episode 1 Review: “New Pentious”
- Hazbin Hotel Season 2 Episode 2 Review: “Storyteller”
- Hazbin Hotel Season 2 Episode 3 Review: “Behind Closed Doors”
- Hazbin Hotel Season 2 Episode 4 Review: “It’s a Deal”
- Hazbin Hotel Season 2 Episode 5 Review: “Silenced”
- Hazbin Hotel Season 2 Episode 6 Review: “Scream Rain”
