Todd & the Book of Pure Evil - Checkmate

Probably the best episode--or one of the best episodes--of the series is almost completely story arc driven. Todd learns he might be the Pure Evil One, Atticus is discovered to be possibly a Satanist after his father who was filmed welcoming the Dark Lord to those who might come to the Crowley community, Hannah has deep romantic feelings for Curtis, Jenny resists the title of girlfriend to Todd, Jimmy is recognized as a type of adult mentor to Todd although the teenager often scoffs at his advice at the onset, and the Book of Pure Evil will stop at nothing to use whoever it can to cause hellish mischief in the school. Atticus, to his credit, actually comes to Todd's aid when it appears he and Jenny will be burned alive by this chess prodigy afflicted by the Book of Pure Evil, twisting his mind into encouraging others to destroy the Pure Evil One. One of the few times you see Atticus in such a role, seemingly doing so because he felt loyalty to his ties to Todd, Jenny, Hannah, and Curtis. Most hilarious is the antagonist's enlarging eyeballs and the mind-controlling spell on Hannah ("I'm so wasted.") and Curtis. When Hannah and Curtis try to compel Todd to meet them later, following Len's command so closely their going through what he wants them to say and how to respond just cracked me up. Max Topplin as Len Bergman, Hannah's chess adversary, is wonderfully freakshow. His animated face and the cartoonish eyes are a hoot. Todd undergoes considerable turmoil, contemplating the terrible thought of being the Book's selection as bringer of the Apocalypse. Atticus' face, defeated and sad-eyed, actually elicits sympathy, kind of explaining why he might be so inclined to fully embrace the Satanist regime when Jenny encourages his dismissal from their group. Particular highlight: while massaging Hannah's shoulders in preparation for chess match with Len, Curtis inadvertently gives her a near orgasm!