Spoiler Warning: Warrior Nun Season One

Adapted from the Ben Dunn’s comic book series of the same name, Netflix’s Warrior Nun introduced us to Ava (Alba Baptista) and the Sisters of the Vernacular Order in their never-ending battle against the legions of Hell. The show’s official synopsis reads:

The first season ended on a cliffhanger that left plenty of room for questions and anticipation, with many plot threads and relationship dynamics that we’re hoping will be explored further as the series continues. With filming for the second season wrapped up, and its release date set sometime in late 2022, let’s go through just a couple of the things we want to see more of when Warrior Nun returns to our screens.

MOVIEWEB VIDEO OF THE DAY

What Happened to Lilith on the Other Side?

     Netflix

At the start of Warrior Nun, we learn that Sister Lilith (Lorena Andrea) and her family have served the Church faithfully going back generations. Following Shannon’s death, she was meant to be the next bearer of the Halo. Ava’s revival throws a huge wrench in those plans. Unwilling to use her newfound freedom in the service of others, she takes off on her own. Sister Lilith is tasked with bringing the Halo back in one piece, even at the cost of Ava’s life.

Although Lilith comes close to completing her mission, it all comes to an end for her when she and Ava are confronted by the Tarask, one of the more powerful demons spawned from Hell. During that battle, Lilith sacrifices herself so that Ava may escape, and she is presumed dead. Until, of course, she emerges from a portal back into the mortal world, seeming a changed woman. It is evident that she’s been emotionally and mentally scarred by whatever she witnessed during her time in Hell, but we have yet to learn exactly what happened over there. This could prove a huge plot point for season two, especially if we consider that Lilith’s motivations might have been altered, unknowingly or not.

Will Lilith and Ava Form a Friendship?

Ava’s death may have been presented as an option to Lilith when she first sets out to retrieve the Halo, but she has no trouble viewing it as an inevitability. While she attends to her mission out of obedience, she acts out of spite and jealousy. She makes it clear enough that she believed the Halo was meant for her or that it at least belongs in the hands of someone with experience, something Ava definitely does not have.

This makes her choice to rescue Ava from the Tarask particularly interesting. Could this open up new avenues for her and Ava’s relationship? Ava has proven she’s more than capable of wielding the Halo by the end of season one. Combine this with whatever happened to Lilith during her time in Hell, and it’s possible these women could reach some form of friendship.

Is There Something More for Ava and Beatrice?

One of the most heartwarming aspects of season one was the growing trust between Ava and Sister Beatrice (Kristina Tonteri-Young). She eventually opens up to the new Halo-bearer about her reasons for joining the Order and her strained relationship with her parents. While she doesn’t state outright why her family ostracized her, it’s easy to surmise that Beatrice likes women, and her family disapproves. The moment where Ava tells Beatrice that she shouldn’t hate herself and that she is perfect is a powerful one and also much-needed in a show about religious figures.

There seemed to be hints of romance between the two women, especially when Ava is learning to harness the powers of the Halo. When she’s finally able to phase her way through a thick concrete wall, literally working through her fears of being completely stuck, alone, and forgotten, Beatrice is there to embrace her on the other side. The look they share in that instance is a sweet and tender moment that leaves hope for something more. Hopefully, this won’t become another instance of queerbaiting.

Was It Truly an Act for Father Vincent?

Father Vincent’s reveal at the end of season one – that he’s been working for the opposing side the entire time – is a big one. His vested interest in Ava’s improvement was all in the name of unleashing his master, the angel-disguised demon Adriel, upon the world. But before the truth comes out, Father Vincent (Tristán Ulloa) is set up as a man who cares about the girls under his guidance. Shotgun Mary (Toya Turner) especially trusted him, speaking openly with him about her thoughts and feelings.

We have to wonder if this was truly all an act. Was Vincent pretending to care the entire time, or was there some truth to his paternal relationship with the Sisters? Is he entirely evil through and through, or will there be a way to reach through to him? While it would make sense to portray him as a malicious and manipulative liar in season two, there could also be some interesting conflict moving forward if the Warrior Nun writers made him hesitant about fighting the women he’s come to care for. We will have to wait and see how all this comes to a head in Warrior Nun season 2.