There certainly was a “Bad Moon Rising” on Midnight, Texas episode 1×02 as we dealt with demons, spirits, and weretigers oh my!
Things started off a little crazy with Midnight, Texas on NBC this week! The beginning had you feeling as if you missed something as Creek (Sarah Ramos) and Manfred (François Arnaud) went sprinting into his motor home, clearly seeking safety. But from what? Don’t worry, this was apparently just a glimpse into the future as the episode takes us back to where we left off last week. With Bobo (Dylan Bruce) in jail and Manfred struggling to speak with Aubrey without the demonic forces in his apartment butting in. Add in Rev dealing with his transformation into a weretiger, and you’ve got a few more problems to deal with. And this was just the beginning as the Reverend was then let out of his cage.
RELATED | MIDNIGHT, TEXAS ROUNDTABLE EPISODE 1×01 “PILOT”
Creek and Manfred took this crazy opportunity to get a bit more intimate. I mean, why not? In Midnight, Texas it’s pretty clear that there is never going to be a dull moment. So what better place to find romance than the center of a showdown? They weren’t the only couple out there as Lem (Peter Mensah) and Olivia (Arielle Kebbel) took care of the weretiger problem like it was their job. I mean, clearly it kind of is, but still. They took to the streets in perfect slow motion power couple form. Fiji (Parisa Fitz-Henley) and Manfred created a powerful team up as she assisted him in his demonic showdown in his apartment. It got a little out of control at first, but they ultimately took care of the problem. For now anyway.
Before we get down to business with “Bad Moon Rising”, meet our roundtable!
- Alex (@highspeedmerge) - Sci-Fi fan, FEELS parkour expert, and lover of all things TV
- Heidi (@StewartHeidi) - Mother, loyal shipper, and die-hard romantic
- Angel (@angeliiiiique) - 27-year-old hard core fangirl and huge shipper
- Agnes (@czmieli) - I’m a student, TV series addict, and fan of Fiji’s cat since episode 1!
- Kat (@IrishMoonDancer) - True TV and Movie-holic. Obsessive writer and reader who has worked in radio for tv and media entertainment
- Ethan (@BennettWitch18) - Witch enthusiast! Loves magic and supernatural TV shows and TVD/MTX fandom! Previously a wikia contributor!
- Kori (@KNWZumba) - Big Heart, animal lover, horse back riding, movies, love music, love dance
1. Xylda seems determined for Manfred to stay in Midnight, Texas indefinitely. Why does she feel this way? Especially when she was the one who encouraged their frequent moving around.
Alex (@highspeedmerge):
I think it could be a couple things. Considering her gift and being a ghost, she may be privy to goings-on with the “other side” and knows about the prophecy of what Manfred is supposed to do. I also think she moved them around a lot taking different jobs as a way to prepare Manfred for the upcoming battle.
Heidi (@StewartHeidi):
We know Manfred’s grannie used to live in Midnight, Texas, so maybe she learned about what’s coming and she knows Manfred can help.
Angel (@angeliiiiique):
I think she knows it’s the perfect place for him. A place where he can be understood, where he’s not the only outsider anymore. She wants what’s best for him, and most importantly, I think she wants him safe. Also, he has a great destiny waiting for him in this place.
Agnes (czmieli):
She must have known about the prophecy, right? At least I think so. The Midnighters will keep Manfred safe and team up with him against all evil, one for all and all for one. I feel that grandma knew Midnight, Texas was the right place for “Manny”. He just belongs here!
Kat (@IrishMoonDancer):
I love Xylda! My Irish grandma was a palm reader and had many psychic talents that freaked some out, but I loved her even more for it. So I’m glad Xylda is in the show and is Manfred’s mentor. I think she knows Manfred has been lost and he is coming into his own. And she knows he’s gifted. She probably also knows Midnight, Texas’s history and that Manfred will fit right in.
Ethan (@BennettWitch18):
She came to, and eventually left Midnight, Texas and knows Manfred is in danger from Hightower. However, maybe being dead, and psychic, I feel she knows more than she lets on. On two fronts. Potentially with the “demonic” presence haunting Manfred, well, now Fiji. And also with Manfred becoming a Midnighter himself, knowing he could build a future there. Considering they protect their own, maybe she knows they could help Manfred solve his Hightower problem. If his problem is handled, Manfred wouldn’t have to run anymore.
Kori (@KNWZumba):
Xylda, I believe, knows something she isn’t letting on. Perhaps something to do with what Joe said (and showed) at the end of what he feels is to come and Manfred is the key of all of it.
2. So the officers got a small taste of what Fiji is capable of. Will they pursue it? Or will the fear of the Midnighters and no one believing them force them to stay quiet?
Alex (@highspeedmerge):
This question is interesting since it appears both dead. So technically, they’re staying quiet. But I think they would have played off each other with one pretending not to believe (to either be an ally or for their own gain) and the other pushing hard to expose the Midnighters.
Heidi (@StewartHeidi):
I think the sheriff is in denial and he won’t pursue it. Also, he got blown up in the car by Aubrey’s husband. Didn’t he?!
Angel (@angeliiiiique):
I don’t think they would do or say anything. Don’t mess with the Midnighters.
Agnes (@czmieli):
Well, they’ll be silent forever now. Don’t mess with the Midnighters! But I’m afraid the car explosion will be used against them somehow. Fear of the unknown is stronger than reasonable arguments. And don’t forget, it’s the police we’re talking about. Wink, wink.
Kat (@IrishMoonDancer):
They know things go bump in the night in Midnight, Texas. They’ve heard stories and now they’ve seen Fiji in action. If they have any detective in their blood, they’ll investigate further. Even if they ‘e skeptical and may need a change of underwear for their cruisers when they come back again.
Ethan (@BennettWitch18):
Well, Sheriff Livingston was skeptical from the get-go. During the questioning with Bobo, he mused on the idea, but I don’t think he put much stock into Fiji’s gifts. Tina on the other hand, openly claimed that some called Fiji a witch. Having witnessed it, I don’t think she would push Fiji’s buttons or make her angry. But considering she’s dead, I assume not. Also, Midnight, Texas is known in Davy for being weird. I don’t think without proof there is much they can do.
Kori (@KNWZumba):
Right now, I don’t think it will be pursued, especially since what happened. However, when and if new officers come aboard, they might not be so passive on letting the odd and weird things go. They might even dig deeper.
3. Aubrey was able to show Manfred what happened to her, but we still don’t get an identification of who killed her. All we know is that it was a biker. Could it have been her husband?
Alex (@highspeedmerge):
It definitely could be but I think that’s too easy. He seems like the perfect person to have done it but I trust Midnight, Texas to not give us the usual TV fare and give a twist. I will say I absolutely loved how Manfred could see and feel things through Aubrey’s eyes. It gives him another layer to his gift and is just a cool part of how the show tells its story.
Heidi (@StewartHeidi):
I’m not sure how smart Aubrey’s biker husband is. But if he is smart, he would have sent people to kill her and not do it himself.
Angel (@angeliiiiique):
Oh, it definitely could, but I think that’s too easy. Also, as a fan of the books, I want the killer to be the one from the book. And non-book fans won’t see it coming at all. Hell, when I found out who it was while reading it, I was speechless.
Agnes (@czmieli):
That scene was awesome! Not the murder part, of course, but Manfred’s skills are really incredible. He must be very powerful, even without the skulls of his ancestors. As for the killer, it could’ve been Aubrey’s husband, but wouldn’t it be a little too easy? It was someone in a biker jacket and a mask, so any male could have done it. I wouldn’t cross out Bobo’s involvement just yet. He’s giving me creepy vibes!
Kat (@IrishMoonDancer):
I will plead the fifth on this since I know who/what killed her. In the books anyway.
Ethan (@BennettWitch18):
Well, this is tricky, for having read the books. All evidence points to Peter Lowry, right? Peter doesn’t like Bobo, or Sheriff Livingston for releasing Bobo. Aubrey, who had seemingly fallen for Bobo would also be on his chopping block. Especially if divorce papers were filed.
Kori (@KNWZumba):
I do believe it was her husband. As several scenes played out, we got a taste of how brutal he is and how far he is willing to go to cover up any leads and to keep Bobo behind bars.
4. We see how peaceful Fiji keeps her home and Manfred definitely feels the effects of it. We also get to see a glimpse of what a team up between Fiji and Manfred looks like. Do you like the effects of when they team up? Do you think they should do it more in the future?
Alex (@highspeedmerge):
I LOVED Fiji and Manfred teaming up! The actors have great chemistry and I like the way they play off each other. Since they’re both able to tap into the power, rather than being a supernatural being, it gives them common ground. I’d love to see them team up in future episode and not only work together for each other, but also for the group as a whole.
Heidi (@StewartHeidi):
Honestly, the friendship between Manfred and Fiji seemed odd to me. They have a connection with their gifts, but they seem to have settled into a close friendship awfully soon. It doesn’t feel genuine to me. But, yes I’m looking forward to more team ups!
Angel (@angeliiiiique):
I LOVE Manfred and Fiji’s growing friendship. I love them in the books and hope we’ll see more of it in the future. Manfred needs some friends, not just a love interest.
Agnes (@czmieli):
YES! They’re great friend material, and to be honest, maybe something more. I saw so many shippers on Tumblr and Twitter, I think ManJi is the official name of the ship. Their chemistry is amazing and they should definitely team up in the future. I can’t wait for the adventures! Manfred needs a friend like Fiji. After a trip into a dead woman’s mind, there’s nothing better than tea from a witch!
Kat (@IrishMoonDancer):
I love both characters, but especially Fiji. She’s the den mom to all in Midnight, Texas. Even if she spices up her Welcome Wagon cookies! Plus, their separate experiences can be used to help each other. I love them as a team! A little Batman/Robin action going on!
Ethan (@BennettWitch18):
Manfred and Fiji’s team up was beautifully handled! There’s definitely a kinship between the two. He’s seen her powers with the cops, and she was saved by his (and his ancestor’s) powers. Working together will be essential towards fulfilling the prophecy Joe spoke of. I hope to see more interactions, whether supernatural or as neighbors. It was sweet in the books so I don’t have a doubt that in some form, we’ll see it expressed through the show. Maybe get to know each other over Sand Tarts and good ol’ Texas Tea.
Kori (@KNWZumba):
I loved when Fiji and Manfred teamed up! I thought, even though they have different abilities and skills, they were able to come together and fight against the evil spirits. The effects were pretty good, although I did feel some were a little cheesy.
5. We know the officer went investigating on her own even after she was told to let the whole thing go. She’s the one who let the Rev out, and she paid dearly. But what did she think she was going to find? And what would she have done with any evidence she found anyway?
Alex (@highspeedmerge):
I think Officer “Should-Never-Investigate-A-Locked-Basement-In-A-Town-You-Think-Has-Evil-Powers” knows how close the Midnighters are and was nosy. I don’t know if she was hoping to find evidence on Bobo or of a cover up. It’s interesting that for someone fearful of supernatural, she was hell-bent on going there at night to poke around. Had she found something, I think she’d have lauded it in front of her partner since she was feeling slighted by his rebuke. RIP her intentions though.
Heidi (@StewartHeidi):
I think she was probably secretly working on proof of the supernatural for a while. I don’t think she would have come forward right away regardless of what she found (had she lived) until she had definitive proof.
Angel (@angeliiiiique):
That was the dumbest scene I’ve ever seen. When she died, I didn’t feel an ounce of sympathy. She got what she deserved for being too curious.
Agnes (@czmieli):
Even though she was asked not to, she went looking for clues anyway. She let the Rev out and paid the price. I feel sorry for her. Yes, she was suspended, but she was also a police officer so it was her job to find out. She said Midnighters are dangerous, but the real danger is far worse. Poor humans don’t know what’s coming. And poor Rev took precautions and killed someone anyway. He can’t control the beast. The line between two worlds is getting thinner.
Kat (@IrishMoonDancer):
She clearly wasn’t expecting a fuzzy giant tiger for her late night rendezvous. I think she was curious about anything in Midnight… And you know what they say about curiosity. Something about a cat and killing. Wink, wink. An outdoor cellar is a prime territory for a snoopy cop. Undoubtedly she was waiting to take all the credit if she did find something. While the sheriff is more laid back, the officer seemed the type to grab bragging rights. Looks like the sheriff will be knee-deep in HR paperwork since officer “Snoop Sister” became kitty chow.
Ethan (@BennettWitch18):
Anything incriminating really. She came off prejudice towards Midnighters, specifically of the supernatural variety, and looked down on them. She was suspended because of her actions against Bobo, and I think she was looking for a way to get back at the Midnighters. However, I’m conflicted about the price she paid. Was she wrong for breaking and entering? Yes. But did she deserve to die for it? Not hardly. And this is coming from someone vocal about Tina’s attitude toward Fiji and her Wiccan beliefs.
Kori (@KNWZumba):
I don’t think the officer knew what she’d find. She was searching for anything to point fingers to the Midnighters. She made it clear she didn’t trust anyone and they were bad, evil and up to something sinister. If she found something and got away with the evidence, I have no doubt she would have used it to her advantage to get rid of the Midnighters.
Fiji told Manfred that psychics and mediums don’t stay in Midnight, Texas for long. This is because it’s communication central for ghosts, spirits, and demons. Do you think Manfred may be exactly what Midnight needs to help with this problem?
Alex (@highspeedmerge):
He seems willing to jump in and trusts his grandmother. That goes a long way to giving him confidence in what he’s doing there. But since we’re only two episodes in, it’s hard to say whether he’ll have what it takes. Regardless of whether he is what Midnight needs, he won’t accomplish anything without the other Midnighters and I’m excited to see them continue to bond and work together.
Heidi (@StewartHeidi):
I’m guessing Manfred is more powerful than he realizes. Maybe being in Midnight, Texas and around others might help him learn that. Based on what Joe said, he’s the key to closing the gap for good.
Angel (@angeliiiiique):
I think he will, yes. But he needs to figure his shit out before embracing his fate.
Agnes (@czmieli):
Oh yes! After all, he’s the chosen one according to the prophecy. But I feel like he isn’t going to like it at first. He is learning he can rely on others, but has always been a loner, so it’s not going to be easy to trust completely. Manfred doesn’t know it yet, but he’s already starting to really care. His relationship with Creek is going to be fun to watch! I didn’t get “love at first sight” vibes, which is great! They have great chemistry! So don’t worry, he’s going to stay (hopefully for a second season, too)!
Kat (@IrishMoonDancer):
She said that with only her experience to go on. Once she sees who Manfred is, she’ll understand he’s different than others who’ve popped up in town. And even Manfred isn’t totally in touch with all he can do at this point. Once he realizes his abilities he’ll understand why he was steered to Midnight. But it doesn’t help to have the hots for the only available attractive young thing in town.
Ethan (BennettWitch18):
Most definitely! Each Midnighter will have a part to play. Manfred seems to be the catalyst, and now things are unraveling and this demon has a foothold. Whether or not he wants to be the answer to the problem at hand seems iffy. Like with Hightower, he’d rather cut and run. Though with Creek he’ll have to stand up and fight for Midnight, Texas.
Kori (@KNWZumba):
Manfred is what Midnight needs, but it is him who needs to believe it himself. He is starting, very slowly, to realize how gifted he is. I also believe he is only just beginning on finding out his true ability and what he can really do.
7. So there’s a pretty powerful demonic force in the flooring of Manfred’s apartment. He is able to take care of it with some ancestral assistance. But how did the demon know Fiji’s name? And why did it want her so bad?
Alex (@highspeedmerge):
I’m stumped on this one because we don’t know a lot about Fiji. We know she’s powerful, and cool in a crisis, but she was susceptible to the evil force manipulating her. That could be a chink in her armor or it could be the evil is that great. Fiji has some secrets (what’s with the hair jars?) and I’m excited to see how things continue.
Heidi (@StewartHeidi):
I think the demonic presence (which we saw in Joe’s painting) connected with Fiji when she did her spell. I’m guessing it knows Manfred is its biggest obstacle. Controlling Fiji could be its way of getting to Manfred. Also, it still seems connected to her since she heard it calling.
Angel (@angeliiiiique):
I have no idea, but I am curious to find out. Also, can we talk about that fight between Lem and the Weretiger? How badass was that?! Also, Lem and Olivia’s slo-mo walk, talk about a power couple!
Agnes (@czmieli):
I’m sensing a plot about Fiji’s past life or some reincarnation stuff. Maybe where she knew demons or stopped them. OR MAYBE she’s really powerful and the big bad wants her to break the line between the two worlds completely? Either way, she’s absolutely my favorite, so I’m really excited about her storyline.
Kat (@IrishMoonDancer):
I think Fiji is also a bit like Manfred in she might realize her full potential. Manfred opened the floodgates for both to pursue what they can do. There is safety in numbers! We’ll no doubt find out the backstory of the floorboard haunter and why he’s connected to Fiji. I don’t scare easily, but thankfully I have carpet in my bathroom and not hardwood floors, otherwise, I might’ve had to perform my own little bedtime exorcism after this episode!
Ethan (@BennettWitch18):
Ghosts are separated by a veil, concentrated in Midnight, Texas. Possibly due to its powerful and mystical energy. Demons seem separated in a similar fashion. It’s either been contained there or drawn there, like other supernatural beings that call it home. Fiji is special and a powerful witch. In supernatural media, witches are usually held in high regard. Manfred and Lemuel are powerful in their own rights as psychic and vampire. But compared to what a witch can do, the possibilities are endless. The demon either aims to corrupt Fiji or use her for his own gain. Primarily to free itself. Power can corrupt, and nothing is more corrupt than a demon.
Kori (@KNWZumba):
If it’s a demonic force, which it is, it knows everyone and their name..it gives them power, I believe anyway. But I am curious on why it was so into Fiji. It did have me questioning. Hopefully, more will play out on this.
Final Verdict: “Bad Moon Rising” was kind of an understatement
Things are getting more intense with little indication of solutions to any problems anytime soon. Actually, the problems seem to continue piling up in Midnight, Texas. It’s unclear on who the villain or killer really is at this point, but it’s still early. One thing that’s abundantly clear is no better cast could’ve been chosen for this show.
We are blessed with some serious chemistry and clear power couple status with Lem and Liv. But we also get to see a softer and slower romance brewing between Manfred and Creek. This is a show for the shippers of the supernatural. I feel a serious bromance brewing between not only Manfred and Bobo but also Manfred and Lem. Olivia seems a bit standoffish to just about everyone, but maybe she, Fiji and Creek can come together to form a trio of warrior women in the near future.
Midnight, Texas returns next Monday, August 7th at 10/9c on NBC.
