*Contains some spoilers*
In the review of the last episode, I mentioned that Zed Martin (Angélica Celaya) is such an improvement over Liv Aberdine because she feels like she has the potential to be beneficial to John Constantine (Matt Ryan), not a hindrance. This week's episode," The Devil's Vinyl," really makes it a goal to drive that point home. In fact, it almost seems like they're trying a little too hard to show she can hold her own, but it's still appreciated.
Zed may not be on Constantine's level, but they're doing a fine job showing why she's a critical part of the team and has skills that even Constantine doesn't possess. Bits like climbing over the fence or having Constantine refuse to follow her right away were really funny ways to illustrate this point. However, while Zed's role is becoming increasingly interesting, Chas is just kind of there. It almost feels like he's Zed's sidekick when John isn't around.
Last week's investigation was a good time, but this dilemma with the record didn't feel nearly as gripping and the mystery was cast aside pretty quickly. It's a little tough to get emotionally connected to a couple we just met and the scares/haunting atmosphere didn't feel as powerful as the previous two episodes. It is worth noting the episode was surprisingly bloody, though (blood splattering against windows doesn't get old, does it?). That said, it does an okay job hinting at why John's so motivated to help, but what it really does well is show off some of John's methods and introduce Papa Midnite (Michael James Shaw). We've already seen the lead cast spells, but this episode shows off more of his "gadgets" and puts them to proper use.
Papa Midnite doesn't feel like a pivotal part of the story, but the episode does a more than adequate job teasing the basics of the character. It's clear he's not a blatant villain, but he's not a good guy, either. There's a level of respect between the two, but the gloves are off if they're at opposite ends. You can sense there's a lot of history between them, so hopefully next week's episode will really capitalize on that and flesh out Papa Midnite even more. Now that we've seen the dead can return, perhaps we'll see Papa Midnite with some zombies? Maybe?
Matt Ryan continues to have no problem displaying a more likable (yet still sarcastic and blunt) version of the character and there's more than a few sharp lines to enjoy in this one, but we also get to see him unleash a little more, too. This chapter allows him to display more anger and less patience in the mission; it's an emotion he handles convincingly. We know he can deliver the comedy and drama with ease, but now we know he can really handle the more heated material as well. Plus, having him drenched in blood and practicing a spell was quite awesome, wasn't it?
Honestly, I wasn't sure if I wanted to give "The Devil's Vinyl" 3 or 4-stars. The main arc with the record isn't compelling or frightening at all, but there's a few key elements that make up for that and boosts the overall quality of the episode. Zed's becoming more and more likable and impressive, Constantine's wit remains hugely entertaining, and, even though his voice doesn't sound like it can grind bones, Papa Midnite made a solid debut and it left me wanting more. Thankfully, it looks like next week's story has a ton of potential since they're apparently bringing in Mnemoth, the hunger demon.