^{Credit: Hazbin Hotel (Amazon Prime Video)}

Before even making it to Amazon Prime Video, Hazbin Hotel had already gained a cult following thanks to its pilot, which was posted on YouTube five years earlier. Creator Vivienne Medrano also entranced YouTubers with Helluva Boss, which recently made the leap to Amazon. The first season of Hazbin Hotel lived up to the pilot’s promise with devilishly stylized animation, first-rate voice work, and songs worthy of Broadway. The fact that neither the animation nor the music got any attention from the Emmys is a sin. Emmy voters will have a shot at redemption with Season 2, which once again blends a hellish aesthetic with heavenly showtunes.

The series centers on Charlie Morningstar (Erika Henningsen), the princess of Hell who attempts to reform sinners through her titular hotel. Charlie’s belief in redemption was proven correct last season when Sir Pentious (Alex Brightman) sacrificed himself, earning his spot in Heaven. With communication between Heaven and Hell blocked, though, the TV demon Vox (Christian Borle) attempts to spin his own narrative. It’s probably not a coincidence that Vox and Fox are only one letter apart. Season 2 provides timely commentary on a media landscape where the truth no longer matters. Most audiences already have preconceived notions, which some news networks eagerly feed into with conspiracy theories, one-sided interviews, and opinions presented as facts.

Although his method of manipulation echoes modern media, Vox admittedly isn’t the most interesting villain. Like Adam, he’s essentially just a smug asshole, which can get old after a while. There are a few elements that make Vox more entertaining to watch than Adam, however. For starters, there’s his revivalry with Alastor the Radio Demon (Amir Talai), who remains a standout with his perpetual grin. That smile, which never shifts no matter his mood, makes Alastor difficult to read as he strikes up deals that seem enticing, but are bound to have clauses that work to his advantage.

Vox also has a more inventive design than Adam, with his TV screen head leading to some of the season’s most striking imagery. You can see why Vox has become such a popular figure on the cosplay circuit, but it’s in animation where the character thrives the most. The finale, in particular, takes full advantage of Vox’s design. The artistry is only made more electrifying thanks to the music, which goes full rock opera. On the whole, the season has no shortage of earworms, even if none of them quite top “Loser, Baby.”

Speaking of which, it’s probably safe to say that there’s more than friendship blooming between Angel (Blake Roman) and Husk (Keith David), although shippers may have to wait for “Huskerdust” to become a reality. Charlie and Vaggie (Stephanie Beatriz) remain an adorable couple, even if the latter can feel underutilized. After last season’s revelation that Vaggie is a fallen angel, there was much to build upon. While Beatriz gets top billing, Vaggie spends much of the season sidelined. Then again, that might be the idea as Charlie tries to clean up her own messes, finding that she can’t change Hell or Heaven alone.

Even when given limited screen time, almost every supporting player manages to shine, from wild card Niffty (Kimiko Glenn) to Lucifer (Jeremy Jordan), who’s still bizarrely a better father than most animated dads. There’s also growth on Heaven’s part, with the optimistic Emily (Shoba Narayan) taking more initiative and Sera (Patina Miller) realizing the errors of her ways. It’s fun seeing Sir Pentious find his place in Heaven, which isn’t the easiest adjustment. In fact, it’s the ultimate 180. The season could’ve used more of Lute (Jessica Vosk), whose grudge against Hell has only grown stronger. Hopefully, she’s being built up as the big bad for Season 3.

As far as sophomore seasons go, Hazbin Hotel maintains the same energy as its predecessor without a slump. The songs are infectious, the animation is some of the best you’ll see on the small or big screen, and the themes have only become more urgent as we endure Hell on Earth. Some character arcs haven’t been fulfilled, although this season is just one stepping stone, with a third and fourth on the horizon. Hazbin Hotel is far from taking its final bow, but fingers-crossed that the curtains will be raised again sooner than later. Waiting another twenty months for more episodes would be hell, indeed.

Nick Spake is the Author of Bright & Shiny: A History of Animation at Award Shows Volumes 1 and 2. Available Now!