Rooted In the Past. Review: Sleepy Hollow – “Sanctuary”

Season 1, Episode 09

Air Date: Monday, November 25, 2013, 9/8c on Fox.

Rating: ★★★★★

“Surely you’ve come to realize by now, leftenant, that when the two of us are involved, rarely is a coincidence a coincidence .” — Ichabod Crane

After last week’s amazing episode, “Necromancer,” my hopes were high for another thrilling installment of Sleepy Hollow but unfortunately, “Sanctuary” isn’t quite on par. That doesn’t mean it’s not without its own surprises because while “Sanctuary” is what I call a filler episode, it does present us with some intriguing secrets and links further connecting Ichabod (Tom Mison) and Abbie (Nicole Beharie).

Family

We’ll start with Captain Irving (Orlando Jones) because we finally see a bit more of his past life and why he is the way he is. After receiving a visit from his ex-wife Cynthia (Jill Marie Jones) and daughter Maisie (Amandla Stenberg), his reasons for being in Sleepy Hollow are revealed. I know things haven’t been exactly quiet in this small town, but to push aside his fatherly duties makes me question him as a human being. I don’t think he means to do it; he probably doesn’t want to expose Maisie to the literal hell that’s descended upon Sleepy Hollow. But he can’t protect her forever and it’s better for her to know her father loves her than to think he doesn’t want to spend time with her. His guilt may also play a factor. It’s alluded to in his conversation with Cynthia about their daughter’s disability. Irving is a complex man and in “Sanctuary,” Jones beautifully portrays the conflict of being a father and police chief consumed with battling a supernatural evil.

Jenny (Lyndie Greenwood) seems to be settling in with Abbie and with Thanksgiving around the corner, the time to push differences aside seems to take the lead. I hope the writers aren’t thinking of building a romance between Jenny and Irving because it would be…awkward. I felt like I was intruding when she invites him to spend Thanksgiving with them. I like Jenny. I like Irving. I like them individually and apart. Period. A romance between them doesn’t fit. I’m not saying they both shouldn’t have love or some kind of romance in their lives, just not with each other. I don’t like when writers try to put people together for the sake of having a romance in the show. Ichabod and Katrina (Katia Winter) are the couple in Sleepy Hollow. Their love story is still fighting the good fight, damn it.

The Family Tree

Billionaire and socialite Lena Gilbert (Erin Cahill) strolls into the backwoods of Sleepy Hollow and goes to her old family home belonging to Lachlan Federicks (Craig Trow), one of the founding fathers of the town. When I heard the name “Lena Gilbert,” I froze for a minute. And the added note of “founding fathers” made me do a double take. I was reminded of The Vampire Diaries (TVD) and cringed. The lead role in TVD is Elena Gilbert and she is annoying but Lena Gilbert featured in “Sanctuary,” while not annoying, is not really around much to make an impression. This is about the extent of Sleepy Hollow remotely resembling TVD. Thank the stars!

I digress.

Abbie is right about the Fredericks’ house, it’s haunted but by whom, or better yet by what, is the real eye popper. While “Sanctuary” isn’t the most enthralling episode, there are a few moments of intense drama and danger that will have you on the edge of your seat. The house has been protected for centuries by spells from a member of Katrina’s coven but the evil finds another way in. Let me just say I’ll never look at trees and vines the same way again. I don’t think I’ve ever carved my name into a tree, not even as a child, so suffice it to say, I won’t ever…not after seeing “Sanctuary.” Scary freaking tree monster = exit stage left!

What’s more interesting are the visions Abbie is having; in them, she discovers something even Ichabod was unaware of about his beloved Katrina. I’m still in a bit of denial over what we learn. I’m hoping the writers will elaborate further before the season finale because this one is a doozy! I wonder just how many Crane descendants are roaming around. We also find the bond that links Abbie and Ichabod together is deeper than they could have imagined. It seems these two were destined to meet—whether they wanted to or not.

Overall

I enjoyed “Sanctuary,” but I wasn’t bowled over with glee. I am curious about the many revelations in this episode, and look forward to what lies ahead for the remainder of the season. I do love the acting, even in filler episodes like this one. Mison and Beharie have real chemistry and it shows on screen. Their friendship feels real, and the growth of their friendship has been organic, not forced. They are one of the best duos on television.

Tune in to Sleepy Hollow, Mondays at 9/8c, only on Fox.

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Judy Manning

Dream chaser extraordinaire! Judy tends to be a tad sarcastic and kind of goofy! She is an avid admirer of all things supernatural, paranormal, celestial and mystical. She loves to read, write, and watches way too much TV. She enjoys many genres of film and music (and let's be honest, most music from the 80s). She also has a wicked sweet tooth. Cupcakes beware.