Critic’s Rating: 4 / 5.0
4
It’s rather amusing to have a Librarian who predates the magical source material. It never occurred to me there could be new mythology.
Vikram, being a product of the first half of the 1800s, has a well-versed knowledge of classic mythology and folklore. However, he knows nothing about J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan character.
Fun fact, Peter Pan was actually first introduced in Barrie’s 1904 West End play, Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up, not the book, which wouldn’t be published until 1911.
(Courtesy of TNT)
Meanwhile, Charlie’s feeling the weight of responsibility as Guardian and the idea of flying away to Never-Never Land is probably looking rather tempting.
I love a good mash-up, and The Librarians: The Next Chapter Season 2 Episode 3, “And the Vanishing Bankers,” mashes up two of my favorite things: mythology and children’s literature.
In a delightfully innovative twist, Pan, the Greek god of wild things, is reincarnated as Peter Pan, an immortal boy who leads a pack of Wild Boys.
I’d never considered the fact of the parallels, but, as it turns out, *does a quick Google search* Barrie actually drew direct inspiration from the god Pan when creating Peter.
(Courtesy of TNT)
The Librarians: The Next Chapter “And the Vanishing Bankers”
To be honest, the Peter Pan books are a bit of a tedious read as far as children’s books go. I remember making the effort after watching the 2003 movie, and only Nana, the dog, was truly memorable.
However, the lore of Peter and Wendy and the Darling children is well-known and beloved by many thanks to Disney and other film and literary adaptations.
So having him leap to life, weaponizing the allure of eternal childhood to ensnare those who have given in to the quiet despair of adulting, is not too hard to imagine.
(Courtesy of TNT)
Casting Ty Tennant, one-time Targaryen and IRL son and grandson of two Doctor Who actors — another iconic character known for regenerating — as the perpetually prepubescent Peter Pan is a fabulous get for the role.
He not only exudes the energy and careless chaos Peter is known for, but also shades it with the malevolent intent of the Pan persona, determined to escape the mundane world for Neverland, taking his playmates along.
Guardian Blues
Modern-day Guardians are a special subset of Library denizen. Charlie, like Eve Baird before her, has multiple Librarians under her care, which is a lot.
It’s no wonder that historically, when there was only a singular Librarian on duty, there would be one Guardian assigned to keep them alive.
(Courtesy of TNT)
Dealing with magical artifacts and beings means they have to contend with dangerous situations, deadly enemies, and daily threats.
Multiply that by three Librarians who are often in disagreement, going their own way, or flat-out refusing to follow procedure, and a responsible-minded Guardian is well on their way to burnout.
Where Librarians lean into their mercurial, brilliant minds, often leaping into action without consideration for their safety, Guardians are meant to be prepared for every possible outcome.
Again, times three, in Charlie’s case.
So, when she seems a bit enamored with the idea of becoming Peter’s Wendy and foregoing her seemingly undervalued Guardian duties, it feels believable.
(Courtesy of TNT)
Playing the Part
To be fair, Vikram, Lysa, and Conner would never deliberately undervalue Charlie’s work. They are just completely clueless about how much a Guardian does.
Vikram never worked with one before. And Lysa and Conner barely know what Librarian duties entail.
Only Mrs. Astolat sympathizes with Charlie’s plight, but mostly because her work and expertise get overlooked just as much.
And at least Mrs. Astolat has the freedom to leave them to their shenanigans. Charlie has to police them.
For the Librarians to take on Peter Pan in all his egocentric glory is for them to see what their behavior borders on. Childlike wonder and enthusiasm is one thing. Juvenile heedlessness and reckless hedonism another.
(Courtesy of TNT)
The Upside to Downers
In the context of a very clever script, Charlie’s solution to Peter’s attempt to take her with him to Neverland is a sparkling topper.
How does one foil an opponent who flies on the power of whimsy? Weigh yourself down with thoughts of responsibility and obligation.
It’s such a brilliant ploy that simultaneously delivers the message that maturity and accountability can save us when our imaginations get out of hand.
(Courtesy of TNT)
There’s nothing necessarily wrong with feeling the bounds of adult commitments. Being a reliable person who follows through on pledges builds bonds of trust and faithfulness with your team.
But it’s vital that you feel valued by those you make the effort to protect and prepare. As a Guardian, there won’t ever be a time Charlie won’t feel the pressure to keep the Librarians safe.
If she feels her contributions are appreciated, she’ll rise to the occasion as effectively as fairy dust. Moving forward, the team will hopefully be less likely to take her for granted.
Sometimes, it takes a change in perspective to remind you what makes the magic work.
(Courtesy of TNT)
Magical Beings
So far, The Librarians: The Next Chapter Season 2 has been more concerned with magical beings than mortals messing with magical artifacts.
There was the fear demon at the school, then the genie, now Peter/Pan. But, of course, the season’s Big Bad is Merlin, who isn’t a magical being as much as a great user of magic.
So, there’s balance.
Who do you think The Librarians will come up against next, Fanatics? Are there any boogey beings you’d like to lurk under their beds? Or a favorite character from mythology?
Hit our comments with who/what you’d like to see next. Also, rate the episode in the poll below!
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