Well all of that just happened. “Wages of Sin” was an episode if Salem that was like a pot of boiling water. It started off kind of slow, and as the hour went on tensions rose and the pot was brought to a full boil about halfway through. Then shit hit the fan and the pot exploded and kept on exploding for the last fifteen minutes. That is the best way to describe “Wages of Sin.” Let’s discuss what happened, shall we?

The major developments in “Wages of Sin” can’t be discussed without bringing up John Alden. He was finally (finally!) brought into the fold after Tituba confessed to Mary that he was still alive (and after Mary confronted Tituba about her knowledge of Baby John’s role in life). We’re getting ahead of ourselves though: Marburg made a brief appearance tonight to discuss Baby John’s role as the vessel for the Dark Lord. Her comparison of Mary to the Biblical Mary was apt, and a possible moment of foreshadowing. Will Mary be left crying at her dead child’s feet?

Back to Tituba, who is really having a standout season. I’ve been sort of iffy on Ashley Madekwe since the series started, but I think her issue in the first season was not being given very good material. She (and the writing for her) has been on point all season and when she finally broke down about her slavery it was a great moment for the character. More of this, please. It was sad to see her tied up in the end though. Poor girl just can’t catch a break.

Finally, we get to the moment that we’ve been waiting for since the pilot: Mary tells John what happened the night Baby John was born. It’s been a long time coming, and what was missing from the first season. Season 2 has felt more like Season 1B, and it’s because there have been so many emotional loose ends from the first season, this one between Mary and John being the main one. It was refreshing (if a bit long overdue) to see them reconcile for the most part.

We did lose a major character this week, albeit a guest star, so it wasn’t too surprising to see Wainwright meet his end. That being said, it wasn’t expected to see him bite it so far before the finale. His death was especially gruesome, and Sebasitan’s bit about him being the first living human since Dante to enter Hell was delightfully creepy. It was disappointing that Mary lost her ally so soon after learning she had one, but c’est la vie (as Countess Marburg would say).

Cotton’s predicament after all that isn’t much better than Wainwright’s (though at least he is still alive). Hathorne banishes him from Salem and seemingly organizes his death. The only issue with this is that there isn’t much suspense to it. It’s difficult to believe that Seth Gabel will be leaving Salem anytime soon, so this entire plot point feels like it’s just delaying Cotton’s involvement with everyone else.

Poor, poor Anne learned the true price she must pay for her powers. Remember when we thought a new nipple was the worst thing that came from being a witch? Turns out that part is actually a blessing compared to what Anne really has to go through. She must be attacked (raped?) by a super creepy demon with  super creepy smile. He’s reminiscent of the lipstick-faced demon from Insidious, and I need him to go away. Seriously though, that was some creepy shit. Not much screen time was devoted to this particular plot point though so we’ll have to wait until next week (ideally) to find out just what that beast is.

“Wages of Sin” felt like an episode that leads into a season finale, which is a testament to how good it is. It’s hard to believe there are still four episodes left! Mary, Tituba, Anne, Cotton and Wainwright (especially Wainwright) all dealt with significant consequences this week, and now that the comet is flying over Salem, the Grand Rite should(?) conclude next week. Who knows what those final three episodes will contain? Salem’s second season has bested the first in every possible way. Let’s hope it doesn’t peter out in these final four episodes.

Random Notes

• Wainwright burned the Malum in the opening tag. Is there significance to this? Does it ruin the Grand Rite in some way?
• Nice to at least hear Xander Berkeley again. Can we get a beyond-the-grave visit from him a la Increase Mather?
• Tituba’s Thankless Task Of The Week: Dispose of Increase’s maggot-ridden head.
• “Her ancient rotting corpse is the secret to her longevity.” -Mary didn’t get any harsh digs at Marburg this week, but this one (not spoken in her presence) made me laugh.
• “Lost something? How careless.” -Lawless’ delivery of this was especially delightful.
• “I will bathe in his young blood as I have so many others.” -I never get tired of the threats to bathe someone in Marburg’s blood.
• “Very nice. Can you do that with my life?” -Mary, after Sebastian fixed the mirror.
• “We sold him to the Devil Himself like I was sold as a slave time and time again. But unlike me he fetched a great price” -I really loved Titbua’s half of the dialogue here. Also, she speaks the truth.
• Nice job with those coals Tituba. I didn’t mention the catfight between her and Mary in the review, but be aware that I was giddily squealing throughout the entire thing.
• “Well none of us are who we once were, are we?” -Preach it, sister.