We all ask about details or what our favs are doing but can we take a moment to feel for Shapiro? Imagine getting stuck in a cult town with actual real gods and magic while knowing very well how unstable and dangerous it can be for outsiders! Unlike the last newcomer, she doesn't have the power of a handsome smile, bullshit, and a god being mighty interested in her. The only person who can feel her pain has been here for 4 decades give or take, is actively tormented by an eldritch lesbian, and you can barely look at her before said lesbian reminds you who's the boss. The only thing you have is a pack of cigarettes that will be gone soon. The last two outsiders are a prick on a power trip happy with babes and money and a missing 80s popstar that accepted her shitty fate... So yeah Shapiro is kind of on her own. She may have like Emma and other non-conformists but there'll always be that little voice telling her that they don't get it and how foolish it is to try to get out. Maybe taunting her about her own inability to adapt, the risk of trusting anyone here, or the repercussions of her influence.
She's better than me because I'd have left one way or another. The hedonism? Sure, it's a cult town and maybe not that stuck up. You're watched at all times anyways so whatever. The apotheosis festival? Freaky but there's worse. Sacrificing something I cherish though?? I already lost everything what else do you want??? The frenzy? Yeah. No. I'm not dealing with that. I'd rather pray whatever is after death doesn't have to do with them. Shapiro has to navigate these wild, deadly, and unnatural traditions WHILE fully aware of how messed up everything is. You also have to consider that even if the townspeople swear it's all fine and you'll survive, you aren't from there so—apart from survivor bias—you have to consider that they may have some advantage or favor to make it through. Everything is uncertain, the few that can help either won't or are in unique positions. Plus the gossip and social life will make it harder to adjust and accept this is her life now.
And what about her future? Kids are a no-go. Falling in love won't be easy either. Her career? Gone. What else can she do here? She lost her family and friends, everything she has to dress like she's in fucking Hamilton and survive the antics of quirky gods. I'd hate Webby too. Shapiro got trapped in a living hell. I wonder what she'd do to find a way out? Tracking down Willabella's descendants in the hope of them having enough power to allow a handful of people to escape? Dealing with the supernatural accidents/annoyances in town to find one that can get her out?
