Hazbin Hotel Review: Dad Beat Dad / Welcome to Heaven (Season 1 Episodes 5 and 6)
Hazbin Hotel Season 1 Episodes 5 and 6, “Dad Beat Dad” and “Welcome to Heaven,” take us to the underbelly of Hell and the highest peaks of Heaven, with plenty of musical goodness in between. It’s a heavenly (and deliciously wicked) improvement from the first four episodes. The series finds its footing and hits the ground running after the top-tier outing that is “Masquerade.”
Dad Beat Dad
“Dad Beat Dad” introduces us to Lucifer Morningstar, Charlie’s estranged father, who bursts onto the scene in all his agitated, white-suit-clad, duck-loving glory. Jeremy Jordan stretches his wings and showcases his versatility as a voiceover talent here. Of course, we all know he boasts powerhouse pipes courtesy of his extensive musical theater resume, and he knocks his songs out of the park.
Amir Talai also impresses in “Dad Beat Dad” as Alastor, delivering the right amount of biting menace and serrated-edge civility, all cloaked in that radio-friendly voice. This episode gives us more insight into Alastor and how formidable he is as an Overlord of Hell. The series still hasn’t answered where he was during his extended disappearance, but it’ll undoubtedly be a game-changer for the narrative. “Dad Beat Dad” skims the surface of his relationship with Mimzy, so here’s hoping we get more on that front.
Another wonderful aspect of “Dad Beat Dad” is the confirmation that Charlie and Vaggie are dating. Even better is that Hazbin Hotel doesn’t make a big deal out of it. We don’t see a significant buildup to their union or a grand romantic gesture (although this reviewer wouldn’t mind that). They simply just are, you know? They’re an adorable couple.
A More Focused Story
Episode five raises the narrative stakes considerably with the inclusion of Lucifer as Charlie endeavors to take her vision to Heaven’s gates. The story feels more focused and streamlined in both outings than in its predecessors, and it’s especially noticeable in how the overarching plot is handled.
The songs for both episodes are absolutely killer. Erika Henningsen emerges as a vocal frontrunner with two gorgeous turns. “More Than Anything” is a stirring, tender ballad performed beautifully by Henningsen and Jordan. Hazbin Hotel really soars when it takes care of its characters, hones in on their dynamics, and propels the narrative in exciting and unique ways.
“Hell’s Greatest Dad” is a hilarious number that displays Jordan’s comedic abilities and Talai’s equally humorous approach. The show explores Alastor’s hold on Charlie and how he views her as a “daughter,” although it’s abundantly clear he has ulterior motives. It’ll be interesting to see how those play out in the story.
Lucifer reconnecting with Charlie offers more context regarding her behavior and drive to be perfect. Additionally, Hazbin Hotel subverts expectations by making Lucifer an anxious, fast-talking, and, at times, mild-mannered man. It’s easy to see where some of Charlie’s traits come from.
Welcome to Heaven
As for the songs in “Welcome to Heaven,” the first track of the same name showcases the great Darren Criss as St. Peter while offering a clean-cut, pop-like melody. The real showstopper arrives later in the episode. “You Didn’t Know” brings multiple narrative revelations to the table, including Charlie learning about Vaggie’s past as an Exterminator in Heaven.
“You Didn’t Know” also includes a lush revamp of the melody from “Hell is Forever,” sung by Charlie and Emily. Henningsen and Shoba Narayan, who voices Emily, bless us with two ethereal voices that harmonize well. Narayan’s Emily is Heaven’s version of Charlie, and watching Emily learn the truth about Heaven’s exterminations is entertaining.
What’s more fascinating is how, as a whole, Hazbin Hotel doesn’t rely on “good” or “evil” stereotypes. That’s even more apparent in “Dad Beat Dad” and “Welcome to Heaven.” Vaggie used to be an angel, but you would never know based on her occasionally abrasive personality. Meanwhile, Charlie, Lucifer’s daughter, feels like a standard archetype of an overenthusiastic angel.
Subversion of Stereotypes
The show overturns the aforementioned stereotypes, reminding us that humans are messy, flawed, and morally ambiguous creatures, and the same logic applies to the afterlife. It’s a fun study of humanity that’s more subtle in its presentation. We’re not whacked over the head with it.
“Dad Beat Dad” and “Welcome to Heaven” up the ante concerning Charlie’s objective while keeping the narrative moving at a breakneck pace as we hurtle toward the final two episodes of the season. That said, the pacing doesn’t feel too fast, and the series hits that sweet spot regarding how it juggles its characters. The jokes are funnier, the songs even more realized, and the voice performers bring their A-game.
Let us pray that episodes seven and eight are just as delightfully irreverent and musically pleasing.
Stray Observations:
- I love the little touches on Lucifer‘s outfit, especially the running apple theme and the serpent coiled around the brim of his top hat.
- As a bona fide daddy’s girl, “More Than Anything” made me sob uncontrollably. We’re talking puffy eyes, snot-leaking-out-of-the-nose sobbing. Jeremy Jordan and Erika Henningsen’s voices blend so beautifully, too.
- I need Husk’s “Fuck Mondays” mug, and I needed it yesterday.
- It’s official: Charlie and Vaggie are girlfriends. Squee!
- Watching Angel stand up to Valentino in “Welcome to Heaven” was immensely gratifying. That’s our baby.
- “Welcome to Heaven,” as a song, would be some techno-infused, autotune anthem.
- There’s something so wholesome about Sir Pentious. If anything, he would’ve been a great example to present as a demon on the path of redemption to Heaven’s court. He even went from despising Cherri Bomb, his archnemesis, to wanting to pork her. That’s growth!
- I can’t wait to get more backstory on our fave Radio Demon…
- Adam would name Vaggie after a vagina.
What did you think of these episodes of Hazbin Hotel? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Hazbin Hotel drops new episodes every Thursday at 8/7c on Prime Video.
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Melody McCune
Melody loves TV. Maybe too much. Besides being a Senior Writer for Tell-Tale TV, she's the Managing Editor for Geek Girl Authority, an Independent Contractor for Sideshow Collectibles, and a Senior Writer for Eulalie Magazine. Additionally, she has bylines in Culturess, Widget, and inkMend on Medium. To top it all off, she's a critic for Rotten Tomatoes and CherryPicks.