Iyanu 2×06 & 2×07 Review: “The Acceptance” and “The Prayer”

Team Chosen gets help from an unexpected source and learns more about Queen Adura’s past in “The Acceptance” and “The Prayer.”

After learning the importance of empathy in unlocking her final abilities in “The Deep,” Iyanu’s (Serah Johnson) ability to empathize with her enemies is tested in the season’s subsequent two episodes, “The Acceptance” and “The Prayer.”

While Iyanu and Team Chosen appeared to successfully repair the ancient aircraft and destroy the Deep’s fleet of warships, the victory is short-lived. Iyanu crashes into the aircraft multiple times and is unable to repair it after multiple crashes, while Queen Adura (Faith Gesiere-Agua) still has a fleet of other ships to continue her invasion. These are disappointing developments after the previous episode’s triumphant ending, but they further prove that Team Chosen’s fight will not be easy.

Stranded in a nearby village after the aircraft is beyond repair, Iyanu and Team Chosen come across the previous Opa’s son, Abbey (King E Afemikhe). Biyi (Okey Jude) is excited to reunite with his long-lost cousin, while Iyanu and Toye (Samuel Kugbiyi) are less enthused to see Toye’s former bully. Olori (Adesua Etomi-Wellington) reminds Iyanu that she needs to find a way to have empathy for the boy who recently lost his father, and Abbey is thankfully apologetic for his previous treatment of Toye. Though the importance of empathy is a great message, Abbey’s willingness to make amends also shows the importance of taking actual steps towards redemption.

While Toye is hesitant to forgive Abbey, Abbey’s admission that he was jealous of Toye’s ability to be himself, along with a heartfelt apology, allows Toye to reconcile with him. Toye also manages to interpret nearby ancient writings, which leads to a breakthrough in determining The Deep’s planned timeline for their invasion of Elu. While it feels like Toye hasn’t gotten many moments this season to shine, it’s great to see him finally get a triumphant moment to turn the tide against The Deep.

After Abbey gives Team Chosen his boat, the group continues their journey back to Elu. When the boat nearly goes over a waterfall, Biyi finds a way to use his beads to move the boat to safety. Though Biyi is still unable to consistently use his newfound abilities, the moment is a great step towards him coming into his own.

Meanwhile, Iyanu has visions of Adura’s tragic past, an effect of connecting with the statue of the goddess back in the Deep. Iyanu sees as Adura’s parents pray to the statue for a child, despite interacting with the gods being forbidden in the Deep. A mysterious figure betrays Adura’s parents and Adura swears vengeance against the ancient technology and gods after she watches her parents be sentenced to death. It’s a heartbreaking moment, and hopefully Iyanu will be able to use the knowledge to help convince Adura to stop the invasion and ultimately redeem herself.

After fending off an attack from a warrior of The Deep, Team Chosen reunites with Kanfo’s recruits, who manage to successfully send a warning to Elu about The Deep’s imminent invasion. Despite seeing the warning signal, Adura is undeterred and proceeds with the invasion. With Queen Adura’s imminent invasion of Elu, Iyanu and Team Chosen will need all the help that they can get to protect the people and stop the war.

Author: Jessica Wolff

Jessica Wolff is a graduate of Drexel University with a BS in Film/Video. She has a passion for entertainment and representation in entertainment. She currently resides outside of Washington, DC.

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