"Midnight Mass" Features One Of The Best TV Episodes Of The Year, And Here's Why Everyone Is Obsessed

BuzzFeed
·3 min read
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Obviously, MASSIVE spoilers ahead for Midnight Mass. So, if you haven't watched Episode 5 yet, just save this for later.

Well, spooky season can officially begin, because Mike Flanagan just dropped his latest TV series, Midnight Mass, on Netflix.

Two people walking down a dirt road through town
Eike Schroter / Netflix

Following The Haunting of Hill House and The Haunting of Bly Manor, Mike's third Netflix series takes us out of the Haunting universe and follows the small town of Crockett Island.

Father Paul at the head of the church with his arms stretched out

The series kicks off when a disgraced young man named Riley returns to town at the exact same time as Father Paul, a charismatic new priest.

Netflix

Midnight Mass has so many incredible moments — I could give a TED Talk about how beautiful and haunting Erin's final monologue is — but I can't stop thinking about the chaos and tragedy that is Episode 5.

Netflix
Netflix

Up until Episode 5, we're slowly piecing together Father Paul's intentions and why he's come to Crockett Island, when Riley is suddenly dragged into it all after seeing "the angel."

Father Paul on his knees in a room
Netflix

So, when "Book V: Gospels" starts, Riley rows Erin into the middle of the water and explains that Father Paul is actually Monsignor Pruitt and how he thinks the angel's blood is meant to heal everyone.

Hamish Linklater and Zach Gilford monologuing back and forth is top-tier acting, too.

Hamish Linklater and Zach Gilford monologuing back and forth is top-tier acting, too.

Netflix

Then, Riley heartbreakingly tells Erin he loves her and lets the sun kill him since he was bitten by the angel and turned into a vampire. I am literally weeping as I type this.

Netflix
Netflix

Not only is Episode 5 structured and directed perfectly, but Zach Gilford, Kate Siegel, Hamish Linklater, and Samantha Sloyan bring their A-game in an hour that truly changes the entire series.

Netflix
Netflix

Also, just the absolutely brilliant decision to continue Erin's scream through the credits still gives me chills.

Netflix
Netflix

Speaking about "Book V: Gospels," Mike Flanagan said that Riley's early death was a "very late revelation." He explained, "I thought this was a show about Riley vs. Father Paul. And then, ultimately, it’s a show about Erin vs. Bev."

<div><p>"And there's a handoff with both," Mike continued. "Those characters can only take it so far before Bev and Erin take it over."</p></div><span> Netflix</span>

"And there's a handoff with both," Mike continued. "Those characters can only take it so far before Bev and Erin take it over."

Netflix

Like me, the rest of the internet is pointing out how incredible Midnight Mass Episode 5 is. So, here are some of the best tweets about it:

Midnight Mass is streaming on Netflix now.