helluvathings

[helluvathings]

[helluvathings]

Dying of curiosity. Is this... a normal hellhound thing??? Or is this a 'Loona spent a lot of time with Stolas's grimoire and is a magic prodigy' thing? Because that's crazy. Like wtf with the extra eyes during the transformation? Is that supposed to be Beelzebub-coded?

Anyway was not expecting scary wolf Loona! Also bonus points for the Loona and Moxxie teamwork. Look at the shared smiles. I love them.

[helluvathings]

Find this very interesting! 🤔 Longer wait... but shorts + S3 with a more traditional release schedule. I do think it'll help with story flow, though I've kind of gotten fond of the weird releases where each episode feels like a small event. Either way, I'm excited to see how this works out!

[helluvathings]

For those that think Ozzie doesn't care about the hierarchy or is somehow caught up in classism to actually want things to change for the lower class, I'd like for you to see this:

Look at the expressions each of the Deadly Sins wear as Blitz says this (except Belphagor since she's asleep so I didn't include her :/): Satan's is disinterested; Mammon's is gleeful; Leviathan's is cold (maybe sneering); Bee's is sad (as best as I can tell); but Ozzie's? That expression is more than just sad to me, it shows discomfort and guilt as he knows what Blitz is saying is true and he hates it. He also isn't looking away as if to try and make this blatant problem disappear, so that means he bears this weight on his conscience and it hurts; I honestly wouldn't be surprised if Ozzie (and likely Bee too) have tried in the past to make things better for all, only to be shut down like we saw in "Mastermind." :( In addition, while I can't speak for how well things truly are in Gluttony given how bad the Hellhound adoption agency seems to be, Lust at least seems to give its citizens the best quality of life from what we've seen, even though I know most of the population is incubi and succubi rather than imps and Hellhounds, but that's not nothing when we've seen how Greed and Wrath operate. :/

Yes, I know Ozzie's expression could also be related to how the trial went with Blitz being convicted, but considering Satan's bored/"I don't care" expression while Blitz is talking, I'm inclined to believe Ozzie's is related to what the other is saying about royals too. :/

So, as I saw on another post, maybe the question to ask isn't why Ozzie won't do anything and instead why he can't do anything because that is not the look of someone who is happy with the way things are for the lower class and is not blind to it. :( I mean, for goodness sake, Ozzie saw Fizz have a full-on breakdown in front of him about feeling like he's nothing without his title and barely worthy to even just work with a Deadly Sin, so even if Ozzie somehow didn't care about this issue or was unaware of it for THOUSANDS of years despite mingling amongst the deemed lower class all that time (so that means I highly doubt either was the case -_- ), he damn well would after that. (Yes, Fizz likely was dealing with internalized ableism too, but there's no way it was just that given how we saw Fizz's self-worth issues exist even before he lost his limbs, no doubt made worse by Cash Buckzo's influence as well :( ).

Also, just to put it out there since I haven't seen it mentioned yet, maybe we're shown this:

where they know Satan is uttering bullsh*t but don't say anything because it gives us a benchmark for setting up a future plot point of a royal civil war and we see which side of the fight they'd be on since they don't seem to like Satan and his forceful/harsh ways. :/ (Also, I'm pretty sure they'd be met with some form of punishment for speaking out against Satan, even if they are Deadly Sins too, so please consider that as well when it comes to reasons why they were silent; they have after all had thousands of years of experience dealing with Satan and how he'd likely respond :/).

[helluvathings]

Okay but the fact how Loona can realize her dad's habit with photos of himself and make sure to keep at least 1 pic safe was such a small detail that I'm still shook from realizing it.

(There's already another most I've reblogged about the whole topic of Blitz's pictures)

[helluvathings]

Is Octavia afraid of Stella?

This brief scene of them together in Mastermind confirmed for many of us something we’d long suspected—that Stella is not close with nor very maternal towards Octavia. But after watching this a few times, I think it might go even deeper than that. I think there are subtle hints that Octavia might actually be afraid of her.

There is evidence as early as Loo Loo Land that even when Stella was more involved, she may not have been a source of comfort for Octavia.

When baby Octavia is crying for them at the beginning of the episode, Stella says, "You get up," before Stolas sighs and goes to comfort their daughter.

There’s been some debate in the fandom that maybe this exchange was more about “taking turns” than anything else. But the sigh that Stolas gives is clearly a reaction to her response and he is already sitting up before she has even finished her sentence.

I think the implication is that he was going to get up either way and is annoyed that she has no interest in comforting Octavia, whether it be alone or together. The intensity of the sigh may also indicate that this was a regular occurrence at the time.

In the same episode, there is a photo and drawing of just Stolas and Octavia. Then later, in The Circus, we see a another photo of just the two of them.

The only pictures we see that include both Stella and Octavia are family photos with the three of them together. Over the span of 17 years, these are the only two photos that seem to exist and she is not physically touching nor looking at Octavia in either of them.

In Mastermind, Octavia is clearly very upset, but there's more being shown than just her hesitation to embrace Stella.

When she first runs from the television, Stella swoops in front of her so forcefully that there is a *whoosh* sound effect. Octavia briefly puts her hands up as she comes to a stop, so that they don’t collide.

Then, arms back down at her sides, she stands there for a moment with a look of confusion and concern on her face. At first I assumed that this was her reaction to being blocked from the doorway, but then I realized that they are in Stolas’ palace, where she wouldn’t expect her mother to be in the first place.

But the thing that startled me when I first noticed, happens when Stella reaches out to engulf her in a hug. Octavia's reactive instinct is to raise her hands, palms facing outward, and back away.

Once in Stella's embrace, she then stands there limply until she begins to cry. Only after that does she move to hug Stella back, but even then, there is another moment of hesitation when her arms are halfway up before she finally embraces her back.

It makes sense for her to be startled and confused at first, but seeing her recoil when Stella raises her arms, paints a concerning picture.

To be clear, I don't think it's meant to imply that Stella has actually hit Octavia before. Honestly, if she had, I think we can all agree that Stolas would have absolutely kicked Stella's ass straight out into the stratosphere.

We do know, however, that she has seen Stella be physically violent towards Stolas. While it’s possible that she’s never witnessed them fight previous to his cheating, she was at least exposed to it enough afterwards to be completely unfazed when her mother hurls an imp at him in Loo Loo Land.

So, I suspect that, on some level, she does not feel entirely safe around Stella.

Either way, I think we’re supposed to assume from their exchange that Octavia has likely never been comforted, or possibly even held, by Stella before.

Because the fact remains that, even after finding herself merely in an embrace, she still hesitated to accept comfort from her own mother.

[helluvathings]

Ozzie isn't afraid of challenging the system for Fizz

Another Ozzie post! Since he's gotten somewhat controversial lately, I want to back up for a sec and focus on his characterization in 2x06 and 2x07. Mostly responding to the idea that he’d be unwilling to stand up for Fizz the way Stolas did for Blitzø, that he’s oblivious to class issues, or is fine with Hell's status quo. I've even seen the take that he’s so caught in his own classism he’d stroll home expecting Fizz to be indifferent about the trial and go *shocked pikachu* if Fizz is distressed. 

I really don't think anything about his behavior so far supports this, and he's already had a big inherently political moment that's worth remembering. Anyway, here's in-depth take on 2 Minutes Notice (and what Ozzie's supporting role in the song says about his character).

His Characterization in Oops

I want to detour here briefly, because I think Ozzie's behavior is significant. Crimson calls Asmodeus weak and nonthreatening, then tells him to “be a good little bitch boy.” And instead of reacting in a way that asserts his status or authority, instead of clinging to the narrative that if an imp undermines his power, his focus should be on teaching a lesson, Ozzie lets Crimson have his way to keep Fizz safe.

Asmodeus would’ve turned over his whole factory without even reading the contract. Look at Ozzie's face when Stolas tells him they were going to take all of his factory assets, then compare it to the second picture when he hears Crimson planned to kill Fizz:

He also doesn't verbally protest when Stolas mentions the first point. He only snatches the contract away when the second fact comes up.

This isn’t directly a class issue, but I found it relevant. A ten-thousand year old god-like entity humbled himself enough for Crimson—an imp—to get away with aggressively talking down to him. For Fizz.

So we have a baseline here: for Fizz, Ozzie will set aside pride and reputation, while ignoring any thought of personal cost (i.e. signing the contract without looking) if it means his partner is safe. This is his default response. His instinct was to do whatever Crimson wanted without negotiating at all. The contents of the contract didn't matter, and he didn't consider what he might lose. I feel like this is worth keeping in mind when commenting on his priorities.

Fizz's Rebellion: 2 Minutes Notice

Alright, now let's pause to look at how Satan (and the typical royals) views imps. First and foremost, they’re supposed to be obedient and dutiful. Satan’s whole reason for the execution being broadcast was "to remind all of imp-kind why our power must never be challenged again." Satan, who is clearly the most powerful non-Lucifer Sin, considers keeping imps in their place to be part of maintaining the natural order of Hell. 

Now move to 2x07. When Fizz is being dutiful to Mammon, Asmodeus pushes back, encourages him to quit, and… suggests Fizz do so quietly, in an inoffensive way that upholds the status quo, ensures Fizz’s physical safety, and gets no negative attention thrown their way? Or maybe Ozzie pushes for the safe, not-risky route that’ll require no sacrifice on his part? The route that prioritizes his concern for Fizz over any adjacent class, moral, or political issues Fizz might feel inclined to loudly express? 

That’s what Ozzie does... right? 

Of course not. Asmodeus takes obvious delight watching Fizz tell a Deadly Sin “Fuck You” over and over on live television, in a politically charged act. This isn't neutral or doormat behavior. Ozzie is facilitating an imp's decision to openly challenge a royal demon's power.

Consider how this is shown. Fizz starts out bowing to Mammon. “I have worshiped at your feet.”

There’s the sequence of him being used like a puppet. Being crushed under heel. I want to add, we see Ozzie’s shadow puppets/images in House of Asmodeus. I’m pretty sure there’s an implication that Fizz’s special effects are made by Ozzie. Here are some things that get portrayed:

Fizz chained. Slapped. Stepped on. Treated as a puppet while he's mocked and laughed at. Fizz in various degrees of a service to a Deadly Sin, feeling trapped, hurt, and vulnerable. Fizz talking about getting his fortune stolen (think of the Wrath Ring imps booing Stolas in 1x05 for talking about the “spoils of their labor”).

Yes, the content is more focused around a proclamation of worker's rights than the imp/class-centered framing Blitzø uses when he snaps at Satan. But the heart of the song is that if a worker is being treated poorly, the guy doing the mistreatment is a dick, and the worker should fight back. An obedient, dutiful imp would not say these things. Especially not to a Deadly Sin.

There is a charged message here: I’m an imp, and he is a Sin, but that doesn’t give him the justification to use me, see me as lesser, or treat me like shit.

Sounds like Fizz is challenging royal power, yeah? With Ozzie's help, Fizz starts the song showing himself being exploited in various ways that seem pretty symbolic of Hell's overall class system. Followed by him doing this:

And Ozzie doing this:

If you can't see the second picture, Ozzie shifts Mammon's logo to his own. Fizz sets up this visual of feeling used and abused, then breaks free from his chains, and says, "Fuck you," to the face of one of the most powerful demons in Hell. While Ozzie grins, throws him his fire, and puts his name/symbol on the stage behind him. In full view. Asmodeus isn't doing this grudgingly, he's loving it. I'm fairly sure the third shot is implying he's getting a boner from it.

The obvious objection being, Fizz's song is just about Fizz. Ozzie is supporting Fizz's self-expression, not a political message. But Fizz doesn't make the song only about himself. Fizz's bridge involves directly bringing the crowd into it.

Have you ever felt sick and tired of doing the same shit everyday with your anger brewin'? Eatin' shit for a boss that you're sick of obeyin'? If you ever felt the same, let me hear ya say it!

By the end, the whole stadium is singing anti-Mammon/anti-exploitation lyrics. The direct meaning here is in a job/work context: if you have a shitty boss, say "fuck you." But it's worth repeating: imps are supposed to be obedient. The quiet, dutiful working class. Fizz is telling his fans, imps included: if you're sick of being obedient, you don't have to put up with it. And, I know I'm getting repetitive, but Fizz says this to Mammon. Again: a Deadly Sin.

More of Fizz publicly 'respecting' a Deadly Sin:

Wish I'd... cut you off just like a tumor | Hope you die, kiss my ass goodbye, you cuck | So this is it, Mammon you sad sack of shit, fuck you.

Nothing rebellious going on here! Just your average very popular celebrity imp making a neutral statement about refusing to bow to a royal demon... to cheers from a packed house. In said demon's own arena.

And when Mammon reacts badly, Ozzie's response?

Asmodeus stands behind the rebellious, disobedient imp. Then doesn't just support him, but says he loves him: which implies valuing him, respecting him, viewing him with inherent worth and autonomy. This is an act of rebellion, and it isn't the 'safe' choice. Mammon's "you're going to regret revealing that" reads as foreshadowing, not an empty threat. Ozzie has also built a reputation on decrying love in favor of lust, so it's possible this also carries consequences relating to that.

If he didn't genuinely believe this would cause trouble, Ozzie wouldn't have kept their relationship secret for so long. Yet, even after Mammon's threat, he's not embarrassed, ashamed, or frustrated. Ozzie is just glad Fizz is safe.

So we see in Oops that Ozzie will all but grovel to get Fizz home alive. Then in 2x07, his support is entirely about Fizz's emotional well-being and ability to be heard. Persuading Fizz to quit wasn't necessary, and helping him quit in the way he did certainly wasn't. He encouraged Fizz to make a loud, revolutionary point in a way that could be directly traced back to him, and the only direct benefit is that it let Fizz get his emotional catharsis.

I'm not going to go in the whys of what might've left Ozzie more muted in Mastermind. This is already long, and I've touched on that a little elsewhere. But so many posts have stated outright that Ozzie betrayed Fizz by being unwilling to break from the system. Some even make it sound like Ozzie isn't aware it'd be an issue. But Ozzie has already helped Fizz wage music-themed rebellion. 2 Minutes Notice celebrated an imp breaking entirely from Satan's view of what imps should be, in front of all of Hell.

If Ozzie is willing to do that solely to make Fizz happy, why would he draw the line at speaking a few words on Blitzø's behalf (when his death certainly isn't conducive to Fizz's happiness)?

The situations are different, but given what the show has shown of Ozzie's character in this regard, it might be useful to try reframing the question from "why wasn't he willing to help" to "are there reasons he might not have been able to help"?

[helluvathings]

Some thoughts on Ozzie's response at the trial

One moment that caught my attention, and I've seen a few reactors comment on it too, is that Ozzie's defense of Blitzø's right to a fair trial is lukewarm compared to Bee's. She gives a character reference, speaking about him almost fondly, while Ozzie offers one understated line.

He speaks lightly, but isn't that the kind of phrase usually accompanied by a side-eye and a pointed, "You do have a good explanation, right?" And I've seen a lot of Ozzie call outs for not just "sharing the truth," since he "knows what's really going on."

But the more I think about it, the more I feel like his slight involvement probably makes things look worse from his perspective. Tbf, the dialogue disparity could be timing constraints and wanting to make use of Kesha. Still, I honestly suspect Ozzie knowing more than Bee would make it likelier he'd be reluctant to outright vouch for Blitzø's character even if he supports a fair trial.

I do plan to touch on a few separate points. But the BIG thing I haven't seen brought up: Ozzie is the only person in that room who may know the extent to which Blitzø's use of the grimoire has actually, undeniably endangered Hell. I feel like this fact has sort of slid from people's minds, but as a reminder:

IMP obliterated part of Ozzie's ring directly outside his club. In a setting where there are likely security cameras, and at the very least, his bouncers were shown to be in the general vicinity. And there were cherubs with high tech battle suits visibly involved. Assuming Ozzie investigated this, his additional knowledge isn't actually in IMP, Stolas's, or Blitzø's favor at all.

Rewinding to touch on what Ozzie actually knows about Stolas and Blitzø's situation:

Ozzie is aware that Stolas has feelings for Blitzø.

He could guess, if he ever thought about it, that Blitzø must’ve been getting to earth a different way beforehand since his business precedes the crystal. However, he's never told this. Depending on how much he cared to look at the particulars, it possibly didn't occur to him at the time (though if he looked into the Lust Ring attack, he likely figured it out).

He also has no confirmation that Blitzø has feelings for Stolas. Fizz has probably speculated, maybe he shared Blitzø had come to Lust for toys—but Ozzie has only seen them together at Ozzie's, when he was more concerned with helping Fizz revenge-ruin their date than drawing any relationship analysis (except in the ways that helped him revenge-ruin their date).

Ozzie may also know about the anti-Blitzø parties, or at least that Blitzø has a poor history with relationships. Fizz knew his "love life [was] a pile of shit," and that giving the stage to Verosika during House of Asmodeus would get results, so at the very least, he seems familiar with Blitzø's bad habits. If Ozzie doesn't know Stolas is different, a very possible explanation might be that Blitzø had been using Stolas’s feelings to get the book. Not "forcing himself," but not really Lust King-approved.

I.e. Ozzie can assume “not forced,” but not “mutual feelings,” or “Blitzø did nothing wrong." Blitzø has also told him one of his skills is "killing things without giving fucks," so again, the background knowledge of Blitzø isn't necessarily a good thing here.

Then after Apology Tour, Blitzø went into a depression slump and probably cut off contact with friends, including Fizz. From Fizz and Ozzie's perspective, the day Blitzø got the crystal, his thing with Stolas outwardly ended, and he likely never shared much about what happened (if he didn't deflect outright). Fizz may have noticed and commented on Blitzø acting strange, but the circumstances are ambiguous.

To summarize: Ozzie can guess Andrealphus is full of shit, and that some sort of setup is happening. But he doesn't know "the truth," in the sense he could speak up and clarify everything.

What else he possibly knows:

IMP had a massive fight with well-armed heavenly beings in the middle of the Lust Ring.

This was shown to have caused substantial damage. Loona destroyed what looked like one of his buildings, on top of other property destruction, right in front of his club. If they had security cameras, Ozzie probably knows this. Like I mentioned before, two of his own bouncers were outside, alongside dozens of witnesses. If he investigated at all, there are ways he could piece together what happened.

A frequent reaction has been, “Ozzie knows everything Blitzø did was above board, he could’ve clarified.” But Ozzie has a lot of facts that actually look awful? Depending on what surveillance caught from that fight, Ozzie very well could've connected IMP to cherubs coming to Hell. To his ring specifically.

Two conclusions to be drawn from this:

If Ozzie has recognized as much, he hasn't said anything. Which is both him already covering for IMP, but it also means he's hiding something Satan would desperately want to know.

Ozzie has a legitimate reason to be upset at Blitzø and Stolas for bringing him into this. First because Stolas wasn't up-front about the formerly illegal details of Blitzø getting to earth (let alone moments like in Truthseekers where there's already been major transgression). Then afterward, when the spillover of their indiscretion caused damage to his ring and possibly got Lust Ring demons killed.

Ozzie is involved enough that all this could cause trouble for him if he's implicated

I've seen people say he'd be immune because of his rank. But while he'd physically be fine, Mammon was already going at him and Bee about their partners. Mammon has also threatened that Ozzie would "regret revealing" his love for Fizz, in pretty clear foreshadowing. Ozzie has a big, well-known weak point.

Also, Blitzø was on trial about unlawfully going to the human world (or doing it "unwittingly" as a pawn of the evil Mastermind Stolas). And this all happens while he has a registered Asmodean Crystal on his wrist. He even tries using it to get to Stolas while they're dragging him away. The more Ozzie speaks up, the more closely Blitzø is examined, and the clearer it is that Ozzie is involved with something illegal.

The legitimacy of Blitzø's behavior on Earth is a bit dodgy as well. Remember how Verosika let Blitzø win that bet because she was wary of getting into trouble for the conspicuous monster? They’re clearly supposed to keep a low profile. If Ozzie linked IMP to the Lust Ring incident and realized they've been stirring up trouble topside, his lack of interference may indicate he's already making allowances he legally shouldn't be.

Do I think the imagery of Ozzie and the other Sins falling in with Satan during the song may go complicated places? Possibly. And Ozzie clearly did want to help after Fizz’s text and seemed to feel he couldn’t. I don't think he's exactly blameless, in the sense he's aligned with a messed up system here. I also have no idea if the writers considered any of this, or if we're ever going to see Ozzie's thoughts or feelings about the attack on Lust. Maybe that was just a cool fight scene to set up the cherub/DHORKS threat, and it won't have further relevance.

But honestly, the fact that illegal use of the grimoire brought trouble to Ozzie's doorstep makes me more willing to shrug off his muted response at the trial. Even if Ozzie isn't aware, Blitzø and Stolas's lawbreaking led to an attack on his ring. If he is aware? It’s already iffy to expect he'd stick his neck out in a hopeless situation where it’d only get scrutiny turned his way. Wanting him to do so despite associating IMP with a heavenly threat and massive property damage? That's a big ask.

Maybe overthinking, especially if it’s revealed he doesn’t have much intel on the Lust Ring attack. But I feel like Ozzie knowing more about Blitzø's situation makes it harder for him to intervene, as opposed to easier. He may even have legitimate reason to feel like IMP has been endangering Hell, but has kept quiet for Fizz's sake.

Mostly, I wonder if it's coincidence that the show made that Lust fight visually, noticeably destructive, then next time we see Ozzie, it's Bee vouching for Blitzø's character, while Ozzie's statement focuses on getting an explanation. Her defense seems to be "he's cool, I don't think he'd do this." Ozzie's is more coded like, "It's fair to see what he has to say." Like maybe he's thinking it would be in character for Blitzø to have done something illegal and ill-advised that puts Hell at risk, so he'll stick with a safer defense. And honestly, I love Blitzø... but I also get why Ozzie might be ambivalent.

[helluvathings]

i can't believe andre keeps talking about how hot his sister is bc he thinks it makes him look straight

[helluvathings]

He is the Law

Did anyone else find this unsettling? On cue, all five non-Lucifer Sins stood up and backed Satan like his own personal chorus, declaring his law as absolute. Bee doesn't look happy about it. I think Ozzie looks dutiful. Bel wakes up to stand and sing along when I believe she'd been napping.

We saw Fizz beg Ozzie to do something, and Ozzie looked saddened, but he didn't act. Bee and Ozzie rolled their eyes when Satan (according to Viv) told a direct lie, but neither called him out.

On the door, Satan's symbol is directly below Lucifer's, and he seems to have tangible authority over the other Sins. Ozzie and Bee fought back while the trial was still in the air, but the second Satan made his preference clear, no more protests (possibly because they have their own controversial relationships to protect).

It's distinctly different from how Bee, Ozzie, and Mammon interact. Ozzie was very willing to physically fight Mammon for Fizz but won't say a word speaking up against Satan? Mammon openly flirts with copyrighting Lucifer, goads Bee this episode, and mocks Ozzie for loving Fizz, but shows Satan obedience? I wonder how entrenched this behavior actually is and where it comes from (tradition? fear? genuine respect?).

I've seen posts calling out Ozzie for not doing more, but unless/until further information comes out, I wonder what he could've accomplished. Satan is framed as 'the dangerous big boss,' to the extent he has the other Sins reciting an assertion of his authority like kids in a classroom. The whole courtroom is designed to have him his own separate place, with the other Sins very much sidelined. It makes me doubt how much wiggle room the others actually have, and what the consequences are for failing to play their role.

Additionally: I'm curious if this becomes a point of conflict, especially between Ozzie/Fizz and Bee/Vortex. The system, with Satan in charge, would've executed an imp on shaky testimony. That same system spared Stolas, who readily admitted much worse "crimes," because of his status. Notably, Ozzie and Bee are part of this system, and they're sticking to their script, protesting when it's safe but no further, even when it treats 'lesser demons' like their partners as expendable.

After Mammon's threats to Ozzie in 2x07, I wonder if this dynamic relates to how that foreshadowing plays out. If at some point, he'll have to choose between Satan's law and Fizz, and if his seeming friendship with Bee (who's in a similar situation) might be relevant.

I could see it going either way; those two kept quiet here to directly shield themselves and their partners from suspicion, and it's no more complicated than that. Or the way they echoed Satan is an indication there's more to explore in their relationships, and there might be conflict lurking in the future. I'm torn between wanting to see extra layers, and hoping their relationships genuinely are as wholesome as they seem. It'll be something to watch for in Season 3, I suppose.

[helluvathings]

Feel like Octavia's rift with Stolas, especially given her line in the trailer, is going to involve seeing newly domestic Stolitz and taking it very much the wrong way. She's been terrified Stolas will abandon her? Nearly watches him die. Was likely on the verge of mourning. Realizes no, actually, he gave up his powers, titles, everything, to save Blitzø.

And the result?

Stolas goes somewhere she can't follow. He chose a course of action that meant saving the imp who 'ruined her family,' when the cost, even if he didn't know it, was not being able to see her or be part of her life. And on top of that, he's now living with Blitzø as well.

I know people have been doubting or questioning where Octavia's trailer line comes from, how it could possibly be realistic. But between not knowing about Stella's abuse, the episode's confirmation that Stella is actively manipulating Octavia, all the big feelings from watching that trial, and very likely seeing Stolas and Blitzø together and not having the actual context?

It looks bad. I feel like there's actually a really good set up to absolutely break Via's heart, and I'm not looking forward to it whatsoever.

[helluvathings]

Satan and the Nature of the Deadly Sins

First note: Viv has confirmed that Satan is lying.

But I do have thoughts on where the lie here is, and what's being said or implied about the Sins. Because even accounting for the falsehood, I actually think this does strongly hint that the Sins aren't angels, and have been part of Hell from the start: presumably created when Eve ate the apple and humans gained free will, leading to sin, implicitly leading to "the Sins."

Note, Satan talks about an endless dark, "long before" Lucifer fell. He's making himself out to be a primordial entity that preexisted Lucifer and Hell's current system by a substantial margin. As if way, way back when, Satan was "in charge." If the Hazbin creation story is accurate, Hell existed without Lucifer for the duration of time it took him to be banished. We don't know how long this was, but presumably it wasn't that much time.

We also have Ozzie saying he knew Mammon "from the start of Hell." I've seen people theorize that this can fit the fallen angel theory, and he's referring to how they all met when Lucifer rebelled, but there's been so little indication that there was a big rebellion in heaven previously—as opposed to Lucifer getting kicked out for the sole act of the apple/trying to institute change as an individual—that there doesn't seem to be much evidence for additional angels having been punished. (In Hazbin, Sera warns Emily she might end up like Lucifer, citing him as an individual). It'd also be an awkward way to phrase it (something like "from before our Fall" would work better in that case). Ozzie's words in 2x07 imply, I'd argue, a common origin point, and that he and Mammon began at the same time in the same place. Which fits the Hazbin story (Eve -> apple -> free will -> sin/Hell -> Sins). It even matches with Bee saying Satan is like a brother. Common origin, but not technically related.

In which case, there possibly was endless darkness like Satan mentioned. But also, likely not much to rule, or much time for Satan to do so before Lucifer fell, when Lilith took over and structured Hell into what it is today. Given there would've been confusion and a lack of order, it likely would've been chaotic and undeveloped (Lilith being the as-of-now-canonical reason things shaped up). Satan, implied as the strongest, maybe would've scrounged up a semblance of power, but a) not for long, and b) not over anything substantial. Hence, this look from Ozzie and Bee:

But what really stands out to me is the way Satan refers to Lucifer, and the way Lucifer is separated out from the other Sins on the whole. Calling him "the golden angel" and referring to "his fall" as a distinct event separate from Satan himself does make it seem like Lucifer was something foreign that came crashing in. Note how Lucifer still looks like his angelic self. Notably, the very distinctive angel's wings none of the other Sins possess. Being a fallen angel is a massive part of his character, his motivations, his actions and beliefs. It dyes every part of who he is. On the door to the courtroom, Lucifer's angelic wings and nature are dominant in his symbol's design, and he's placed above the other Sins, whose designs revolve around their sin, or prominent physical features.

It could be argued that the others got over the Fall better, or were different classes of angels (so look different after being punished). But it's a factor that's so absent from their backstory or characterization that it'd almost undermine Lucifer's struggle to have something that colors his whole existence be totally irrelevant to the other fallen angels. I get the impression more so that Lucifer's angelic nature actually stands out, and might be one reason he feels so isolated, especially after his divorce. If he had six people who'd gone through the same trauma, he'd have something. If he's instead forced to brush elbows with and work alongside six demons that symbolize his ultimate failure, and who resulted directly from his actions with the apple, that's more complicated. Again, Satan calling him "the golden angel" makes it see like he's separating angels as something other. And "the angel's fall" is another separation. Satan lying about that part doesn't serve much purpose; if anything, if he was a fallen angel too, he could assert himself as the one who stepped up while Lucifer crashed and burned.

Instead, Satan attempts to distinguish himself from Lucifer in this entirely different way, by framing himself as something far, far more deeply rooted in Hell, older and better. It's not just an 'I'm the strongest' bluff, but there's an attempt to establish himself as the one who's always been here. And I'm thinking, when Viv says Lucifer has always been "first," she means in terms of hierarchy. Where it leaves room for the Sins to have been created as part of Hell, but Satan's lie comes from asserting the "a long time" and that he'd ever been in charge. It feels more natural to assume that Satan is doubling down and exaggerating his past authority, but not lying about his origin.

Final note: it is canon that Lucifer inadvertently created Hell, and was thrown into the pit he created. Also, confirmed that Ozzie has known Mammon since the "start of Hell." While there's a chance Ozzie is using hyperbole: it's framed like Hell was, in some form, around at least a short time before Lucifer showed up. And that Ozzie and Mammon were present. Unless there are wordplay shenanigans involved, discounting Satan's words to the extent it butts against that established timeline is probably throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

Summing it up: I've seen a few reactions to Viv's post about Satan implying that it doesn't make sense with previous lore or that things aren't adding up, but I think that view overestimates how much of what Satan is saying is actually false. He's bullshitting being a primordial god-like power for sure, which fits Ozzie and Bee rolling their eyes. I think if he was lying about the whole creation story altogether, they'd have been less 'shut up, wtf,' and more visibly confused. Of course future episodes could disprove all of this, but my impression is that the way Satan referred to Lucifer and his presence in Hell actually solidifies that he (and the others) aren't fallen angels, and his "for a long time before" thing being untrue is actually a mark in favor of the Hazbin creation story being at least mostly canonical (since it wasn't a long time; he probably had like two weeks to try flexing), as opposed to proof against it.

Also maybe sets up Satan having a quiet rivalry with Lucifer or at least pushing his authority? I think it might be very relevant that Satan goes the route of I've always been here when he's trying to set himself above and apart, and that he points out Lucifer falling in as an outsider. That might just be speculation, but that framing feels intentional.

[helluvathings]

Ok, but you don't understand. This is such an understated moment for both of them.

Most of the time these two don't get along, partly because Loona can be a nightmare to work with and is horrible to Moxxie, the one thing Millie will never forgive, and partly because, if you think about it, Millie never really makes the effort to reach out first and level with her.

Out of the entire IMP, it's always Millie who treats Loona like she's just Blitzo's hellhound. Not his adopted daughter, not even a real part of the team.

But here, she's reaching out to Loona, being vulnerable with her and trusting her to do the right thing and keep an eye on Moxxie because Millie can't keep up with both him and Blitzo at the same time.

And Loona gets that. She gets Millie needs help and, whether she likes it or not, she's the only one she can rely on right now. So, begrudgingly, because that's Loona for you, she accepts the responsibility.

And Millie's response? That little pause she makes before saying her name? Pretty sure that's the first time she's ever said Loona's name since the pilot. It's meaningful, and they both know it.

[helluvathings]

poor guy

[helluvathings]

Not to overlook all the heartfelt, poignant details in the episode, or undermine the conversation between Blitzø and Millie (because it was wonderful). But viewed as a supplement to the flower and "For Fizz's Eyes Only" letter in Oops, as well as the make out request... that confirms Blitzø had a thing for Fizz, yeah? Barring some leaps in logic, seems that's canon BlitzFizz from Blitzø's side, at least at some point in time?

[helluvathings]

Some frames from Oops that made me laugh

Fizz falling Face First onto Blitzø's ass, like right between the booty cheeks

Fizz's disgust when he realizes he fell Face Fucking First onto Blitzø's ass

And Fizz's squished face when Blitzø grabs his between his legs to turn him away from Crimson's mafia guys

[helluvathings]

Blitz-Fizz Dance Analysis

I feel like this little moment was Fizz’s way of showing Blitz forgiveness after his apology!

At first, Blitz was only planning on throwing the confetti here. He turns away immediately.

They’re not partners anymore (the fire destroyed that, and it’s been 15 years)

But also… performance is Fizz’s thing and Blitz feels he’s only there to enhance his performance,

But then Fizz pulls him in to join him, in what I feel like is an implicit sign of forgiveness

He’s letting Blitz perform with him again, as a sign that the fire is now water under the bridge, they’re okay, they’re back to normal

At first, Blitz is too shocked to react

But then Fizz does this, and it’s like Blitz’s performing muscle memory kicks in (he does the tail thing too)

That’s when he smiles,

That’s when the joy and memory of joy performing with Fizz kicks in

Free of insecurity about his talent/pain surrounding the fire

As well as the understanding he’s truly been forgiven

Look at that smile

And it ends perfectly with this little flirty moment

(Love how he pulls him closer ^^)

I do believe they had a ‘homoerotic best friends’ type relationship - so this is yet another confirmation that it’s all forgiven and they’re back to normal <3

(Fizz then drops blitz, which is a gag I know, but it still feels like another return to their silly goofy ways!)