Iyanu 2×08 Review: “The Battle of Elu”

The Deep’s impending invasion of Elu finally arrives, and a returning threat emerges in “The Battle of Elu.”

After much preparation, Queen Adura (Faith Gesiere-Agua) and the people of the Deep finally begin their invasion of Elu in the appropriately titled “The Battle of Elu.” While the episode lives up to its promise with some exciting fight sequences throughout the episode, it is soon revealed that there is more to Adura’s plan than initially thought.

As Iyanu (Serah Johnson) and Team Chosen watch the beginning of the invasion from afar, the group strangely doesn’t immediately jump into the battle. Olori (Adesua Etomi-Wellington) tells Iyanu that she needs rest and that they will find a way to sneak into Elu when they are ready. While Iyanu’s need for rest is understandable after all they’ve been through, the lack of urgency in helping to fight off this invasion that has been built up all season is a puzzling choice.

Despite the odd choice, the quiet moment does allow for Toye (Samuel Kugbiyi) to make a breakthrough in the mysterious scroll that he’s been trying to decipher. The ancient scroll warns that the Fallen One will be resurrected soon. Given that a centuries-long curse was thwarted relatively quickly at the end of the last season, it would make sense that the threat wouldn’t have completely been vanquished.

The moments of rest are short-lived due to an attack by soldiers of The Deep. Iyanu is hurt in the fight, and a group hug reinvigorates her with a literal glow. Iyanu and Ekun head towards Elu to join the battle while the rest of Team Chosen stay behind to help fight off additional soldiers make their way towards the city.

The fight sequences throughout the episode are thrilling and the introduction of Iyanu’s newly gained abilities leads to the cool effect of Iyanu making temporary glowing versions of herself to help take on the multiple combatants. Biyi (Okey Jude) manages to harness the powers from his beads to triumph over the soldiers taunting him about the Riverlands massacre. Though Biyi is still unable to consistently control his abilities, the moment is still a highlight. Even Toye gains some ground in the battle despite his limited fighting skills.

Back in Elu, Adura and advisor Boju (David Onwubalili) throw Uwa (Oluwafemi Olugbade) and Kanfo (Blossom Chukwujekwu) into prison as they reveal that their plan involves infiltrating the city’s forbidden temple. Nuro (Femi Sowoolu), a prisoner after all that he did last season under the Fallen One’s control, tries to warn Adura and Boju about the danger of dealing with the Fallen One.

However, Nuro’s warnings are ignored as Adura and Boju make their way to the temple at the end of “The Battle of Elu.” While Adura is excited about destroying the ancient wonders once and for all, Boju has other motives. His declaration that they will be free and a familiar red flash of The Fallen One’s power in his eyes reveal that he has far different motives that Adura is likely unaware of. With the threat of the Fallen One far from over, the stakes for Iyanu and Team Chosen will be even higher in the final two episodes of the season.

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.

Help support independent journalism. Subscribe to our Patreon.

Copyright © The Geekiary