Todd and the Book of Pure Evil and Introducing a New Sheriff in Hell: A Television Review ("Redirement Home")

Director: James Genn.

Writers: Craig David Wallace, Charles Picco, and Anthony Leo.

"Todd and the Book of Pure Evil" is back for a second season, and it will be making its run on Space! the Imagination Station on Sunday nights, 7pm PST / 10pm EST, and episodes are slated to stream online weeks later. In the States, FEARNet has confirmed that season two will air March 2012, and continue to be part of Tuesdays "Twisted Comedy" hour.

The newest episode, "Redirement Home," aired October 30th, and the tale picks up from where season one's final episode last left off: with Atticus Murphy Jr. (Chris Leavins) now trying to figure out how to open the book, and Todd (Chris House) and his gang contemplating their next move. When they decide to go rescue Jenny Kolinsky (Maggie Castle), they head to “dread central,” which happens to be a retirement home. True to the series’ formula, there is an individual who uses the book, and makes a wish—the seniors carnage upon the quiet corridors of Crowley Heights.

The humour of this series is intact. House delivers the clueless act very well, and as the chosen one, he’s not as adept with the sword as the others would think. That leads to some classic comedy moments from the silent age. The juvenile style humour has not changed at all and with the new season, it may come at an even more rapid pace. None of it feels too repetitive, and with new relationships blooming, especially that of Curtis Weaver (Billy Turnbull) and Hannah Williams (Melanie Leishman) being romantically involved, more complex storylines can be introduced.

That will be heartily welcomed. To have too much of the same thing can get tiring, and without it, the series can’t evolve. In this episode, "Redirement Home," there is a message that's hinted at. Todd may start treating his grandparents more with respect. As this episode reveals, Weaver already does, since he’s excited about also going to visit granny while attempting to rescue Jenny at the same time. To reinforce this idea with little actions is important. And after Todd sees the carnage left behind, he realizes that his actions towards his own young generation can potentially bounce back on him two-fold when he's older.

In contrast, Atticus finds problems with being an authority figure. He forces his minions, mostly elderly gentleman, to wear nametags and he addresses them with hardly any confidence. He’s missing one important point, and that’s to give them the respect they need before they will bow down to him. Junior will have to learn about what it takes to become a leader since all his life he has been guided by his father. If he really had the problems of respect as a teacher back in season one, then in season two, he's only going to get knee-deep into trouble until the disciples of Satan agree that he is the new trailblazer.

But when the three potheads—Eddie, Rob, and Brody—have a meeting with Atticus, they reveal a Harry Potter style moment: the prophecy can be interpreted differently, and Todd may not be the one that the prophecy is referring to.

Could it be Atticus? Until he proves himself worthy, anyone can be evil. That all depends on how good that individual can be at it. And that may very well be the main story arc for this season.

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