“Big Mama” works on a number of levels, but particularly when it effectively injects a little levity into what has been otherwise a dark tale.” Den of Geek · 8 years ago
Season 2, Episode 8 of , titled " Big Mama ," is generally reviewed as a quirky, tonally jarring, yet entertaining departure from the show's typical dark atmosphere . While some critics found the writing nonsensical, many appreciated the injection of levity and horror-satire. Plot Summary
The episode follows Axel, Scarlett, Doc, and Julius as they search for the missing Vanessa. They are lured into a small town called Wanda by , who offers them hospitality and a legendary barbecue. The "sanctuary" quickly turns gruesome when they discover the town's secret: they are cannibals who survive by barbecuing captured vampires while they are still alive. Big Mama's Role Big MamaVan Helsing : Season 2 Episode 8
The episode is noted for its "Salem Witch Trial" style climax, where the group is hung from a roof; the logic being that if they die, they were human (and thus a "delicacy"), and if they live, they are vampires to be eaten later.
: Big Mama is the town’s cook, described as their "resident Gordon Ramsay" who is very protective of her recipes. “Big Mama” works on a number of levels,
“I think we all learned a valuable lesson about eating jerky without asking where it came from.” IMDb
: Julius, moved by the cruelty of the "vampire jerky" process, attempts to put a vampire out of its misery. This leads to a fight where Big Mama repeatedly hits him with a frying pan. They are lured into a small town called
The episode concludes with the sudden arrival of , which interrupts the Sheriff's trial and sets up a major confrontation. Van Helsing: Season 2, Episode 8: Big Mama