Iyanu 1×04 Review: “The Arrival”

Iyanu works to master her abilities as multiple armies seek to capture her in “The Arrival.”

After a strong three-episode premiere, Iyanu (Serah Johnson) continues her training in “The Arrival.” Despite learning that she is the Chosen and must master her abilities to save the world, Iyanu is still insistent on rescuing Olori (Adesua Etomi-Wellington) instead. Though Iyanu’s concern for Olori is understandable, having the same conversation with Mama Sewa (Stella Damasus) in two consecutive episodes is frustrating.

Once Mama Sewa once again reminds her that mastering her abilities will help her rescue Olori, she attempts to train Iyanu in the art of her supernatural abilities, as another beautiful stylistic animation sequence illustrates the circle of life of the natural world. However, Iyanu struggles to tap into the natural world due to being distracted by her concern for Olori and quickly becomes frustrated with having the weight of the world on her shoulders.

Biyi (Okey Jude) attempts to relate to her struggles, but Iyanu insists he can’t possibly understand what she’s going through. Eventually, Biyi reveals he was cast out after the loss of his father and was on his own until Mama Sewa took him in. Iyanu confesses she was also alone until Olori found her, and the two bond in a cute moment towards the episode’s end.

As he is forced to accompany his father Kanfo (Blossom Chukwujekwu), Toye (Samuel Kugbiyi) uses his smarts to analyze Iyanu’s tracks to determine that she escaped despite the presence of large animal tracks following her. Though Kanfo is an unlikable character in the first three episodes, his defense of Toye and concern for him once they are attacked by corrupted animals adds some depth to an initially one-note character.

Back in Elu, the corruption continues to possess Chancellor Nuro (Femi Sowooli), and a flashback reveals he and his sister Olori were sent into Elu on a mission to infiltrate the city, changing their names before stepping into their new lives. The revelation, like the familial relationship between Olori and Nuro reveal, is an intriguing part of the series. There are likely more revelations to come, particularly regarding why Olori was banished from the city.

Another potentially interesting subplot is the arrival of royal advisor Uwa (Oluwafemi Olugbade) to the workers’ district. He seeks to improve the workers’ conditions and promises district leader Omolola (Rashidat Fawehinmi Raji) that he will do what he can to help them as the district is overtaken by corrupt snakes. Though it remains to be seen how helpful Uwa will ultimately be, the subplot and the messaging around the workers of Elu continue to have a lot of potential.

In the closing moments of “The Arrival,” an alarm sounds that the perimeter of the Riverlands has been breached. Iyanu and Biyi run back to the village to find Kanfo, Toye, and the other members of their party have arrived to capture Iyanu. Upon seeing that the villagers are willing to risk their lives to protect her, she is spurred into action and appears to finally be ready to pursue her greater destiny. Unfortunately, the arrival of another, much larger army in the episode’s final moments will lead to an interesting standoff in the next episode.

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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