Mayfair Witches Season 1 Episode 8 Review: What Rough Beast
Mayfair Witches Season 1 Episode 8, “What Rough Beast,” provides horrific revelations for much-anticipated questions, with a dangerous conclusion to the season.
Unlike other episodes, the season finale is incredibly fast-paced and makes it a point to answer most lingering questions.
It’s safe to assume that book readers were prepared for Lasher’s arrival on “What Rough Beast,” but it comes as quite a surprise for someone who hasn’t read the books. Yes, the series has been hinting and leading up to this very moment all season.
However, it felt safe to assume that once Rowan’s bond with Lasher was complete, we’d endure his presence throughout her pregnancy, ultimately leading to Lasher conjoining with her womb.
My only issue with “What Rough Beast” is Rowan’s quick delivery of Lasher’s human host. Besides that, the season finale packs punch after punch and provides a climactic ending that keeps fans wanting more.
The most jarring revelation of the hour is Cortland’s hand in ensuring Lasher’s prophecy is fulfilled. Ciprien’s snooping gives us bits and pieces of what happened to Deirdre, revealing the dark secrets Cortland wanted to be kept hidden.
Carlotta was blamed for the death of Deirdre’s high school crush, who they presumed to be the father of her child. In reality, Cortland has been plotting against everyone in the family, doing unspeakable, horrific acts to see the prophecy through.
Ciprien’s vision reveals that Cortland raped Deirdre the night she came to him and killed her crush to make it seem like he’d been the father. Cortland played the silent game all along, working to enact Lasher’s prophecy in secret.
Cortland’s whole life has been spent feeling like the inferior family member due to having no powers, and he sees Lasher as his one chance to change that. That and Lasher’s abilities are powerful enough to cure him of his ALS.
Thanking him for his help, Lasher grants Cortland the power of immortality, with not even Rowan’s ability able to kill him. Thankfully, Rowan figures out a workaround, turning the despicable excuse of a family member into solid stone.
Rowan Mayfair: I know what he knows. I know what you did to my mother.
And while I’d like to believe this is the last we’ve seen of Cortland, with his newfound immortality, it doesn’t seem plausible. He’s bound to have someone who will work to help cure him of his stasis, appearing at some point within season two.
Despite my reservations about the fast-paced nature of Rowan’s pregnancy, the finale genuinely makes me antsy for the next season.
With Odette in the Talamasca’s hands, Lasher and Rowan connected in the mortal plane, and Cortland’s newfound stasis, there’s plenty to keep the audience waiting in anticipation for more.
This episode does a phenomenal job of upping the ante, pushing the narrative further than ever, and setting up an electric beginning to season two. Rowan’s newfound abilities and divide with Ciprien will create an intriguing premise.
Stray Thoughts:
- I enjoyed the symbolism of Keith’s death tremendously. It’s only fitting that the witch hunter’s death has something to do with burning alive.
- Alexandra Daddario’s portrayal of Rowan feels stiff at the beginning of the season, but by the end, it feels like she’s finally found her footing. The more fast-paced action Daddario is given, the more comfortable she seems in the role.
- It’s only fitting that JoJo takes the initiative and begins leading the family in Cortland’s absence in season two.
What did you think of this episode of Mayfair Witches? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Mayfair Witches Season 1 is available to stream on AMC+.
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Cade Taylor
Cade Taylor is a television and film critic living in St. Louis, Missouri. He is a Senior Writer for Tell-Tale TV. His love for television developed at a young age, with a concentration on queer stories, sitcoms, teen dramas, and science fiction thrillers. In addition, he works full-time as a news producer, telling the stories of Missourians and helming "Produced in the Bi-State," a segment spotlighting actors, musicians, and entertainers from the St. Louis area. He can be reached by email at cade@telltaletv.com.