Castle Rock Review: The Word (Season 2 Episode 7)

Pop and the New Jerusalem worshipers go down memory lane on Castle Rock Season 2 Episode 7, “The Word,” as revelations finally snap together the bigger picture, and ties back to the first season with significant meaning.

The episode does an impressive job of revealing all of its cards, and by doing so, creating an even larger mystery of what all of these things, now tied together, will bring of impact upon both Castle Rock and Salem’s Lot.

The New Jerusalem plot, of showing the past occupants and their plight, puts into perspective how all of this came to be. Their turn to a false god for prosperity, only for it to turn to satanism and mass murder underneath the Marsten House location, makes for a disturbing turn. This revelation places their resurrection and insurrection of the town as a move not for them, but for their false god.

The biggest reveal of the episode comes through the return of a face from the first season, that of The Kid (Bill Skarsgard). His return comes as a surprise, as his lockdown back in the cage underneath Shawshank Prison appeared to be an end to his story, with Henry Deaver taking over as a watchful eye.

That his cell remains locked but he is no longer in it appears to show that he could have always left whenever he wanted. Perhaps staying in there has been a ploy to trick Warden Lacy and Henry into a false sense of security. But the moment also shows that his presence may play a large part into Ace’s plan, as The Kid (who is essentially confirmed to be the devil now) blesses Amity with foresight.

The Kid being the reason for their prosperity, and ending all of their lives in his honor for rebirth when the time is right, makes their unwavering support to him a terrifying thought going forward. If they see death as a means of progress, what is the means of defeating that? Annie being the next main target places danger at her doostep, but with Pop starting to see the truth, hopefully they stage a final stand.

The mere image of The Kid in statue form causes the entirety of the parade witnesses to become enslaved for Ace, which makes all of the paintings from Castle Rock Season 1 Episode 8, “Past Perfect,” an even creepier notion.

But his presence calls into question whether Ace is really in charge of this endeavor, or is this simply The Kid manipulating once more, and he will prove to be the bigger issue going forward? He’s amassed a large following, and so it will be a curious thing  if this is all according to a single plan of rebuilding their lives in new bodies, or if this is a small piece to a larger storyline to come.

The episode does provide something fun, as well, mostly for fans. Tim Robbins returns to Shawshank Prison (a nod to Shawshank Redemption), though this time as Pop rather than Andy. His talk with an old army buddy allows his adoption of Ace and Chris to be more meaningful (based on them being his sister’s kids), and helps reveal that despite his gangster lifestyle, he has compassion deep down.

Something to note is the excellent direction during this scene, where it makes Pop and his friend talking a rather tense moment through the composition of peculiar shots. Each framing creates this sense of unease, as these two broken souls are saying their last words to each other. It’s a haunting scene, and a testament to Loni Peristere’s direction.

But the episode does push Annie and Joy to the side again, which has been an issue on the season. It’s for good reason here, as it puts together the reasoning behind the possessions and ties together the first season and the second season.

With Annie needed as a vessel coming up, she will play a major role going forward, but it can be disappointing to have her sidelined so often when Lizzy Caplan and the character are always compelling to watch.

Castle Rock Season 2 Episode 7, “The Word,” has shifted the Marsten House into a place of worship, and has converted some (or a lot) of Salem’s Lot into worshipers based on the image of The Kid.

It’s a surprising episode that manages to create a gripping narrative of both past and present, and much like Castle Rock Season 2 Episode 5, “The Laughing Place,” uses the past to inform of the deep loyalty of these followers. Their devotion to this cause is till death and beyond, and now that they are almost all risen, it is fascinating to see what The Kid and Ace have in store.

 

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Castle Rock airs Wednesdays on Hulu.

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