‘Wynonna Earp’ 2×01 shatters its steel bars and stone walls and stomps glorious fun onto our television screen again.

Welcome back, ‘Wynonna Earp’.

Did we miss Melanie Scrofano kicking demon ass? Twizzling Peacemaker? Did we crave more of Emily Andras’ witty one-liners and snark? The answer’s an unequivocal yes. ‘Wynonna Earp’ dazzled us with its poignant and hilarious premiere. We welcome ‘Orphan Black’ alumni Kevin Hanchard as we really do follow up Shamier Anderson’s comic-con wish of Prison Break: the Dolls edition.

After Dolls was taken by the mysterious Black Badge, Wynonna and her posse are determined to fetch him back. Doc loses his hat (major gasp) and Nicole’s tenure as ‘Agent’ lasts for a gloomy singular episode.

Kate Drummond shines in her elevated role as Lucado, but last season’s cliffhanger doesn’t go ignored, either.

RELATED | REVIEW: ‘Wynonna Earp’: “Steel Bars and Stone Walls” [2×01]

Yeah, that black demon goo really did a number on Wynonna’s baby girl (Dominique Provost-Chalkley). We’re not entirely sure what it is or what it’ll do to our research geek-balloon Waverly, but as we found out in season one, Emily Andras won’t leave us hanging.

For now, let’s get to the nitty gritty of what our audience thought of ‘Wynonna Earp’ and its season premiere. We’ve got Dolls’ literal prison break, a gecko/lizard/dragon turn from Shamier Anderson, Doc and his hat tragedy, Wynonna’s breakdown, the aftermath of Willa and Bobo’s fates, Nicole’s reversal of her deputisation, Waverly’s demonic goo and some awesome new cast members to discuss.

Without further ado, let’s get diggin’ and introduce our very own motley crew!

• The Other Nic (@CloneNic): Television watcher and live-tweeter.

• Elizabeth Bridges (@EGBridges): A professor in literature and media studies at Rhodes College in Memphis, USA, and writes about fandom, media culture, and LGBTQ issues at uncannyvalley.us.

• Allison Schonter @SchonterAllison: contributor for Talk Nerdy With Us and Senior Writer at PopWrapped.

• Nico (@NicolaChoi): Reviewer at TV After Dark for ‘Wynonna Earp’ and Editor.

• Marina (@earperfanart): #Earper fan art aficionado

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How was that for an opening scene? What was your theory on who or what Waverly was pointing the gun at? And how do you think this black goo will affect her moving forwards?

Allison (@SchonterAllison):

The opening scene was not at all what I was expecting.  I’ve spent the past several months sitting on pins and needles thinking that Waverly had been pointing the gun at either Wynonna or Doc, and had presumably shot one of them.  I am beyond thankful that she didn’t, but I am curious to know more about this “black goo.”  It obviously causes some sort of reaction when she is in the presence of supernatural beings, but does that make her a supernatural being?

Marina (@earperfanart):

That was an amazing opening scene, I definitely did not expect Waverly to be running away with Doc. I thought for sure Waves was shooting Wyn or Doc or even Doc shooting the gun out of Waves’ hand. The goo is going to make her stronger, she’ll go after what she wants more- just hopefully in a  good way!

Nic (@CloneNic):

Initially I thought she was pointing the gun at Doc or Wynonna and I about lost my damn mind! I was not emotionally prepared for how that scene would have played out! I think the goo is going to make her more badass and cause her to test her limits. It may also make her evil but turns out Evil Waverly is absurdly attractive so I’m kinda fine with that?

Elizabeth (@EGBridges):

I had no idea about the gun. The show does tend to misdirect sometimes in terms who’s pointing guns at whom, so I wasn’t super worried. But the black goo? That has puzzled me for months. Based on the premiere, it doesn’t seem like she’ll go full Dark Willow (yet?), but we know black eyes / no pupils mean some kind of demonic possession. This is the universal language of supernatural type shows, so we can expect some sort of badness.

She appears to be fighting an internal battle. Like, what was that scene with the axe? I think the goo possession will bring out aspects of Waverly’s own personality that will be kind of fun. We already see that she’s bolder, e.g. being a little on the sexually aggressive side with Nicole, jumping feet first into a wacky, ill-advised scheme to get into the BBD compound. I predict the demon side will get darker before they figure out a cure. I don’t expect “Gooverly” to last all season, but who knows?

Nico (@NicolaChoi):

At the end of season one, I completely expected Waverly to shoot either Doc or Wynonna (moreso Doc). With all the press speculation too, and San Diego Comic Con speculation, I was suckered in by all of it! The show did an excellent job of diverting our attention to an alternative solution, which was really clever. Furthermore, nobody really knew what the goo was or what it exactly did–so I did feel just utterly clueless. But I thought it was really well done.

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Holla, Rachel Skarsten in the house! What did you think of Eliza (and that fight scene with Wynonna)?

Allison (@SchonterAllison):

I absolutely loved Eliza, and Rachel Skarsten did an amazing job portraying her!  She definitely had an awesome and eye-catching entrance to the show, and that awesomeness continued until the very end.

Marina (@earperfanart):

Eliza!! Oh man, that fight was great. I wish she could be around longer but she went out protecting our crew and Dolls, so i’m ok with it, ha.

Nic (CloneNic):

Any fight scene involving a woman in her underwear is a good fight scene, but when that woman is Rachel Skarsten and she’s fighting Melanie Scrofano? Then it becomes an EPIC fight scene. I loved Eliza and am sad to see her go. She had that Tamsin snark that I loved and she and Wynonna played well off one another. I’m secretly holding out hope that maybe she’s not dead but that was a very large pool of blood.

Elizabeth (@EGBridges):

I was 100% on board with Eliza and hoped to see her as a recurring character. Sadly, that is not to be. I was ready to board the Wyliza ship.

Nico (@NicolaChoi):

I really didn’t expect her to die, you know. ‘Cause, c’mon, it’s Rachel Skarsten! Badass, knocks people out with a lamp Eliza! I was totally expecting her to be an asset to the team. I’m absolutely gutted she isn’t, but she made an amazing impression.

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After the season one finale and the season two premiere, how do you think Wynonna will pick herself up after her final scene when she inevitably breaks.

Allison (@SchonterAllison):

I think that in a way maybe Wynonna needed that moment.  She needed a chance to break and a chance to let it all out.  Her life’s had this darkness to it for years, and now her life is quite literally defined by death. I’d imagine that killing supernatural beings and constantly putting your life and the lives of your loved ones in danger puts a damper on things, and killing your own sister carries a weight that is unfathomable.  So I think that she needed to break and let a little of that weight be lifted off of her.  But this is Wynonna Earp, the Earp heir and Peacemaker gunslinger.  She’ll pick herself back up.

Marina (@earperfanart):

Sigh. Crying Wynonna is not cool Andras, not cool lol. I’m hoping her getting her necklace back and seeing Dolls will give her some strength. Not that she needs him, but after killing Willa the last thing she wants is to lose another member of the fam.

Nic (@CloneNic):

It seems like she’s going to throw herself into saving her town and those she loves. She’s not the type to just sit back and give up so I’m guessing she’s going to go twice as hard as she did in season one.  

Elizabeth (@EGBridges):

Well, my heart really breaks for her. I hope the show gives her a little time to grieve properly, but I’m not counting on that. I imagine Wynonna will do what she always does: either throw herself into her work and lean on her sister and Doc, or she’ll get self-destructive. Realistically, it’ll probably be some combination of the two and will likely involve Doc either way.

Nico (@NicolaChoi):

I think it was due. Wynonna just seems the type to pent up all these emotions and put on this brave face for the people she loves. But inevitably, it’ll get to that big heart of hers. Melanie Scrofano just really killed it for me. She was awesome. Anytime Wynonna gets emotional, Scrofano shatters my own heart too.

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 Do you think we’ll ever see Agent Nicole Haught again, or was it always meant to be short-lived? Do you think it’ll impact her relationships–as we’ve seen, Nicole’s job is so crucial to her.

Allison (@SchonterAllison):

I think that we’ll definitely see Agent Nicole Haught again.  Maybe not in the sense as an actual named agent, but I think “agent” is just who she is. She’s dedicated to her job and I think that she’ll find a way to be a part of whatever it is that Waverly and Wynonna and the gang are up to; she may even be so determined that she does end up becoming Agent Nicole Haught again.  I do think that it will impact her relationships, especially with Waverly, but I think they’ll be able to overcome it and Nicole will find her place in the chaos.

Marina (@earperfanart):

Uh, we better. Just kidding, maybe. I do think we’ll see Agent Haught again and I also believe her not signing that contract will be crucial later on.

Nic (@CloneNic):

Hopefully we’ll see Agent Haught again but given the uncertainty of the Dolls situation, and how Moody thinks no one else knows about Black Badge, I don’t think it’ll happen right away. Nicole being kept in the dark or feeling left out is more likely to affect her relationships than if she’s Black Badge or not. I hope we’ll see Agent Haught again but given the uncertainty of the Dolls situation, and how Moody thinks no one else knows about Black Badge, I don’t think it’ll happen right away. Nicole being kept in the dark or feeling left out is more likely to affect her relationships than if she’s Black Badge or not.

Elizabeth (@EGBridges):

Inevitably, Nicole will have to save everyone’s asses. There’ll come a time when the BBD crew get into some kind of irredeemable trouble, and only Nicole will be able to help them. I actually foresee it’ll even prove to be an asset that she didn’t sign the oath. I don’t know if she’ll end up being officially Agent Haught again or not, but already we clearly see a part of Nicole’s arc in this season. She’ll have to sort out her relationship with Waverly in the context of these new BBD developments. On the one hand, Waverly wants to continue protecting Nicole by keeping her in the dark, but I have a feeling that at some point, Nicole will have to do the protecting. That’s the dynamic of their relationship for now. It makes them equals, but it also makes for tension, as we’ve already seen.

Nico (@NicolaChoi):

Yeah, Nicole’s job is so integral to her. It’ll be interesting because that will obviously cause friction, not just with Waverly and the ‘WayHaught’ ship, but also her developing relationships with the others. I’m thinking Wynonna in particular–and I crave more scenes between Wynonna and Nicole! It’ll be really interesting to see how it all plays out. But I reckon something’ll happen and Nicole will save all of them in some situation anyway. Just because she got taken off BBD, it doesn’t mean she got taken off badassery!

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What did you think of our new regulars, notably the dastardly duo Kevin Hanchard and Kate Drummond?

Allison (@SchonterAllison):

Let’s just say that Agent Lucado and Moody are not the most likeable characters, but they are definitely interesting.  I’m curious to learn more about them, their dynamic, and their places within the Black Badge Division.

Marina (@earperfanart):

He’s alright, will have to see more of him to make my mind up. I love Lucado!

Nic (@CloneNic):

I’m a little obsessed with Lucado and am really excited to learn more about her character. Plus that woman looks great in a suit. As for Hanchard’s Moody, I’m still so used to seeing him as Art on “Orphan Black” that it’s gonna take me a little time to get used to him on this. Also he shot Eliza so I kinda hate him right now.

Elizabeth (@EGBridges):

I’ll just take a shallow dip into my literary background to tell you this much: anybody who makes you sign anything in blood is tricky as can be. Run the other way. In this case our friends couldn’t get out of it, so good luck, I guess. They’re gonna need it. They’re not gonna like the terms of this contract.

Nico (@NicolaChoi):

I thought Kate Drummond’s Lucado is just hilariously villainous. She reminds me a bit of the Stone Witch. A bit bonkers and so uptight. She has such a wedge up her backside. And I think she plays it really, really well. The same with Kevin Hanchard. It’s strange to watch him as the moral compass of Orphan Black, and I adore Art, and then see him as this twisted villain as well. He plays him so deliciously well. I just hate both of them, and I love that I hate them so much.

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Shamier Anderson’s Dolls makes a heroic return at the end. What’s next for Dolls, do you think?

Allison (@SchonterAllison):

Dolls has been part of the Black Badge Division for years, and he’s spent years being controlled by them, so I think now he has to learn how to live a life without that.  It’s not exactly freedom – he is a fugitive now and he has to deal with whatever it is that he is.  I’d like to see him take Black Badge down, or become their superior.

Marina (@earperfanart):

Oh he’s gonna come back kickin’ ass and taking names. Dolls is the best. Hopefully we find out what the heck BBD did to him!

Nic (@CloneNic):

Oh man I’m not sure on this one. I feel like he may go off the grid for a couple episodes before he makes some kind of mighty return. If nothing else he needs to come back soon so I can finally find out what the hell kind of man/creature he is!

Elizabeth (@EGBridges):

I think he’ll still be a part of the crew but in a help/support type capacity, working underground. He’ll probably stay hidden most of the time and pop up when they need him, but they won’t be able to find him. Think Giles when he was kicked off the Watchers’ Council in Buffy.

Nico (@NicolaChoi): 

I guess he’ll have to rely on his soldier skills or whichever division he was in, and help from the dark. It’s kinda like spy-work, I guess. We know Dolls is tough enough to withstand anything, really. And the only problem is a continual supply of that lizard-dope. But I think he’ll help from the shadows until they can somehow overpower Moody and Lucado. He’ll have to rely on his espionage skillset for now!

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LIGHTNING ROUND: Favourite quote & favourite scene!

Allison (@SchonterAllison):  

There are so many amazing quotes from the episode, but one of my personal favorites would definitely have to be “I brought my magic gun to remind you all that I’m the goddamn Earp heir and the only one who can send Wyatt’s Revenants back to hell.”  Wynonna’s just laying it all out and owning exactly who she is and her importance.  Without her, there’d be no chance of ending the chaos.

My favorite scene would have to be the scene of Wynonna and Waverly in Willa’s room.  It really showcased their bond and how much they care for one another.

Marina (@earperfanart):

Can I say the whole episode?? No really, the hotel room fight, hands down. “Here comes the boom.”

Nic (@CloneNic):

Favorite quote probably has to go to “I’m British not elderly.” because Dom’s delivery was BRILLIANT. Favorite scene? Wynonna breaking down. It hurt so much but Melanie killed it in that scene. All I wanted to do was reach through my TV and hold her while she cried.

Elizabeth (@EGBridges):

I’m a real sap where WayHaught is concerned, so I’m going with the patching-up scene that turns into a makeout. The bit where Nicole says, “You taste different,” which she notices from kissing Waverly, is the gayest thing ever. And yet so in-character. Nicole, the ever-observant cop and attentive girlfriend, would absolutely notice something slightly “off” with Waverly before anybody else. And kudos to Emily Andras for writing it in like that. We got a little romance, super gayness, and plot development in one short scene. Brilliant.

Nico (@NicolaChoi):

The quote must go to Wynonna and that entire Bond-ish “We haven’t been formally introduced. I’m Wynonna. Wynonna Earp.” That was so badass. And the scene has to be, for me, Waverly going undercover as a Scotland Yard nutjob with Nicole in her ear telling her her British accent was terrible. It was so face-palm-worthy and hilarious that Dominique, the most English person to ever English, overshot and even said toodles. I loved the irony of it.

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Final Verdict: Emily Andras’ punchy, daring hour of fun flies by with this explosive premiere. Kudos, cast and crew: it was definitely worth the wait–and the hype!

‘Wynonna Earp’ is probably one of those shows everyone is telling you to watch, and you might not have seen it. People will continue to pester you after the chunky slice of rich heaven this episode. So go watch it!

Once again, quick-witted Emily Andras proves she’s the queen of snark with her endless one-liners. The show’s dialogue is an absolute dream. Furthermore, production levels have stepped up by far. There are a truck load of Easter eggs Earpers will happily gather. The addition of Kevin Hanchard and elevation of Kate Drummond’s villainous role will serve only to entertain and mystify us further!

Lastly, we think this blast of a premiere was a blast because it was totally for the fans. Steeped with hilarity and hosed with WayHaught, Andras threw down the gauntlet. “I dare you to show a premiere that’s much more fun that that,” we imagine Andras saying triumphantly. She’s achieved something special. A truly entertaining rollercoaster ride of an episode–and something the dedicated Earpers will surely love!

Make sure you tune in next week for episode two. Keep it locked here at TV After Dark for all your livetweets, reviews and now roundtables!

Wynonna Earp returns Friday, June 15th 10/9C on Syfy.