This is the episode of Salem I have been waiting for all season. The first four episodes of season two have been significantly better than most of what Salem aired during its first season, but they haven’t been able to reach its peak quality. That has changed with this firth episode, titled “The Wine Dark Sea,” which brought Mary and Countess Marburg face to face for the first time.

The stunt casting of Lucy Lawless has undoubtedly increased interest in Salem (even I went back to watch the first season after giving up 3 episodes in when I heard of her casting), and it was clearly a wise decision. Her final scene with Janet Montgomery (who matched Lawless in all her bitchy glory) is one of the best scenes the series has ever aired. Now that most of the cards are on the table the stage is set for a fantastic rest of the season.

Marburg’s plan for Salem isn’t entirely apparent. We know she is interested in Mary since she completed the Grand Rite (something she herself failed to do when Increase foiled her plans), but that’s about it. We did get to see more of her creepy relationship with her son tonight, as they made out again so that he could taste Mary. Oh, she’s also decomposing and must bathe in the blood of other women (witches?) to stay young. You know, standard witch stuff.

The biggest progression of the episode belonged to none other than George Sibley. After Mary continued to promise him treats in exchange for his obedience, George once and for all gave in and began to completely submit to Mary’s will. Michael Mulheren had a great moment in the town hall where you could see him actively deciding to work with Mary, rather than against her. This of course leads to a fantastically creepy moment where he willingly eats the frog Mary must shove down his throat every day.

In hindsight, it was obvious that George was not long for this world, as his compliance would ensure that Mary had too much of an upper hand. Still, it was shocking to see that Marburg had in fact murdered George via her handy dandy human fountain spell. The visual of the frog crawling out of his throat was a nice touch to. This is the ultimate shake-up for Mary, as it cements her placement at the bottom of the totem pole of Salem. Without George’s status to support her, what is she to do? This moment is exactly what Salem needed, and proves that Marburg means business.

Anne gets her own little subplot this week, as she casts a love spell on Cotton after Hathorne asks her to marry him. I must say I was quite upset that this required her to kill Mr. Jenkins, her familiar, though I wonder if that is a bit of a no-no in the witch world. Without a familiar, what kind of witch does that make Anne? I’m constantly surprised by how much I am enjoying all of Anne’s scenes this season. Great job, writers! Though credit must be given to Tamzin Merchant, who has been great this season.

Meanwhile, on the “Mercy Tortures and Eats Isaac the Fornicator” show, Mercy is torturing and eating Isaac the Fornicator. This is the only real aspect of the show that hasn’t clicked this season (even Alden has become interesting again), as Mercy has become more of an annoyance rather than someone I want to see win. Plus, there is no way in Hell she will take down Mary. She just comes across as an ignorant child.

Dollie freeing Isaac from his ties was a refreshing change of course for this particular arc. No doubt this will bring Mercy out into the open and into Mary’s (and Marburg’s) crosshairs. I dare say that I hope we see more of Isaac and Dollie’s adventures. They could prove to be quite the entertaining duo (and a better romantic couple than Mary and John). All of this was such a small part of the episode that I will let it slide.

“The Wine Dark Sea” was a stellar episode of “Salem.” It had all of its best qualities on display, a sucker punch of an ending and made enough reveals to ensure that we are in store for some equally fantastic episodes in the future.

Random Notes

• Those closeups on Marburg’s lips were intense. Also, does Lucy Lawless not age? It sure doesn’t look like it.
• Alden’s Carrie 2 tattoos keep growing and hurting him. Must suck.
• Just now realized Mary’s son was named John. That makes sense. I’m very happy I won’t have to keep referring to him as “Mary’s son” from now on.
• “Your nephew’s words were…unsettling.” -Anne sure is the queen of euphemisms, isn’t she?
• “He’s threatened to have me examined for witchcraft.” “How unfortunate, since you are a witch.” -Loving Mary schooling Anne. It’s quite hilarious.
• “I had to endure the sweaty molestations of Mr. Sibley for his power.” -Mary, on how she came to her current status.
• “What has love to do with marriage in such a world?” -Right-o Anne.
• Sure does seem like Mercy could just cut out Isaac’s heart and eat it rather quickly. It feels like it shouldn’t take several days.
• Mary’s pose during her trance on the bed made me laugh.
• “I will admit you’re impressive…for a common Essex witch.” -Marburg-1, Mary-0
• “You can put a crown on a sow’s head and it doesn’t make it queen.” -Marburg-2, Anne-0
• “You arrogant bitch!” -Mary to Marburg. -And Anne comes back swinging!
• See you all next week! Marburg actually steps foot in Salem then so it should be a real treat!