Astrid and Lilly Save the World has ended their first season, and it did not disappoint. The teenage monster hunters had one final battle to win. Astrid (Jana Morrison) and Lilly (Samantha Aucoin) have enthralled us for an entire season. The season finale left so many doors open (in a literal and figurative sense), and managed to give everyone imperfect resolutions that worked so well.
Astrid and Lilly are back together, and their chaotic energy was as high as its ever been through the season. Their effort to stop the school dance, including Lilly’s impression of Michelle (Megan Hutchings) was unmatched in hilarity, and so in character for both of them. They’ve both shown all season how, with all their imperfections, they are more than worthy of being cheered for. They’ve proven themselves over and over again, and the season finale was no exception.
Brutus (Olivier Renaud) ultimately proved as useless as he’s been for the majority of the season. Perhaps it was so in character for him to abandon Astrid and Lilly at the final moment when they needed him most. Although his motivations in this case were understandable, it was no less disappointing. Brutus’ abandonment was a crucial reality check for viewers. Who among us wouldn’t choose to leave and spend time with our loved ones when faced with world-ending destruction rather than choose to fight? A big question for a show about teenage monster hunters.
The Big Bad and his storyline was an interesting choice. Having ‘The Guardian’ basically be just a random middle-aged white guy was kind of a stroke of genius. If you think about it, who causes the most destruction in our world today? Not every choice made with this character worked in this episode, but the premise was solid. His end came far too soon, and the show took a page from Marvel’s Book of Creating Villains to make an antagonist with potential, and get rid of them immediately.
The supporting characters were also given moments to shine, as they always deserved. Tate (Kolton Stewart) had more character development in one episode than he was this entire season, and it was spectacular to see. Eggs (Michael McCreary) lived up to his namesake, Egon Spengler, in a sweet wink and nod and it was what he was always capable of. He and Val (Christina Orjalo) make an adorable couple in a show filled with ships to cheer for. Candace (Julia Doyle) gave arguably the most emotionally rich performance of the bunch, and you can’t help but feel for her so deeply. Sparrow (Spencer MacPherson) returned, so all was made right in that part of this world.
Christine (Geri Hall) got the ending she probably deserved, but it was no less devastating. Hall played this character to perfection and had this show about teenage monster hunters meditating on religious extremism. The cracks were obvious in her devotion leading up to this episode. Ultimately, having her daughter be what pulled her back from the brink before her demise was the right choice. Still, it’s sad to think this is the last we’ll see of such a brilliantly crafted character. That being said, in a universe with multiple portals, it’s unwise to say never.
The episode’s ending absolutely left the door open for more stories to be told, and more seasons of this show. Nothing has officially been confirmed by Syfy at the time of writing regarding the show’s renewal. However, it’s clear that this show lends itself well to a continuation. The number of monsters to be fought is essentially limitless.
Astrid and Lilly Save the World had a charming first season. This show proved itself time and again in its inaugural season. All of these characters are endearing, as imperfect as they are. The show’s never taken itself too seriously and has balanced humor with moments of emotional devastation. Hopefully, this was the first of what will be many more seasons to come.
Astrid and Lilly Save the World is available to stream on Syfy.