[Warning: This Post Is FULL Of Spoilers For The New Episode.]

[Warning: This post is FULL of spoilers for the new episode.]

I just have to say, this may be my favorite episode. The storytelling was so tight, and there was a perfect mixture of build-up and payoff.

The emotional connections were so good, from huge turning points like The Big Kiss to small exchanges like Gus and Hunter's secret handshake, which really emphasizes how much these characters care about each other.

There were so many moments that showcased how much growth has occurred over these last two seasons. Willow went from meekly trying to scrape by in her track to cracking her knuckles and absolutely demolishing several members of the Emperor's Coven. Eda went from being a self-interested lone wolf who prioritized having her magic over anything else to giving up her wild magic in order to protect the ones she loves. Even Ed and Em went from trying to post their sister's diary around school to risking everything for the chance to blow up their parents' weaponry factory. The character arcs are starting to resolve in ways that make my heart ache, and it's brilliant.

At the same time, the plot continued moving forward in a way that is going to set up these next 3 episodes p e r f e c t l y. Reiterating allies, revealing weaknesses in the heroes' plan, AND leaving on a heart-thumping plot twist??? I couldn't ask for more.

The final twist of this episode was amazing because there were so many hints along the way, and yet I was completely blindsided. I remember seeing Luz flash to save Willow and thinking "oh my god, when did she get THAT glyph?" before immediately getting distracted by everything else going on. I remember seeing Gus's wrist glowing in the background and assuming that it was just an indicator that he was ready to fight, despite the fact that we'd just seen that the wristband forms when he's actively casting something. Even the taunt to Kikimora was super out-of-character for Hunter (and SO in-character for Luz), but I didn't manage to connect the dots. There were also smaller details that I missed, like the tooth gap and the priorization of Willow's safety, which clicked so well when I learned about them. This was a textbook example of a great twist, putting everything in front of your audience but presenting it all in such a precise way that they don't make the connection.

With the truly incredible story-telling elements, character arcs, and visuals (I could write a novel on the art, animation, and character design in this episode), I honestly think this is one of the best episodes of TV that I've seen in a long time. Extra kudos to the TOH crew for managing to create a season finale with impeccable timing when the original show was outlined for three full seasons.

I cannot wait for season 3, and yet I know I'm going to be devastated when this show actually ends.