Sleepy Hollow: The Killer Within
Spoiler alert: This article contains information from an episode that may not have aired in some regions.
“What evil lurks in the hearts of men” was the famous tagline for the old series The Shadow. In the Sleepy Hollow episode titled “Blood and Fear,” this theme was taken a step further with the help of new big bad Pandora, who used a cursed ancient blade to unleash the murderous tenacities that she believed all men have that turn them into killers. Thus, a unknowing young man who was unfortunate to come into contact with Pandora became the incarnate of Jack the Ripper, the infamous serial killer.
It was interesting that an episode focusing on Jack the Ripper aired on October 15, the anniversary of the “From Hell” letter received on October 15, 1888 by police investigators. What was a little hard to swallow was the connection the show made between Jack the Ripper and Ichabod, since they were supposedly born over a century apart. But as Sleepy Hollow often touches on Ichabod’s dealings with famous historical figures and the ancient blade was an old cursed relic that the show indicated was the reason behind Jack the Ripper’s murder spree, the connection became more plausible.
If Supernatural can have a murderous biblical mark that infused Dean Winchester with a killer’s tenacity, why can’t Sleepy Hollow have a cursed blade? Additionally, as Jack the Ripper was the moniker given to serial killers, the murderer from Ichabod’s youth and the Jack the Ripper responsible for the Whitechapel 1888 murders could have very well been two different people. Also, Sleepy Hollow is a supernatural mystery series that connects Benjamin Franklin, George Washington and Thomas Jefferson with the occult, so go with it!
Despite the murderous undertones, Sleepy Hollow never forgets to add light to the dark. The scene where Ichabod speaks of injustice because he wasn’t a citizen was classic Sleepy Hollow humor.
Although not part of the Abbie/Ichabod Jack the Ripper battle, Jenny and Joe Corbin are a strong pairing that continues to work. If Sleepy Hollow ever considers a spin-off, actors Lyndie Greenwood and Zach Appleman as Jenny and Joe would be perfect.
Pandora still feels like a variation of Katrina, though.
“Blood and Fear” had its weaknesses but overall was an enjoyable outing for the series.
Sleepy Hollow airs Thursdays at 9/8c on Fox.