Midnight Mass 1x07 "Book VII: Revelation" Reaction

[@calebwoods7816]

"The way that she's able to use scripture to fit her narrative is terrifying." Thank you for reacting to this show. As someone who grew up gay in Alabama and still lives here, it's refreshing to see someone acknowledge how religion can be twisted to hurt others. It's happened all of my life. This series is much more than a show - it's a story and it's packed with metaphors. It's a cautionary tale about religion and so much more. It's excellent.

[@belpop]

The conversation between Father Paul and Riley about alcohol was a perfect metaphor for religion. Alcohol itself isn't good or bad- it's PEOPLE, and what they do with it.

[@MonStarGuy]

14:32 After all those years of her mother telling her "You clipped my wings", it's brilliant for Erin to be the one to clip the monster's wings.

[@calebwoods7816]

I love how Erin "clips" the wings. I also love how Bev "claws and scratches for just a few more minutes." The writing is superb!

[@JeshuaSquirrel]

"I went to the rock to hide my face but the rock cried out, 'No hiding place! '."

[@blazingocean4206]

I love how they mirror Riley's death with Erin leaving the viewers guessing if there truly is an afterlife. Riley got a mirror ending to his idiology to where he pass on to the afterlife and Erin saw nothing as she died but her last conversation with Riley about death. Is a mirror version of each other's perspectives on death.

[@HamishSteele]

Yeah, as soon as the show ended I sat back and said it was one of my favourite shows ever too. Flanagan's other shows have been wonderful, truly, but this show feeeeels like his masterpiece. I don't expect his next projects to reach this height and I don't need them to. He mostly does adaptations of books (albeit loosely) but this came from his heart and you can feel it in every line. I'm so glad this was worth the wait for you.

[@aeneasfate]

In a normal series you often have characters trying to reassure another with "Don't worry, it's not my blood." Here, "It's okay, it's all mine." In a normal series you would wait for them to pile into the lair before burning it down to animal screeching noises from within. Here you do it in plain view and make them idle around to think about what they've done. Every character has their poetic ending, my favorite being the "everyone gets their wings clipped eventually." Reminds me of the ending to the original 1973 Wicker Man, everyone cheerfully singing and leaving you feeling oddly happy about the horrible events, because it all just kind of 'fits' perfectly.

[@poeethics9331]

There is something about a mass of people singing the gospel at the end of their time, knowing their fate, and accepting it that just killed me in a beautiful way. Amazing ending.

[@alexcooke4856]

It still floors me how Flanagan didnt deliver a "religion sucks" story. I'm not at all religious, but I LOVE the scenes of genuine Christianity. He obviously showed some horrific sides of faith, but never shunned it, he gave a clear view of the good on both sides and the bad, with Riley and Pruitt having somehow mirrored but also parallel arcs. Along with not answering if the "angel" was a genuine angel or not, I mean damn, I just love how even-handed this show was

[@brettnielsen3483]

Someone who truly believes they're destined for a better place doesn't behave the way Bev did in her final moments....

[@salyx]

You are definitely not alone - even as I was bawling my damned head off I felt uplifted by the ending of the show. I thought it was incredibly beautiful. I watched this show just after it came out and I haven't gone a day without thinking about it since. It's truly one of the most moving things I have ever seen, and I think it changed me.

[@illuminotme825]

This is one of those shows where after it ends, you sit there on the couch thinking about it and a few hours later it's still on your mind.

[@natashag863]

Mike Flanagan is easily my favorite writer, too. Not just one of my favorites, but my FAVORITE. Especially for religion mixed with horror. I cannot wait for his next installment in the mike Flanagan universe. As a writer, myself, I find him awe inspiring

[@Citizen88020120820]

Mike Flanagan is an impressive script writer. Amazing stuff he puts out. This show has so many powerful messages & things to think about.

[@JLamstudio]

This and CHERNOBYL are probably 2 of the recent best shows in years. Amazing writing, acting and production.

[@JeshuaSquirrel]

What I thought about was how everyone but Bev faced their end with grace.

[@mcm4point2o]

i know Flanagan had to give Kate Seigel the "lead performer" designation, i mean she's his damn wife, but Samantha Sloyan should be the "cover" actress for this series.. but happy wife, happy life :P

[@the_nikster1]

that final scene during the "Nearer My God to Thee" hymn is probably my favorite scene from the series (I have a lot of favorite scenes because this series is just brilliant). in particular, I love that everyone has accepted their fates except for Bev who goes out like the cowardly monster that she is. I especially love that Sheriff Hasan died before Ali did so he didn't have to see his son burst into flame and he got to pray with him one last time before he died. I also *really* love that the only person we get to see fully burst into flames is Bev. it was so satisfying lol thanks so much for allowing us to go on this journey with you Jess. Mike Flanagan is quickly becoming one of my favorite writers as well and Midnight Mass is my favorite of his works to date. it is just pure humanity and I fucking love it ❤️

[@TriAliando]

And everyone seems not feeling pain while Bev screaming. It's like God spared everyone but Bev lmao

[@the_nikster1]

@ yup. serves her right.

[@stevenrod100]

Yeah even Pruitt had his redemption in the end. You hate that he brought the angel to the island but you finally understand why. He loved his family even though he couldn’t be with them. It’s no excuse but you at least know why.

[@catelisahill1283]

Your insights into the shows you watch are always so amazing and 100% how I feel about them too. I have loved your take on this fantastic show so so much, so thank you for taking us along for the ride with you 😊. Also, YES to Battlestar Galactica!!! I will never hear All Along The Watchtower without it taking me back to *that* moment and it's one of those shows that I wish i could experience for the first time again. ❤️

[@ravenrose7094]

I'm so glad you loved this series. It became an instant favourite of mine too. The writing is so clever, and the acting is amazing. This story is going to stay with me for a very long time.

[@shamblepants1450]

Of all the excellent shows I watched in 2021, this is the one that simultaneously broke AND stole my heart. I just have to think of it (with that sad piano piece tinkling in the background) and I tear up. Really enjoyed your reactions to this show and your thoughts after each episode. There's plenty of important ideas and issues in this series for all of us to think about for a long time. Thank you!

[@Maya-hi6ce]

This show has stuck with me since I first saw it. I definitely didn't come away thinking this was one of my favorite shows but I think it is now. And you're so correct about how this episode was truly about faith in humanity. It's amazing how Mike Flanagan is able to craft tragedies into something so... affirming. Pruitt did what he did out of love; we can recover from our worst actions and are better than our worst impulses (Riley, everyone who was turned); humanity may be flawed and selfish and prone to follow others blindly but we are, nevertheless, built on love, and both our best and our worst decisions often come from that love. There's something about that message that really sticks with me when there's so much cynicism today, and I love this show for that.

[@Meowarco]

Immediately after watching this show I wanted to share it with people. It is so good and imo Flanagan's best so far. Rahul Kohli as Sheriff Hassan was my favorite. Although Hamish's performance is incredible. Looking forward to The Fall of the House of Usher.

[@palasthyemma]

I love this channel and your reactions and post-episode thoughts soooo much. You manage to make every show doubly enjoyable, it's an experience when first waching it alone, then it's brilliant again when watching it through your eyes. This show had the same effect on me, I cannot express how much I loved it on so many levels. It was - in my opinion - Flanagan's best, if not the most successful, so far (and I love the Haunting stories, too). Thank you for this journey, Jess.

[@amydubuque2894]

I loved this show so much. I'm so glad you did too. Thank you for sharing your journey with us!!!

[@CINEMATECO]

This comes from my heart Seeska, you are a beautiful soul, sensible and I understand your love and passion for finding good shows because we get into them to find pieces of ourselves, answers, love, grief, drain our pain, laugh, and share our inner world as we see the show, I've been seen your videos for years from Venezuela, Caracas, wich feels right now with our dictator an isolation place of being lost. I've already watched 5 times this with 5 special people in my life. I wanted them to have the expierence and the a vision of the world of faith and hope and believe is not a bad thing, is probably the best thing, but hold to you humanity and share, save, and be more than speak a trying to convince people of your vision. We are what we wanna to be, our best selfs, our bad selfs, and we dont know with certain what comes next after this chapter called life but for sure is gonna be an adventure to discover and I hope that for all of us just take us to a place with peace. Thanks for your reactions, Im suffering from CPTSD and sharing all this adventures with you make me feel less alone, I dont have many friends but with you I just feel close because you are always yourself in the channel and that's why I said you are a beautiful soul. Thanks.

[@Rik77]

I like the juxtaposition of Riley, who had truly been through a life changing event, a journey and though broken, understood truly what he'd done and accepted it. Whereas Father Paul, was blinded by his strong desire for a family and did not face up to his actions until the end.

[@papl20]

I read somewhere that it says a lot about you which Flanagan show you connect the most with. I never thought Hill House could be topped but for me, Midnight Mass was more important. The philosophical questions, the representation of a collective... Idk man... Erin's speech in the end was the perfect representation of what I feel dead is. It gives me peace. And that's why the end gives me hope.

[@kdizzle901]

Erin clipped the vampires wings like she clipped the birds wings when she was little

[@hollibean5007]

Ive really enjoyed sharing this with you. You react with your whole heart and I like hearing your insights. Thanks :)

[@g0newick3d]

Mike Flanagan is also my favorite writer. He reminds me a lot of the best qualities of Steven Moffat. Mike Flanagan has said he's a big Doctor Who fan, it'd be a dream if he wrote an episode one day.

[@jpwphoenix1701]

Having grown up Catholic, but very much left the church behind, I've really loved how this show's shone a bright, glaring floodlight on the people like Bev and just how harmful they can be. I've known so many people like her, who've really ruined my life and pushed me over the edge time and again. They're anything but holy and good, so it was a real joy seeing her get her just-desserts both last episode and this episode (I literally punched the air, shouting "YES!!!" when she got shot last episode!).

[@MrHritz]

Exceptionally thoughtful hour long outro. You certainly saw and gathered so much from this series.

[@Rik77]

Early in the series sarah comments to her partner that the priest stares at her like monsignor pruitt used to. They wonder if its because all priests can see she is gay. We now realise that he was staring at her all these years wanting so badly to be her father but never brave enough.

[@suncore598]

"The way that she's able to use scripture to fit her narrative is terrifying." It is even more terrifying that people like her actually exist in the world. Causing untold damage with their warped beliefs. The ending takes my breath away with so many united in the face of death by the power of their faith and their ties to each other (except Bev). Leeza saying she can't feel her legs is meant to be a good thing because it means the sire vampire whose blood allowed her to walk didn't make it to the mainland.

[@the_nikster1]

yeah I got that impression as well about Leeza. glad to know I'm not the only one haha

[@gccurry1]

This series was about monsters. The literal ones flying around, sucking blood, and the figurative ones that, in this case, took religion and twisted it to do monstrous things and then die in monstrous ways.

[@74gould]

This was one of my all time faves as well… and BATTLESTAR!! 😄 That made me so excited to hear you’re a BSG fan. So say we all 🤘🏻

[@Stardweller1]

One thing I love about this show is that its religious commentary is not one sided, in EITHER direction. Religion is portrayed both positively and negatively, depending on the person and how they use it - wether as a weapon to attack others and serve themselves or as a reminder for themselves of the importance of loving and serving others.

[@DarkMatterLuigi]

When this came out back in October, I'm a bit confused as to why so many people didn't like the finale, they kept saying it was boring and not exciting I'm like what are you watching? I loved the finale and just a simple "I can't feel my legs" is everything. btw Jess whenever you have an open show slot please react to The Expanse I know you'll love it it's on Amazon, literally the best sci fi show ever!

[@shamblepants1450]

Yes! Fantastic idea - 'The Expanse' is such an amazing experience!

[@addisonratcatcher3287]

This is now one of my all time favorite shows. Great reaction!

[@papl20]

This episode was spectacular but damn... The whole Pruitt and his fam situation BROKE me. Hamish Linklater is an amazing actor, like the delivery of the desperation, the love, the faith... You could feel he did indeed felt guilt but with bev pushing her narrative he let himself not believe it.

[@IDidntSetAHandle]

1:05:00 - I've been working on a reading that interprets true vampirism as 'feeding off faith'. Its what the creature does to Father Paul in the cave; it twists his faith to think his abuse is a blessing, and even leading him to go out and spread the 'good news'. When Father Paul gets to the island, Bev foments it even further. She's already been doing it for years, using her position in the church to get herself in a position of authority. When Father Paul pops up, she quite happily latches onto him - encouraging his misguidance, riding his coattails, and using the various 'miracles' to strengthen her own position. When it all kicks off, she becomes the de-facto leader, instructing the 'faithful' to commit appalling acts in the name of God. I'm still spinning it around in my head; not fully fleshed out or coherent yet. But I do think this is the Flanagan series most open to interpretation and reading. For that reason it's stuck with me longest, and I think is my favorite.

[@northwind2538]

This show gave me such Stephen King vibes it's insane. Flanagan is definitely the new age horror marvel.

[@g0newick3d]

After the shows themselves, the absolute best part of new Flanagan series releasing is getting to see your reactions to them. All of his shows are masterpieces in my opinion. Cannot wait for the next one later this year! P.S. If BSG is one of your favorite shows ever, I *really* think you'd enjoy reacting to The Expanse. It overtook BSG for me as the best space sci-fi show of all time. I hope one day you'll have time to react to it!

[@theashrook6129]

I’m reminded of Agents of SHIELD, the end of The Framework, “This is the way the world ends, not with a bang but with a…” ~Radcliff~

[@mapleproject4414]

Loved Midnight Mass. Great show. Thank you for your reaction. Totally random if you love BSG, Ronald D Moore is producing Outlander. It's fantastic! Have you seen it?😃

[@KatrinDh]

I don't think I will ever love another show as much as I love Battlestar Galactica. There is some great competition in the 2010s and also Midnight Mass being from the 2020s gives me hope for greater stories to blossom on our tv screens in this decade. But BSG will always hold such a special place in my heart that I can't even begin to describe it.

[@kurtthevillain6012]

Seriously one of my favorite series as well, with one of my favorite reactors. Now I wait for Supernatural Wednesday 👻

[@angellopolys2494]

Mike's a genius. I literally use Netflix only because of his material. Great reaction, greetings from Mexico 💜

[@Nubiea]

Hello! I loved the way you reviewed this episode. Not to be rude or anything but sometimes, your voice sounded like Bev. :)) Regarding the ending, i too loved the fact that everyone actually stayed together. Understood what they did, and that they accepted their faith. Bev was just ... Blind, to her beliefs..

[@GhoulishGwyn]

Fantastic blazer choice 👍

[@Skeezer66]

I don't know if you ever read the short story "A Good Man is Hard to Find" by Flannery O'Connor, but you should!!! It does some of the things you love (in a brutal way)!!! Please check it out! (It's actually a darker ending, but it is a short story!)

[@williamdavis8076]

This was a wonderful reaction. I had mixed feelings on the show in general but these last two episodes were jaw-dropping.

[@GeorgeAlexander3110]

A fantastic reaction for a fantastic show

[@treskyplesky1189]

This show was just amazing and even though I got slightly spoiled about it I still enjoyed it so much, Mike Flanagan just keeps getting better. Just have to say that it heavily reminded me of one anime called Shiki, though that one got so much more brutal in the end.

[@Boo7X77]

We need to bring back hoodie sasskasays if we are talking about style stuff but I like that white coat as well.

[@Khay-77]

After watching this a second time and watching through your reactions the show has grown on me quite a bit. I think maybe even more than Haunting of Hill House.

[@evanmccreesh268]

Hill House made me a horror fan. Midnight Mass made me a Mike Flanagan fan.

[@josephhenry1260]

Truly enjoyed your reaction to this show. And yes, Battlestar Galactica is one of my favorites! Even tho you have seen it, u should do a re-watch and react!!! I'm due for one!!!!

[@cjellio]

Now I can binge all 7 episodes....just like I did with the show. So good.

[@saraha8826]

I knew I missed Riley but it was missing him for an episode...it is huge

[@ralfuz777]

Awesome reaction and great post-reaction recap!! I recently learned you were a Battlestar fan and was completely blown away by that!! So my question is have you hear of Ascension with Tricia Helfer who plays number 6 on Battlestar? It’s a short 6 episode miniseries, one of the best I’ve seen and perfect for you to react to!! 😀😀

[@filmfreak7682]

Im here for the lab coat look lol

[@BlackCover95]

1:11:26 Cathartic?

[@uterzemson]

If you like B.S.G. sure you would love The Expanse.

[@blazingocean4206]

Raised by Wolves has the feel of Game of Thrones and the writing of Midnight Mass. You should check it out. :)

[@crystalfire5564]

That looks interesting

[@bronlokis]

SPOILERS reminds me of M. Night Shyamalan's "Signs" (2002) in which everything that happens, good or bad, leads to the moment the Angel fails to spread his (vampire) contagion.

[@richlisola1]

You’re a BSG girl! I liked you before, but I really love you now!

[@thomasstevens2746]

Great reaction x

[@crystalfire5564]

I wasn’t sure how to feel about this show when I first saw it but after watching a few reactions to it, it has grown on me. There is a lot more depth to it than I originally thought.

[@shaunsworld430]

Thank you for review this show, it’s up there with my favourite shows!!! One request though, give “AFTER LIFE” a watch for us all…. I’m telling you, your be a total emotional wreck!!! AFTER LIFE by Ricky Gervais on Netflix Please, pretty please

[@ThomasCorp]

Poor Bev, all she wanted to do was complete her goal, and then finally rest, and watch the sunrise on a grateful universe. But now, she knows what it's like to lose, to feel so desperately that she’s right, yet to fail, nonetheless. It's frightening, turns the legs to jelly. I ask you to what end? She dreaded it, ran from it, but destiny arrived all the same. She did get to see the sunrise, that’s something at least.

[@tashahelms1522]

People use religion as a crutch. As a light. As a weapon. I've been a Bev. I don't know that she was afraid like everyone else does. At least not the way people think. She didn't complete her mission for God. It didn't work the way it was supposed to. No one is perfect. She freaked me out because of the ability for any of us to be her. Given the correct circumstances.

[@burnikshrapnel]

Also great to include Islam and atheism in it. Great show.

[@FabioPilgrim]

Nossa, você é muito linda ❤️

[@robvanriot]

I'm glad you enjoyed it. It went just a tad too far up its own backside with the existentialism at the end for my tastes, but everyone's taste is their own!

[@Rik77]

One of the most horrible parts of the episode was the raw visceral animal nature of the "angel". I almost had pity for it. It seemed a useless animal driven only by hunger.

[@Luzarioth]

i have a big problem with the last sentence said in this show. It comes out of left field and isn't something that fits... i mean... Erin wouldn't be Pregnant again all of a sudden. And... i mean... why ?^^

[@JULIASMITH-eg9kp]

GREAT SERIES