You’re welcome to the review of “Abattoir” Episode 4. So, after some hours of unprecedented delay, it was eventually released and after watching it, I realised that perhaps, this was the reason the entire series spent so long in post-production: “Abattoir” is a big project whose episodes have increased in duration each time. And then, the end of each one is always on-point; we’re left in awe of what we’ve just seen and looking forward to the next episode. Despite the fact that this is a movie that was probably shot before big YouTube hits as “Abejoye Season 3” last year and “The Train” this year, it has still comfortably captured audiences all over. I’m marveled and I must say that the long period of waiting for the Abattoir series was well worth it.
Episode 4 starts with Baba Gbenro whom we see being a father to Martins and his wife, whom despite not knowing what the prayer was about, played Martins’ mother and a real helpmate for Baba Gbenro, not one who “brings your life to an abrupt end”. I’d like to commend the makeup done by Nike Owah in this episode. Her own character’s makeup made her look really old. When I saw there would be a flashback for Baba Gbenro, I wondered how he would be made to look significantly younger, given the fact that his real life age was probably similar to his age in this film, but she pulled it off remarkably.
In a burning scene reminiscent of Awonbiwonninu’s in “Abejoye” Season 3, the attempt to call Martins back home backfires; Dr Alabelewe is burnt to death and Durosanya sustains only mild burns on his arms.
I think that God was really merciful to Martins because though he was yet to forgive his father, he still enjoyed the covering of the Almighty when evil came knocking. Unlike the way things were before Baba Gbenro led him in that prayer about God healing his past, renewing his present and restoring his future, things began to take a positive turn for him. He became a celebrity – his students loved him, he was making a difference, and even won the Staff of the Year award.
Chief Durosanya seems to surprise me with each new episode. Maybe I’m still viewing him through the goggles of “The Accountant” and “The Counsellor”. Here, he’s so ungrateful and despises Gbade anytime things don’t go as planned. This episode then brilliantly I must say, shows us that Durosanya’s criticism of Gbade’s plans were quite justifiable. Initially, I thought the Trent University Scholarship offered to Martins was a ploy by Chief Durosanya, but no; that was nothing compared to the destructive plan concocted by him. Gbade’s plans were all action, exhibiting brute strength while Chief Durosanya’s displayed manipulation at its best, showcasing tactics and subtlety. Also, we see that he’s good at making threats and categorically calls himself the devil.
I was surprised to see Dele’s story continue in this episode but I’m glad the movie goes further to show us that Dele still had to deal with the memories and trauma of years of molestation and he did it the right way, fighting in the battlefield of his mind with the word of God. The same can’t be said of his father, Mr Adegbola, who wanted to commit suicide; I had to ask myself who had been molested. If he had killed himself, who would take care of Dele? He was just being selfish and spared no thought for his son. The depression really got a hold of him but thank God for Dele who is fast becoming something of a favourite character, warming up his way in our hearts. The arrangements of those scenes though was a bit wrong because we saw two nights pass between Mr Adegbola’s suicide letter where he’d stated he would be taking his life that day and when Dele eventually met him drunk to stupor. I was all smiles as Martins was, when Dele was sharing his testimonies. It was heart-touching; it was beautiful. He’s gradually rebuilding his life and I loved that sincere performance of repentance from Victor Olukoju.
A highlight of this episode was seeing Joshua Mike-Bamiloye (Jay-Mikee) play the role of Frank, Chief Durosanya’s associate. I’m pretty sure that many viewers were reminded of his Jay&Josh skits as he provided some nice humour. Another humorous scene was when Martins hosted Gbade. I loved the hilarious interchange between two masters of witty dialogue in this series.
Back to Martins: while he seems to be doing well in life, anytime his father is mentioned, he becomes someone else. He basically acts like a jerk as he refuses Mama Gbenro’s meal. The lighting in that scene could have been done better to reflect daytime because a similar lighting was done to reflect probably evening a couple of scenes before. I think Martins is a very emotional guy, and we understand that because of where he’s been but as a new creature in Christ, we should let our knowledge of who we are in the spirit trump our natural feelings, which is what Dele does when he’s confronted with his past. The Bible says that we capture every thought and teach them to obey Christ. It’s easier said than done, but I learnt very importantly, that we shouldn’t let our pain rule us. Even if Baba Gbenro had bought him, I think that should have made him see how quickly circumstances can paint different pictures; so, he should have just calmed down and listened.
At the end of the episode, we find out the Chief’s plan is in stages and the next phase of Operation Martins Must Return involves a lady posing as a student in Martins’ workplace. Now that the devil has succeeded in isolating him from Baba Gbenro, we’ll see what becomes of Martins in Episode 5 coming out on Sunday, August 2, 2020 at 12pm on Damilola Mike-Bamiloye’s YouTube channel. There were a lot of fake Episode 4’s last week and there are already a few fake Episode 5’s. Please don’t be deceived by those; subscribe to the director’s channel. That’s where you’ll get the original episodes you want.
Till the next article, stay blessed!
Link to the movie below:
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