'Sleepy Hollow'- A Retrospect of Season 3, Believe In Ichabbie

From the beginning of season three, Sleepy Hollow's new showrunner, Clifton Campbell, hit the ground running with a total reboot after fans rose up in protest over the lack of Ichabod and Abbie in season two. With a few new faces and wardrobe lift for both Ichabod Crane (Tom Mison) and Abbie Mills (Nicole Beharie), he has successfully conjured season one nostalgia, firmly placing Team Witness together, trying define their 'relationship.  Yes, I said the 'R' word!

All season long chatter among Sleepyheads has been, "Why can't Abbie have a real relationship, while Ichabod has two (or three if you count Abbie in the mix)? Why aren't we seeing what happened with Reynolds (Lance Gross) and Abbie on screen in a flashback, instead of just hearing about it? Why aren't they writing Ichabod and Abbie as a couple because it's been two and a half years?" Honestly, while I do validate some of the complaints to a certain extent, I was hoping that since the show had clearly reset itself with amazing new cast members, a cohesive, intriguing chapter in the Sleepy Hollow saga and new baddie, Sleepyheads would give it a fighting chance.  Still, many continue to harbor ill will and some fans chose to abandon ship, believing there would be no chance of Ichabbie (smush word for Ichabod and Abbie).

As most of you know, I'm definitely in 'Team Ichabbie's' court, swooning over every little touch, look and sideways glance!  All season long TPTB have said Ichabod and Abbie work better as "just partners" or their relationship is "platonic".  I kept asking myself, "Am I reading too much into all the Ichabbie Moments over the past two and a half seasons? And is it possible my Ichabbie shipping heart is just seeing what I want to see?"  Being a fan of soap operas since I was 14 years old, I've learned to be patient for favorite couples to get together, as each new pairing went through months of obstacles, misunderstandings and family drama before even coming close to admitting how they feel. Hell, it took Days of Our Lives Bo and Hope over a year and a half to finally make their relationship "official".

Unfortunately the times of stringing fans along for several seasons is no longer conducive.  Now our attention spans have dwindled down so much that if a show doesn't hook the audience right away, it's practically hitting the cutting room floor with a loud boom! Some of the best online serials are only 15-20 minutes in length and even at that, some snicker, "Why should we continue watching?" My point is, I think we've seen Ichabod and Abbie play dodge ball for two and a half years.  It's time to stoke the fire...and burn up our screens!

But I digress.  Let's "memory lane it" as Jenny says and take a look at season three thus far...

We begin the season with Ichabod in the slammer, orange uniform and all, due to his attempt to smuggle an ancient tablet he found in his family's crypt in Scotland.  Abbie is now an FBI Agent on the fast track to what she believes is her new mission, while her sister Jenny is back into the thick of things with Joe Corbin, the late Sheriff Corbin's son.

After Ichabod summons Abbie to bail him out of his predicament, we learn he's been MIA for nine months with no contact!  Really? I'm still finding it hard to believe.  They've been glued to the hip ever since he rose from the grave and Abbie is literally the only friend he has (minus Jenny) in the world! I don't buy this "it became a habit" scenario.  I mean we've seen him texting Zoe (I'll get into that later) twenty times an hour!  Can you feel my blood starting to bubble?  Okay.  I'm back to my senses.

Ichabod also informs Abbie that the energy in Katrina's (Katia Winter) necklace has been drained.  He believes something has happened to Abraham Van Brundt (Neil Jackson).  He further relays the reason this tablet is so vital to their "Mission" as Witnesses is because it reads, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow".  Abbie laughs and then proceeds to discredit this notion, sure Ichabod is just looking for something to latch on to since losing his family.  Needless to say, although reluctant to don her 'Team Witness' cap, both realize evil has once again returned to Sleepy Hollow.

Little do they realize the magnitude of that statement.

PANDORA AND THE HIDDEN ONE

The season literally begins with Pandora, played brilliantly by Shanynn Sossamon, capturing the Headless Horseman (aka) Abraham Van Brundt in her little box o' horrors.  She has a plan to bring forth her boyfriend, a deity from Ancient Egypt named Etu Illue (Peter Mensah).

*Side note: In Ancient Egypt, Amun-Ra is known as 'The Hidden One'.  I have yet to find a deity worshipped named Etu Illue.

Ichabod and Abbie deduce that this particular Pandora, is not derived from Greek Mythology, but is the Sumerian version of the first woman created by the Gods. In Sumerian lore, Pandora is called 'Inanna', who is sent to the "inferior world" aka Earth.  In Sumarian Mythology, the Anunnaki were good and evil God and Goddesses sent to Earth to begin the human race.  They created bloodlines.  If you'll recall in "Novus Ordo Seclorum" Pandora tells Abbie that she and Ichabod can join the 'new world of the ages' because of their linage.

This has been one of my biggest questions- how did they become Witnesses, who knew and are they reincarnated each generation? If you recall in Magnum Opus Abbie saw one of her ancestors turned to stone by the Gorgon! Was she a Witness lured there to her death?  I think we'll finally learn exactly why Ichabod and Abbie were chosen as Witnesses in the second half of the season. 

On Sleepy Hollow, in order to punch a hole into this realm, Pandora grows a tree by which a single flower blooms upon extracting a fear from the Witnesses. She proceeds to summon creatures from her box, but not just any entities, very specific ones that illicit variations of certain types of fear. Although Pandora disappears into the tree, which is believed to be a portal to the Underworld, she returns with her boyfriend, Etu Illue.  But where did she snatch him from? Was he really in the Underworld?

"I have waited millennia for this moment", she confesses, gently unwrapping her mummified beau.

"What have they done to my world", he complains.  "Entire species gone forever. 

Their essence only echoes.  This foulness, heat. Even the water is tainted."

"The mortals who infest this world, care nothing of its beauty. Our presence has been 

sorely missed my love", Pandora sadly informs.

Did Pandora say she's been waiting over a thousand years to return and take over Earth? Later Etu Illue says they'd made a plan thousands of years ago.  Question is, where did they meet? How did they hatch this plan, how do they intend to "bend this world to our will again" and what do the two Witnesses have to do with all of it?  To her boyfriends dismay, he learns there are two Witnesses.

"Witnesses? They still exist to plague us?" 

Pandora allays his fears, "And they prove useful, as they did in the past." 

What lies ahead? Only our evil geniuses know!  My mind has been swirling with more than one possible theory.  It all remains to be seen.

JENNY AND JOE

Meanwhile, Jenny (Lyndie Greenwood) and Joe Corbin (Zach Appelman) are amidst their own storyline involving The Shard of Anubis, a rock-like piece of metal. In the Archives Jenny finds the rock, recalling that Sheriff Corbin (Clancy Brown) sent her for the item years ago, though she has no idea exactly why.  This prompts her to do a little research, which leads her to a website about Ancient Egypt.  Before she can look into it any further, she receives a call from Joe that her camper is ransacked.  Although Jenny is reluctant to bring Joe into Team Witness, after pleading his case she agrees.

However, things go from bad to worse when Joe is kidnapped by Randall (Anthony K. Hyatt), an old fencing buddy Jenny knew.  hy is this Shard so important now?  After Jenny tries to take down Randall, unfortunately she has no choice but to hand the rock over.

Enter Sophie Foster (Jessica Camacho), who appears to be working for Atticus Nevin (Bill Irwin), a man Joe recognizes as his father's friend, a notorious artifacts thief.  Both are alarmed by this development, especially after Jenny realizes Sophie is using her moves a la Corbin! They start to question who Corbin really was? Could he have been involved in a stolen artifact ring? Jenny and Joe commensurate, disturbed by the revelation.  Ultimately they track down the stone and take it from Nevins. Though Jenny believes the stone disintegrated, something more sinister occurred-- it is absorbed into her body making her a human "eye"!

*A side note- one of the big drops is when Sophie blows her cover and announces she's an FBI Agent, working under Reynold's command!  Is our undercover agent Sophie Foster a relative the Mills sisters? As I recall (please don't quote me on this), Foster was listed on the family tree at the end of Sanctuary, 01x09. (Shout out to Michelle Eddington for pointing this out).

WHAT IS THE SHARD?

According Ichabod, the Shard is actually a binding stone with mystical energy, meant for a higher being to absorb.  He recalls Paul Revere's (Paul Burke) protege was infected by one and quickly spun in a downward spiral.  Knowing the binding stone can take out a small village, the boy sacrifices himself in a field, miles away from civilization.  Later, Revere retrieves the stone using the staff that originally held it.  Realizing how dangerous the stone is, Revere creates the outer casing to snuff out its mystical powers.  Question is, why did Sheriff Corbin want Jenny to procure it for him?  Was he really working with Nevins?  The verdict is still out on that one!

THE BETSY ROSS & ZOE FACTOR

Even before filming actually started, fans were up in arms learning that Twilight star Nikki Reed was tapped to play the buxom, sexy, George Washington spy, Betsy Ross.  Some Sleepyheads touted her addition to the cast would culminate in a version of "Mr. & Mrs. Smith", once again sidelining Abbie as the lead. Personally I never saw it was going to be like that at all and who cares if he had a little something, something on the side with her?  They're in 1774!  While I admit the timeline of events are a little murky, I find it plausible given the fact that the real Betsy Ross had been married three times and every hubby died prematurely!  (Hmmm....possible Twistory?)


If Besty Ross wasn't enough to keep the chatter on social media at a fever pitch, the Caroline-esq goody-two-shoes Zoe Corinth (Maya Kazan) seemingly pursuing Ichabod, has been!  Supposedly working for the Historical Society to list buildings of historic significance, she immediately bonded with Ichabod, using her love and knowledge of the past to firmly place her front and center.  Yes I say #No2CranZoe, but I feel she serves a greater purpose.


The thing that has nagged me the most is what connection do Betsy Ross and Zoe Corinth have?  Is there a connection or is it just a coincidence Zoe dressed up like a 'G' rated Betsy Ross for Halloween?  I say there are never coincidences! Also, John Adams has been dropped several times throughout these eight episodes. How does he fit into the mix? Here are a few possible theories...

What if Zoe is actually a descendant of John Adams, assigned to keep her eyes on Crane? Let's face it, who wouldn't want that job? Get to the back of the line ladies, I'm first! LOL I also believe it's no coincidence that Ichabod happened to don a painstakingly created embroidered vest like John Adams wore.  My question is how did Zoe know immediately who he was and why is she trying to emulate Betsy? And here's another morsel for you to chew on...what if Zoe is actually Pandora in disguise?  I find it very interesting that whenever Pandora is predominantly in the episode, Zoe is absent and visa-versa.

Why have some of the entities reminded Ichabod of his escapades with Betsy Ross? What's the correlation? Did you notice the flag Betsy sewed was used to wrap the Staff of the Eye? Does the first American flag have a supernaturally charged element sewn within capable of dousing the energy of the binding stone?  If so, where is it?

And is it another coincidence that Zoe is trying to add the church in Dobbs Ferry to the list of Historical sites? Is it the same church Hessians attempted to use the book of black magic King Solomon wrote, capable of summoning 72 demons in episode four of season one, The Lesser Key of Solomon?

Or (yes I'm going way out in left field), what if Zoe is Betsy Ross? We've heard her use several Betsy phrases, the one that immediately comes to mind is "just go with it".  It is Sleepy Hollow after all, so it's not beyond the realm of possibility.  Is your head spinning now?  Welcome to my insane 'World of Sleepy Hollow'! So many questions, so few answers!

ABBIE, ICHABOD AND ZOE

If the fact that saccharine sweet Zoe all up in Ichabod's face didn't make you ponder her real purpose, than maybe the fact that Abbie has consistently pushed Ichabod towards Zoe might! Can I just say WTH? I completely understand that Abbie might be guarded after Ichabod seemingly ditched her for nine months, but it's like she never had feelings for him at all! In contrast, there have been moments thus far where you can see what he feels for "Leftenent", happy to be "back in the saddle", as Joe so aptly pointed out.

Discussions throughout social media have sparked about why there has been a bit of a pull back

between Ichabod and Abbie? The scene that really got Sleepyheads in a frenzy was in "The Sisters Mills", when Abbie is in the hospital and Ichabod kept his feelings in check.  From my perspective, I feel like he's a soldier, having to go back into battle.  He's learned how to distance his emotions having lost so many friends.  I actually thought he looked like he was going to cry, then steadies himself. He gives another sorrowful glance before he leaves that tugs at the heartstrings.

COMPLICATIONS OF THE HEART

I think I can safely say that I speak on behalf of every Sleepyhead, why hasn't Abbie told Ichabod how much it hurt her when he stopped communicating with her?  There was a small exchange at the jail where she does put him on the spot, but it's quickly diffused by an apology and swept under the proverbial rug.

The fact is she completely trusted him, more than any man besides the late Sheriff Corbin, so a small discussion in general population at the jail doesn't really depict how upset she was at him.  Maybe we'll see it upon her return? All I know is that if it was me and my best friend, the person I had grown so close to suddenly stopped all communication, I'd be pissed! We need a full on, hash out scene where it all comes out.  I love how strong Abbie is, but she is always helping others deal with stuff. She's sort of the "go to" gal, who makes everyone else happy.  But what about herself? We need to see her taken care of for a change.

Due to the aforementioned, I feel this is why we've seen the biggest pull back from Abbie.  Of course it's been fun to see "domestic Ichabbie", something fans hoped for and write about in Sleepy Fan Fiction.  One of my favorite scenes is in "Whispers In the Dark", when Ichabod sings a shanty while cleaning, then is caught looking at Leftenant's "unmentionables", before nearly setting the kitchen on fire!  These are the moments that Tom Mison and Nicole Beharie shine. I keep wondering what other things have they learned about each other that they "cannot unknow"? I'm waiting for the shower moment when either he walks in on her or she walks in on him taking a bath! I can just hear the pandemonium that would ensue!

We've also spoken a lot about why Abbie seems so closed of emotionally. She even tells Ichabod as much in episode eight of season two, Heartless.

"Since when has opening our hearts to new possibilities been a complication", asks Ichabod.  

Abbie gives him a sideways glance, "Since always".  

I think it's safe to say that she has "daddy issues", ever since Papa Mills jumped ship on his family when Abbie was at the tender age of six.  To make matters worse, her mother kills herself and Jenny is taken from her.  These are defining moments in a young child that would cause anyone to build a wall as big as the Great Wall of China!  While I'm no psychologist, it's clear that whenever anything gets even remotely serious, Abbie bails and effectively cuts ties.  In season one we learn she broke things off with Detective Morales using the excuse she was headed for Quantico.  Though she stayed she never went back to him.

Then there's Ichabod.  I don't care what anyone says, the look she gives to Ichabod as she leaves so he can have his date with his "witch wife" in "Pittura Infamante", was heartbreaking.  She even tells him
he doesn't have to go.

The thing about Ichabod and Abbie is that from the moment he awakens in the 21st century, both have this innate trust in each other. I found it incredible that we see the immediate connection between them in the pilot episode, when she tells the tale of what she and her sister saw as kids.  For Abbie, now that we know her a little bit better, it's huge step. And in "Tempus Fugit", here is this woman who apparently knows him from the "year of our Lord, 2015", claiming he's in danger...from his wife! Thank God he was working under General Washington and was Benjamin Franklin's protege or he'd definitely have her committed!  Once again we see that no matter what century they're in, their bond is strong, trust is ever so prevalent.  It's also interesting that when she confesses she's been sort of stalking her father, although Ichabod encourages her to forge some type of relationship, she says it's better to just move on.  This is exactly what she did when Ichabod left.  She went to Quantico to finish her dream of crafting a career in the FBI.

This brings us to Daniel Reynolds.

DANNY, ABBIE AND ICHABOD

Not only was Abbie surprised to see Reynolds back in her life, but Ichabod was clearly dismayed by the development. He didn't waste any time marking his territory so-to-speak, making it appear as though they were together, though Abbie quickly informs they're roommates.  The looks he gives Danny upon "heading home" is priceless. Like he was sizing up his prey!

Not only is Reynolds now Abbie's boss, he's got his sights set on her again. Although he asks Abbie to dinner, after Ichabod nearly dies in "Blood and Fear", she tells Reynolds the only reason their relationship worked at Quantico is because they were equals.  This is not the case any longer. Is that the real issue though? Or could it be that Abbie does have feelings for Ichabod, no matter how complicated?  I find it interesting in the beginning of "Red Lady from Caribee", Ichabod asks Abbie specifically what would happen if she were to date Danny. Abbie tells him it would be complicated but they'd figure it out...but they're not so it's not a problem.  Was Ichabod trying to get a feel for what Abbie thinks about dating and working with someone? The thing we've seen since day one, is that Abbie keeps her feelings very close to her chest, save for a few moments with Ichabod.

So who is Reynolds and why is he heading up the small FBI offices in Sleepy Hollow? As the season unfolds we learn he took it upon himself to take Abbie under his wing and push her throughout her training in Quantico.  But is there another reason he was there? Could he have been sent to mentor her?

Fast forward to "Red Lady of Caribee", when Danny is stung by a tainted bee who plagues its victims with paranoia, then death! Abbie is once again on a thrill-ride with a crazy driver and is horrified when he weaves in and out of traffic, almost causing an accident! Then he questions her integrity. "And who is that damn Crane guy?  He's no historical consultant!"  In a kick ass take down, Abbie subdues an out of control Reynolds and locks him in the supernatural bunker.  While there, he confesses he still has feelings for Abbie, as he reminisces about their time on a private island, a shack on the beach where things became very intimate.

We still have no idea what exactly occured, how things were left. Upon finishing training, she was assigned back to her hometown, while Reynolds was elsewhere.  In her mind, things were done but not in Reynold's heart!  Fans are clamoring for a flashback of this scene!  Will we see it in the last ten episodes of the season?  I hope so! Would be nice to see our girl getting busy with a hottie like Reynolds since we have yet to see her even kiss anyone!

But who is Danny really? I don't buy this supposed stepping stone running Sleepy Hollow FBI offices, "then go large ." Is he one of the participants involved in this "secret war" Benjiman Franklin eluded to in "Tempus Fugit"?  And who did he call after she quit?  What was all the talk of "losing the asset"?  Asset in what way? Does he know she's a Witness?  Could Papa Mills be involved somehow? And when Reynolds makes a trip to D.C. to meet with the FBI Director , he says "there are eyes on this one" and "they're watching her too."  Who?  Could it mean that Reynolds has been assigned to Abbie, just like I think Zoe is assigned to Ichabod?  If that's the case, why wouldn't Reynolds tell Abbie he knows she a Witness?  Who else is watching them?  Watchers perhaps? The Freemasons? I'm anxious to see who knows what and why are they watching our Witnesses because I've never got the feeling anyone knew what they were doing.

Thus far the "Art of War", penned by Joe Webb, is my favorite of the season.

After Joe confides in Ichabod he has feelings for Jenny and is worried about her, Ichabod tells him to "seize control whilst we can. Talk to her."  Then in a highly anticipated moment, Ichabod pretty much admits he's afraid of losing Abbie, to which Joe tells Ichabod to take his own advice. While taking some of Jenny's mystically charged blood for the Berzerka takedown, Joe finally makes his move and it's reciprocated! They are too cute for words!

Then after a victory over the Berzerkas, as Ichabod and Abbie bask in the warmth of their victory, Ichabod finally verbalizes he's afraid of losing her, pause 5 seconds, "to some FBI office in Texas or Los Angles".  I'm glad there was a pause and I feel that Abbie understood what he meant because as usual, not wanting to let anyone in too close, she looks at the ground.  Ultimately she assures him she, Joe and Jenny are not going anywhere. Oh the foreshadowing of  "Come what may."

NOVUS ORDO SECLORUM

Although they locked Jenny in the dungeon, Team Witness soon realize she busted out.  Thanks to Jenny, Pandora is able to bring Etu Illue into the 21st century.  It was tough watching him drain the energy from Jenny, as her screams cut through the air like a million daggers to the heart!

Abbie was more focused than ever and luckily Ichabod was able to decipher the messages Jenny carved into the walls, "Bring me my all-seeing eye so that I be made whole. With divine providence, I will reorder the world as I see fit."  Abbie realizes that the all-seeing eye is on the back of the American dollar bill, "Novus Ordo Seclorum, new order of the ages."  To Etu Illue "the eye" refers to the mystical binding stone.

Before their battle to get Jenny commences, Abbie goes to the FBI and takes the casing for the shard, a "Cranish" book confiscated from Nevins and other equipment out of of the evidence.  When confronted by Reynolds as to her sister's dealings, in a heartbreaking moment, Abbie turns in her badge and gun!

Needless to say our trio make a plan to extract the "eye" from Jenny with the rock and bust her out! As they approach their destination, Ichabod and Abbie take a moment to recall some of the monsters they've slayed over the past couple of years.  It's a cute moment, but what really had Sleepyheads squeeing was when Abbie says,

 "You ready to fight some bad guys Crane?"  

"Indeed", he confirms. 

Then Abbie says something I didn't even catch until our rewatch, "My man."  

Oh the feels! Wonder if that was in the script or if Nicole ad-libbed it? Either way I believe she let her feelings out for that few seconds.  I believe it's a revealing moment as to how she views Ichabod.

The Fall Finale sure stirred up the Sleepyhead fandom, watching Ichabod's "Leftenent" sacrifice herself.  The horror of the moment could be seen on Jenny's face as she lay helplessly, still restrained after her sister's heroics effectively snuffing the eye's mystical energy out of her.  But my heart skipped a beat as Ichabod and Abbie make eye contact, which has been their own little language, each always knowing what the other is saying with no words necessary.  Tears in his eyes he says,

"Don't". But it's too late.  

His Leftenent has, as Pandora foretold, sealed her fate!  She utters one last request,

"Take care of each other", before entering what is believed to be the Underworld! 

A moment later an explosion rocks the very foundation of the lair, catapulting Ichabod back, Pandora's Box shatters! Gripped with fear, Ichabod lumbers up the steps to the tree, hoping the entrance is still there, though he knows the truth deep in his soul...Abbie is gone! The mind-numbing reality of the moment sinks in, "Abbie!"  Ichabod falls to the ground, shocked at the finality of her sacrifice.

I guarantee you there wasn't a dry eye across the country as Ichabod's grief-stricken face fades from the screen.  Fans on social media were in complete and utter shock, trying to compute what they had witnessed (pun intended)!

While some Sleepyheads cried "Ichabbie Bait", most of us knew this will be the defining moment for Ichabod and Abbie.  We are all aware that Ichabod loves Abbie from the pilot episode.  Others felt their connection after he decided to take the 'dream tea' so Abbie wouldn't be alone in season one's 'For the Triumph of Evil'.  No matter when you realized Ichabod and Abbie were destined to be together, one thing I know for certain, is you can't have one without the other. The show is solely about the two Witnesses, together. That's why fans tune in and have been so vocal.

So what's next?  We know that award-winning veteran James McDaniel has been tapped as Papa Mills, whom I believe is in the thick of everything!  Sounds like Jenny will reach out to her father and attempt to illicit his help in finding Abbie. I can't wait to see Jenny's scenes with Papa Mills.  I have a feeling there's going to be some shocking revelations!

With only ten episodes left, if the first half of the season has you enthralled, you ain't seen nothin' yet! Strap yourselves in, hold on for dear life and enjoy the ride!

Sleepy Hollow returns February 5, 2016, Fridays at 8:00 p.m. on FOX!

Missing the show?  Last week Sleepyheads launched '12 Weeks of Sleepy Hollow', our new Friday night addiction.  Join us every #SleepyFriday as we rewatch episodes voted by fans!  Vote now on the episode we'll watch December 11, at 8:00 p.m ET. on Sleepy Hollow Addicts website.  Voting ends December 9 at midnight and announcement will be made December 10.  Then stick around for our 'Hollow Hangout' with a panel of Sleepyheads to chat about the rewatch, as well as contemplate, theorize and gush about the World of Sleepy Hollow!

*Be sure to watch the #HollowHangout, Friday December 11 at 9p ET to find how what #FondleInTheForest is and how you can win a cool prize!

Follow the Sleepy Hollow panel for the latest news, interviews and talk 

around the Sleepyhead fandom:

Correction: Linda Houston @gentlegale, Deb McCue @DeborahMcCue2