Hounds of Hades
TOP THREE MOMENTS:
(Three moments of the show that stood out to you and why.)
- ...
- ...
- ...
BURNING QUESTIONS:
(What questions has the show left you with?)
MY FAVOURITE PROMO OF THE WEEK:
(Which promo was your favourite of the week?)
HAVE YOUR SAY:
(How did you like your characters portrayal and what are your thoughts on your current storyline? What, if any, improvements could be made?)
TOP THREE MOMENTS:
- The Stakes: A fantastic opening segment that immediately set the tone for the night, and the 5-on-5 clash. Ares' hunger for power was front and centre once again, and though Zeus would later put him back in his place, this moment reminded us just how ruthless Ares can be. Something tells me he won’t take The Baron's unexpected return and apparent power shift lightly. He’s had a taste of control, and stepping aside to play second fiddle won’t sit well with him - especially after his plans were overridden here.
- Rebellion: This felt like a pivotal moment. Mr. Sunshine was at the heart of several key scenes this week, and while this one wasn’t directly of his making, he was front-row to witness Ajax and Solus finally break free from Klaus' stranglehold. Way’s reaction spoke volumes too. Rather than try to reason with them, he lashed out, continuing to declare ownership over the pair - a move that clearly didn’t sit well with his former allies. Where this leaves Klaus and his twisted circus is anyone’s guess, but with his backup gone, he’s suddenly looking very alone.
- The 5-on-5: I loved the Hounds match concept and it was executed brilliantly. The writer nailed the chaotic environment and the back-and-forth momentum, which was helped in part by the alternating Seeker and Preservationist entries, keeping things gripping throughout. Nero’s entrance was a personal highlight: the gauntlet use, then the Crash Override taking out all three Preservationists at once. Fucking phenomenal. And then there was that closing image of all five Seekers pinning their opponents in unison... Just perfect. Top work.
BURNING QUESTIONS:
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Will Ares truly step aside and accept Zeus’ return to power?
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What exactly did The Night mean when he told Attano he “knew the truth”?
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What did Sunshine mean by rainy days are coming? Are we seeing the start of a darker evolution of Sunshine heading into Ring of Dreams?
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What’s next for Klaus Way?
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When Gravedigger comes to, whose side will he be on after taking a bullet from Ares’ firing squad?
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Is the war really over?
MY FAVOURITE PROMO OF THE WEEK:
Tombstone/The Leash: A brilliantly written piece that captured both the match itself and each character - be that ally or enemy - with real nuance and depth.
HAVE YOUR SAY:
First off, apologies for the lack of feedback last time. I had a rough week after some bad personal news, so I’m grateful to Dean and everyone else for the understanding.
That said - Hounds was a fantastic show. I especially loved the structure of the main event, and I hope it’s not the last time we see this format. There were so many twists and surprises that I was constantly kept on edge wondering what would come next. The perfect go-home PPV event before Ring of Dreams IMO, and with The Baron’s return and the supposed end of the war, we’re in for a very interesting few weeks ahead.
TOP THREE MOMENTS:
(Three moments of the show that stood out to you and why.)
- ... FIRING SQUAD - Ares nearly killed Narcissa. Zeus stopped it, but only to say that this is not the way. Where the hell does this leave Narcissa? What is the way? This almost overshadows the fact that Gravedigger just got popped off... I'm assuming he's going to do what he said though and come back. The last two lines of this show were as chilling as anything... The War had ended in fire and blood. And now came the ash.
- ... REBELLION - This, I didn't see coming. I thought that If Klaus was going to get beaten the hell up it was going to be the Sunshine Club doing it. That moment where Ajax didn't budge is MASSIVE! Almost as massive as the slap that came next. What does this mean for Klaus? Is he even still alive after that?
- ... THE MAIN EVENT - What a freaking match. It had everything. In a storyline that was built as a war, this match really delivered. Hell of a ride.
BURNING QUESTIONS:
(What questions has the show left you with?)
- Destructo accepted that he may need help, but not from Ayame. Does this put Destructo on a path of redemption to turn from all the anger he's been carrying lately? Where does it leave Ayame next?
- What truth does Night know?
- Is the war really over? What does that mean?
MY FAVOURITE PROMO OF THE WEEK:
(Which promo was your favourite of the week?)
SUNSHINE FOR THE DAMNED - I really liked how Sunshine was unpacked in this promo. It felt personal, a reflection of a character's own past compared to what he sees in Sunshine. I think he really captures in this promo exactly what is so creepy about Sunshine. Lovely promo!
HAVE YOUR SAY:
(How did you like your characters portrayal and what are your thoughts on your current storyline? What, if any, improvements could be made?)
EMM
First, I love the analogy of pressure shattering trust with Night and Attano, it really packaged the match nicely.
I love how this has been built up, how it's crossed alliances and shown how fragile trust is. There's been some really good stuff this month!
SUNSHINE
I really loved everything about Sunshine in this cycle. Especially the Sunshine, lollipops and rainbows jingle... Sunshine teasing the information everybody wants to know and giving a chilling warning.
Then we saw what happened to Klaus. Holy hecka! I think I've said enough about that above.
TOP THREE MOMENTS:
- The final segment. Hot damn, I wasn't expecting Zeus to return here. He ended the war, but why? What is going through Zeus' head right now? What does this mean for all the players in the war up to this point. Ares was going to pop Narcy, and he did pop Gravedigger. So many elements combined for a huge combustion right here.
- The Hounds match itself. Great work in combining all the characters, giving them their moments, and keeping up the intensity for what could have had too many lulls in it. It didn't. Amazing work.
- Klaus's freaks turning on him. This was a huge moment, and I'm so curious to see where they go from here. We know Solus and Damien as named freaks, but what about Attano's daughter? Where does this go from here, and will we learn more about Way's past?
BURNING QUESTIONS:
What does "Rainy days are coming" mean?
What truth did The Night learn from Narcy that made him turn on Harold Attano? And is it the one we suspect?
Is Destructo on the path to getting his shit together?
What happens to Ares?
MY FAVOURITE PROMO OF THE WEEK:
Riot by Jackson Cade. I just love the character and the way Daws writes him. All the different angles people took for Hounds, and I think the prison riot was my favorite.
HAVE YOUR SAY:
Nothing to say here that wasn't captured other places.
TOP THREE MOMENTS:
(Three moments of the show that stood out to you and why.)
- The Truth - I'm really intrigued as to what the 'truth' is that Night knows abought Attano, and also how he came to know about that truth. We know Attano is a man full of surprises, so what will it be this time?
- The Hounds match itself - an action packed match in a fun format that keeps you hooked.
- 'Firing Squad' had a bit of everything. The bitter taste of defeat, Ares showing he is a man of his word, Gravedigger's 'death', and then to top it all off, the return of Zeus. What does this mean for OSW?
BURNING QUESTIONS:
(What questions has the show left you with?)
- Is Destructo ever going to grow up? The irony that he thinks he's a man now but he's acting more childish than ever is not lost on me!
- In similar fashion, will Eclipse ever decided to take a chill pill? She is just constantly on the warpath with someone.
- Has Graves ACTUALLY found Nero's secret lair, or will this be a decoy?
- I can't believe we are going to finally actually find out who the Zookeeper is soon.
- What does George Cade mean that he didnt dig up CJ's grave? His shoeprint was there, so if not him, then who?
MY FAVOURITE PROMO OF THE WEEK:
(Which promo was your favourite of the week?)
Have to agree that 'Riot' was a good promo this week. Dawson is on a role with Cade atm!
HAVE YOUR SAY:
(How did you like your characters portrayal and what are your thoughts on your current storyline? What, if any, improvements could be made?)
KLAUS
Klaus gets a final word in on Sunshine in 'Freaks and Shrieks' but that all came to naught later in the show in 'Rebellion'. Klaus' relationship with his freaks has always been a fraught one, but I didn't expect them to turn on him so quickly. And is this all of them or just Solus and Ajax? The power shift will be interesting to watch over the next few shows - how will Klaus react?
DREWITT
Aside from the match (a good win!) Drewitt didn't feature much this show.
TOP THREE MOMENTS:
Firing Squad - Gravedigger being blasted probably would have put this segment here anyway this week, but the return of The Baron definitely solidified it.
The Main Event - A great match, written perfectly. There wasn't a dry moment in the entire thing.
Rebellion - I honestly didn't expect to see the freaks turn on Klaus Way, and as such, that made this one of the stand out moments of the show for me.
BURNING QUESTIONS:
- What does Zeus think of the way Ares has been running things?
- What's next for Klaus Way? What's next for the Freaks?
- What does raining days are coming entail?
MY FAVOURITE PROMO OF THE WEEK:
Dawson's been on a bit of a run lately.. I enjoyed Riot this week.
HAVE YOUR SAY:
Gulp, I thought Jasper might have been at the end of his road. Thank Zeus!
TOP THREE MOMENTS:
(Three moments of the show that stood out to you and why.)
- The Final Segment: That whole thing was insane it felt quiet. and seeing the death of Gravedigger plus the return of Zeus. It all felt big but it felt like it was the fallout to a major battle. It felt like the end of something major. But also the pull of some intrigue.
- The hounds match itself was chaotic, but in a nice controlled brutal way. Everything seemed purposeful to maximize character intractions. and with the stakes it was appropriately big to fit with the build it got. A great read.
- The truth: Such an interesting segment with seeds planted all the way back in pandemonium. And done really well with a trust and twist of who could trust who in the background. Overall does raise more questions.
BURNING QUESTIONS:
Is Destructo on the Path of Redemption?
What was the Truth?
What will happen to Klaus without his freaks?
What is the meaning of sunshine's warning of rainy days?
What will the long term fallout of the seeker's victory be?
MY FAVOURITE PROMO OF THE WEEK:
I really liked Gummy bear. It was a really good promo that hit on some really fun comparisons.
HAVE YOUR SAY:
Lost a title but gained an almost apology. Was a good showing and really did like destructo's promo. GGs. can't wait to see what's next.
TOP THREE MOMENTS:
(Three moments of the show that stood out to you and why.)
- The Main Event – Just a fucking epic match, chaotic, and brutal. Foley willing away the Red Light, a goddamn great story beat in the middle of a match. Then a friggin’ flaming table spot from the top of the War Games cage, just a hell yeah moment.
- Ain't So Far Down – This was just tense for being tense sake and I loved it. Essentially getting the admission from George that CJ was his favorite son, “If you were half the man your brother was, you’d have already taken me out.” Just man that was fucking cold. I cannot wait to see how these two continue to interact.
- Firing Squad – Don't say that Ares isn’t a man of his word as he has Gravedigger shot and would’ve done the same to Narcissa until by gawd Zeus appears putting a stop to it all. I could’ve sworn we wouldn’t see Zeus until RoD it was an absolute shock to see him on this show. Stating the war is over.
- Rebellion – After my experience handling Harold against Klaus Way, I cannot help to pop at this. You can only beat a dog so much before it turns and bites your ass and tonight was the night for Klaus Way. Couldn’t have happened to a more deserving character.
BURNING QUESTIONS:
With the War over what happens to the factions?
What’re the ramifications of the War’s End?
How did Zeus get to the Show?
What Happens to Klaus’s Freaks Now?
What’re the “Rainy Days Ahead”?
How long can Foley hold out?
What is the “Truth” and if it was something Narcissa told Night is she still messing with Attano?
MY FAVOURITE PROMO OF THE WEEK:
(Which promo was your favourite of the week?)
Eclipse – Well formed and great work, I really enjoyed how it was paced and put together with the What you see is what you get angle from Gravedigger and Eclipse and essentially comparing Caido to a false idol.
HAVE YOUR SAY:
(How did you like your characters portrayal and what are your thoughts on your current storyline? What, if any, improvements could be made?)
Nox – Wasn't around tonight, but I feel like his presence is felt with Foley’s struggle to remain as Felix.
Harold – Wandering Eyes brought forward that all might not be peaceful between Night and Harold. Then fucking Night stabs Harold in the back (another name to add to the list) just damn, Harold cannot seem to catch a break. I look forward to how this will play out and really want to know what the fuck the “Truth” is.
TOP THREE MOMENTS:
- The Stakes was a fantastic way to open the show. I think going into this there may have been some wonder as to just what would happen to the losers in this and I'm glad the very first segment really put the reality on the table. I could honestly say I believe the threat would be carried out if not for what followed at the end of the show. Ares really is a force to be reckoned with.
- Rebellion snags a spot for me and it had competition with a few other segments like The Truth and the Sunshine/Savor/Arcadia segment. But I think the way that Rebellion was written is what really sets it apart. It paints a very vivid image of what played out. Very exciting stuff.
- Firing Squad could not be ignored. Because look at the ending! Like I said above, you know it was going to play out and the rest of the Preservationists got lucky someone like Gravedigger was the first to bite the bullet. But I think we're all just wondering, now that Zeus is back, what now? What could possibly come next?
BURNING QUESTIONS:
- What does Zeus mean that the war is over? What was he doing at the show?
- What comes now that the war has ended?
- What are the rainy days coming?
- If George didn't dig up CJ, who did?
- And more importantly, why is George with Redgrave?
MY FAVOURITE PROMO OF THE WEEK:
I sadly didn't get a chance to read any this week but next week I'll be back on it.
HAVE YOUR SAY:
Jackson Cade: The Seekers won, the war is over, but I still think Cade has some bad days ahead. I like how he was portrayed in his segment this week as well, I think the relationship between him and his dad is super interesting to see play out.
Hatchet: Not much to speak about for segments, but I'm interested to see what the fallout from the war will have for Hatchet.
Ajax: I gave a shoutout to the segment earlier, but I loved seeing Ajax slam Klaus into next week! And, as above, the imagery around it was fantastic.
TOP THREE MOMENTS:
1. The stakes, we knew there would be Hounds of Hades for a while but this segment set in how serious it would be if someone lost. Narcissa convinced Ares to make it truly be war and death was waiting for the losers.
2. Hounds of Hades- with the stakes presented to everyone, this match had ne at the edge of my seat and I'm sure anyone else who was involved was feeling the same way. Every pin attempt, every big.move held extra weight.
3. Firing squad- won't lie was shitting bricks for a second when we lost. When the gun was on Narcissa, I was thinking I was either dead or this is when Zeus returns. Luckily the latter was true but I wonder where it goes from here.
BURNING QUESTIONS:
Where does the war go from here?
Will seekers get to open the door?
Will Zeus and Ares have a falling out?
MY FAVOURITE PROMO OF THE WEEK:
Riot was brilliant, as others have said Daws is killing it right now, it was one i read and thought damn I think we lost and yep, it was killer.
HAVE YOUR SAY:
It's not lost on me that Narcissa’s bloodlust almost led to her downfall, I wonder if this will change how she goes about things being this close to death and one trigger pull being the difference.