O.M.G.: Advance review of Midnight, Texas season 2 finale

I thought I would be reviewing this episode as a season finale, not a series finale. Alas, NBC decided to pull the plug on Midnight, Texas last week, despite the season’s (slightly) better ratings and much better storytelling. We’re crossing our fingers that another network or streaming service will pick up the show for a third season, but until then, we have one more episode to close out season 2 and it. is. a. doozy!

As you might expect, a lot happens “YASSS, QUEEN!”, the season 2 finale. There are several moments that will make you say, “O.M.G.” Even the Midnighters say it at one point. Some of the storytelling surprises are so good, I don’t even want to allude to them lest it take some of the fun out of watching. However, let it be said

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!

Things look bleak when we open in Midnight Patience, Texas. Yep, Queen Patience wasted no time in renaming the town after herself and cementing her power alongside Theo. That gruesome ceremony was a success and we now have Theo’s reanimated head on Manfred’s body. It’s gross. The townspeople are enslaved, Fiji is delighted to be Patience’s right-hand witch, and Theo is as incestuously creepy as ever.

Showrunners Eric Charmelo and Nicole Snyder wrote this episode along with Evan Twohy, and the trio embrace the horror spectacle as they show what life is like under the rule of Queen Patience and King Theo. Imprisonment, torture, killing to keep others in subservience – Patience, Texas is a terrible place if you’re not a Dark Witch.

Dark Fiji revels in her newfound power and is visibly giddy when Patience reveals her plan for world domination. She’s so unlike the real Fiji that this, in particular, feels horrific.

But wait, there’s more.

Patience has captured and silenced Joe, already guilt-ridden over killing Chuy. She tortures him until he becomes a Dark Angel, working for her. Two of the most beloved Midnighters, turned to the Dark. It’s an abomination.

The rest of the Midnighters try to fight back. Bobo does his best to reach the real Fiji, his soulmate, ultimately making an ill-advised bargain in an attempt to restore her soul.

Olivia attempts an escape and rescue, only to be thwarted and brought to the center of town for an old-fashioned burning at the stake.

Lemuel is forced to give his blood to stabilize Theo in his host body.

It appears all is lost, that Patience and Theo (but mostly Patience, she clearly holds the most power in that relationship) will extend their dominion and Midnight is no more.

Until…

Well, you’ll just have to watch.

“Noooo!” I hear you yelling at your screen. “Tell me everything will be OK! I can’t take any more death and destruction!”

I can’t tell you that, exactly, but I can tell you that the season wraps up mostly satisfactorily. This episode could serve as an acceptable series finale, but we’re left with a few loose ends, a few questions and open doors that leave plenty of room for season 3. Here’s hoping another network saves Midnight!

Tune in Friday, December 28 at 8/7c on NBC for the Midnight, Texas season 2 finale, then check back here for our roundtable discussion. And don’t forget to join us on Twitter and Facebook to share your thoughts.