Editor’s Note: This post contains spoilers for ‘Helluva Boss’ “Mastermind.”
It’s a great time to be a fan of Hell. Or, more specifically, a fan ofVivienne Medrano’s Hellaverse, which has quickly gone froma series of sketches in Medrano’s middle school notebooktoa worldwide phenomenon with a devoted fandom and ever-expanding lore. In the months sinceHazbin Hotelbecame a surprise hit earlier this year, Medrano and her team at Spindlehorse have churned out a steady stream of new shorts and full-length episodes for her Hellborn spin-off,Helluva Boss,with the series' latest episode guaranteed to giveHazbinfans a happy day in Hell. Finally treating audiences to a glimpse at Hell’s formal power structure,Helluva Boss’s November release, “Mastermind,“contains the series' most direct reference to its sister show, setting up exciting possibilities for the franchise’s future.
‘Helluva Boss’s Latest Episode Directly References Lucifer From ‘Hazbin Hotel’
“Mastermind” takes place at a breaking point forHelluva Boss’s main Season 2 storyline. After Prince Stolas (Bryce Pinkham) was nearly assassinated by his estranged wife, Stella (Georgina Leahy), back in Season 2, Episode 4,Stolas’ Goetian rivals step up their attacks on the stargazing royalwhen Andrealphus (Jason LaShea) learns of his illegal deal with Blitzo (Brandon Rogers) in Season 2, Episode 11. Shortly after, the offices of I.M.P are raided and both Blitz and his crew are hauled off to court, where we are finally given a good look at Hell’s most powerful entities assembled in one room.
This sequence is a who’s who ofquick character introductions,treating viewers to glimpses of new Sins Leviathan and Belphegor, new members of Hell’s Ars Goetia, andHarvey Guillén’s highly-anticipated Vassago. We are even blessed withPatrick Page’s fiery incarnation of Wrath, Satan. Yet, even with the latter’s epic dragon design and intimidating, baritone drawl, what’s most exciting about the court scene in “Mastermind” is that it finally givesHelluva Bossthe opportunity to addressits biggest connection toHazbin Hotel.As the ruler of all Seven Rings of Hell, it makes sense thatJeremy Jordan’s Lucifer would somehow be involved with I.M.P’s highly publicized trial, and while we never get to see our short king in action,Helluva Boss’s latest episode does finally address the rubber duck in the room.
All in all, there are three main instances in which “Mastermind” acknowledges Hell’s greatest dad. The first is when Stolas is so startled by the televised trial that he exclaims “Oh my Lucifer” in a royal spin on the Hellish exclamation “Oh my Satan.” The second reference occurs during Satan’s part in the episode’s eponymous song, during whichhe conjures a fiery resemblance to Lucifer’s wingsand claims to have reigned “since long before the golden angel’s fall.” And lastly, viewers can spot Lucifer’s vacant throne above the benches where Hell’s other Deadly Sins sit. These connections helpmake the Hellaverse feel whole and reiterate both shows' shared continuity, all while underscoring Lucifer’s abandonment of his duties before saving Charlie (Erika Henningsen) atthe end ofHazbin HotelSeason 1.
‘Hazbin Hotel’ Creator Teases “Grander” Season 2
The adult animated musical has been renewed through Season 4.
“Mastermind” Brings Us One Step Closer to a Hellaverse Crossover in the Future
Helluva Bosshasn’t completely ignored its relationship to the broader Hellaverse in the past, with Lucifer even subtly referenced in Season 1, Episode 2, “Loo Loo Land,” as the creator of a similar theme park, butthe direct mentions in “Mastermind” automatically open the door for a direct crossover in the future. Shared storylines between both sets of characters and future cameos across the Rings of Hell would unlock countless narrative opportunities for the Hellaverse, though these possibilities are still far from certain. Medrano herself has confirmed that in-verse dynamics willpreventHelluva Bosscharacters from appearingin the next season ofHazbin Hotel, and the show’s affiliation withPrime VideoandA24also naturally raises questions about how such a crossover would be possible for the Hellaverse’s YouTube-based series.
Still, despite the roadblocks, members ofHazbin Hotel’s cast have previously entertained the idea, and Medrano herself has positively responded to crossover concepts. In an interview earlier this year onthe Lightweights Podcast with Joe Vulpis,Medrano revealed it is her dream to cross the two shows overand expressed a particular interest in having all Seven Deadly Sins in the same room together. Therefore, while we didn’t get Lucifer in person this time, the character’s references in “Mastermind” nonetheless feel like a major step towards fulfilling both fans and Medrano’s wishes. What’s more, with news ofHazbinHotelbeing renewed for Seasons 3 and 4earlier this year, fans still have plenty of Hellaverse adventures to look forward to in the future, so for now,Helluva Boss’s Lucifer references will simply have to remind us to be excited forHazbin HotelSeason 2 more than anything.
Helluva Boss
Helluva Bossis available to watch on YouTube in the U.S.
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