It’s the age of misinformation and supercharged showdowns on Hazbin Hotel Season 2 Episodes 3 and 4, “Behind Closed Doors” and “It’s a Deal.” Charlie’s reputation is in the toilet, while Vox stacks the deck in his favor, all that pride going to his big ole TV head. Meanwhile, Alastor makes a surprising move that’ll inexplicably work out in his favor. 

Below, I’ve compiled five highlights from this week’s batch of episodes. 

RELATED: Read our recap of the latest Hazbin Hotel episode, “It’s a Deal”

Piss (A Love Song)Cherri Bomb and Sir Pentious stand with their backs facing each other while singing and looking sad on Hazbin Hotel Season 2 Episode 3, "Behind Closed Doors."HAZBIN HOTEL Season 2 Episode 3, “Behind Closed Doors” — Photo courtesy of Prime Video

Is this the sweetest song in all the realms? You betcha. I love that Sir Pentious’s (Alex Brightman) verse is more of a pop ballad, complemented by the harpsichord, and it suits his personality perfectly. Cherri Bomb’s (Krystina Alabado) part sits in pop-punk territory, with the heavy guitars matching her brash attitude. I also love the combination of the electric guitar and the harpsichord when they sing together, as if these two crazy kids are becoming one. The harmonies are goosebump-inducing and, let’s face it, “Piss” is romantic as hell. Who doesn’t love an enemies-to-lovers romance? I hope Cherri and Pentious find a way to be together. 

Be the Pentious Charlie holds a pointer stick while pointing at the word "Redemption" written on a chalkboard on Hazbin Hotel Season 2 Episode 3, "Behind Closed Doors."HAZBIN HOTEL Season 2 Episode 3, “Behind Closed Doors” — Photo courtesy of Prime Video

Charlie (Erika Henningsen) bites off more than she can chew in “Behind Closed Doors” by inviting VoxTek to interview her so she can clear her name. Of course, she doesn’t expect Vox (Christian Borle) and Velvette (Lilli Cooper) to show up. Vox is committed to spewing misinformation to bury the, as Katie Killjoy (Brandon Rogers) hilariously puts it, “Hashbrown Motel.”  He and Velvette deftly twist Charlie’s words, forcing her hand. So, she decides to redeem Angel Dust (Blake Roman) in real time, much to the latter’s annoyance.

The ensuing tune, “Speedrun to Redemption,” is unadulterated, breathless chaos, culminating in Charlie pivoting to dressing Angel like Pentious in the hopes that this redeems him. After this, she puts Angel’s training to the test by tying Husk (Keith David) to train tracks and pushing Angel to save him. I love the old-timey, silent film vibes of this segment, especially Charlie’s ’30s radio-sounding voice. Alastor (Amir Talai) would be envious if he hadn’t just quit his job at our titular hotel. 

RELATED: Hazbin Hotel: Our Favorite Moments From the Season 2 Premiere

Vox tampers with the train’s brakes, raising the stakes for “entertainment.” The whole ordeal strains Charlie and Angel’s relationship to its breaking point. As well-meaning as our princess of Hell is, sometimes, her pride and tunnel vision take precedence over others’ feelings. Charlie Morningstar is wonderfully imperfect. 

Don’t You Forget That Rosie Is in ChargeAlastor and Rosie sit in the latter's shop in Cannibal Town while laughing. HAZBIN HOTEL Season 2 Episode 4, “It’s a Deal” — Photo courtesy of Prime Video

It’s Alastor Backstory Time! We finally get a much-needed origin story for our favorite Radio Demon. We also learn how he met Rosie (Leslie Rodriguez Kritzer) and the meaning behind his deer-like physical traits. Their duet, “Don’t You Forget,” is a jazzy affair and a stark reminder to Alastor that Rosie will always have him on a leash. Well, until he fulfills his end of the bargain. Rosie is a much more formidable player in the Hell hierarchy than we realized. 

Alastor’s battle with Adam (Brightman) in the Season 1 finale has knocked him down a few pegs. He struck a deal with Rosie to become the most powerful sinner in Hell, but he’s clearly not anymore. Thankfully, Alastor’s down but not out. He’s incessantly scheming, crafting strategies to obtain the power he so desperately desires. On an unrelated note, I need Alastor and Lucifer’s (Jeremy Jordan) mugs. Not a want, a need. 

RELATED: TV Review: Hazbin Hotel Season 2

Niffty Loves to Stab Rats Charlie, Baxter and Niffty at the Hazbin Hotel.HAZBIN HOTEL Season 2 Episode 1, “New Pentious” — Photo courtesy of Prime Video

I didn’t expect to get a Niffty (Kimiko Glenn) song, but “Clean It Up!” is easily one of my favorite Season 2 tunes thus far. Charlie urges her to tell the viewers watching Katie Killjoy and Tom Trench’s (Talai) show about how much she loves the hotel. In true Niffty fashion, she launches into a zany, mile-a-minute song about trash and stabbing rats. The anime vibes, coupled with the music and visuals, really sell it. Then, Niffty sings in Japanese about the merits of the hotel despite the sinners being a-holes. Glenn knocks it out of the park. The track is a delightfully comedic palate cleanser. 

Alastor versus Vox Vox and Alastor square off in Pentagram City. HAZBIN HOTEL Season 2 Episode 4, “It’s a Deal” — Photo courtesy of Prime Video

Episode four, “It’s a Deal,” sees Alastor and Vox square off in an epic showdown. However, neither of them is alone. Velvette and Valentino (Joel Perez) come to Vox’s aid, while Husk and Niffty defend Alastor. It’s a high-octane, action-packed sequence, with everyone putting their powers on display. Alastor implements his game plan by striking a deal with Vox — he’ll be Vox’s prisoner if he lets Husk and Niffty go free, and he vows not to lay a hand on Charlie. 

Naturally, Vox interprets this as his victory. If I were a betting gal, I’d wager that Alastor has an ace up his sleeve (hee-hee), and he’s waiting for the opportune moment to one-up Vox. I love that we get a glimpse of their past relationship, which is more professional than personal, at least on Alastor’s end. There was at least a mutual respect, though. Fun fact: Vox’s Earth name was Vincent. 

RELATED: Read our Hazbin Hotel recaps

The “Don’t You Forget (Reprise)” is a solid callback to Rosie asserting dominance over Alastor, only now, it’s Vox assuming that role. And that final nod to “Stayed Gone”? Pitch-perfect. 

Hazbin Hotel Season 2 drops new episodes every Wednesday on Prime Video. 

10 Questions We Need Answered in HAZBIN HOTEL Season 2 Melody McCuneContact:
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What I do: I’m GGA’s Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.

Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet.

Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium.

Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.

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