'Toon Reviews 2: Over the Garden Wall Episode 7

The Ringing of the Bell

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Well, after a heartbreaking division of the trio, we shift our focus back to exploring the inhabitants of The Unknown.  This episode features Wirt and Greg coming across a young girl named Lorna who lives with her strange, masculine-sounding Auntie Whispers.  Whispers has Lorna do a lot of busywork around the house under the impression that keeping her busy will keep calm an evil spirit that has allegedly consumed her and uses a bell to have Lorna follow her commands.  Seeing the worst in Whispers, Wirt gets the idea of him and Greg helping Lorna be free of her Auntie’s rule.  This may not seem like much, but given how much this series has established a dark undertone, things get a little more complicated when Whispers’ warnings about the evil spirit consuming Lorna turn out to be true.  However, as quick as the evil spirit consumes Lorna’s free will, it soon leaves her body at the sound of the bell which has been obtained by Greg’s pet frog and Wirt’s command for the spirit to leave her alone.  I have to say that if getting rid of the spirit was that easy, why didn’t Whispers do what Wirt and Greg just did sooner?  It’s revealed that she just wanted Lorna to need her and be with her, but I feel like there should be more to their relationship, especially since they're both likable and interesting characters.  At least this moment is a strong moment for Greg since his innocence proved productive in saving the day.  Even stronger are the moments with the Beast and Woodsman.  As Wirt has lost trust in the Woodsman, he shows great concern for his safety, for it’s here where we learn that the Beast attacks those who lose all faith and hope of completing their goals, and throughout the episode, we see Wirt start to fear that he and Greg will never get home.  The episode then ends with Wirt looking so discouraged and hopeless despite his recent victory, getting the audience to fear for the dark moment that just may befall him.  The main story of this episode is engaging, but not perfect, however, the development for the heroes and opposing forces help it to stand out. 9/10

Ranking

1)      Songs of the Dark Lantern

2)      Hard Times at the Huskin’ Bee

3)      The Old Grist Mill

4)      Lullaby in Frogland

5)      The Ringing of the Bell

6)      Mad Love
7)      Schooltown Follies

 

Be sure to stay tuned for the review of the next episode, "Babes in the Wood."