Furthermore, as the Guild explores this Gothic past further, they also make the connection that if Saphrax was the first villain, then his partner, Alatheus, was the first henchmen. This history lesson on the Guild’s formation is wonderful, but it also sets up the important ritual that the Monarch and Gary—the modern Saphrax and Alatheus—are about to undergo.

What initially looks like a story about sibling rivalries actually turns out to be about the formation of evil, its deep roots in history, and the nature of friendship–not hate. Especially when the Monarch and Rusty’s complicated connection comes to light. “The Saphrax Protocol” covers a lot of ground and isn’t interested in wasting any time. It’s an incredibly busy, fast-paced episode that begins with a major kidnapping that gets the ball rolling and then never reduces that speed. In that sense it’s the perfect bookend to the season’s electric premiere that operated with much of the same purpose and intensity.

The Monarch is at last ready to accept his right to become a Level 10 villain and the process is all deliciously steampunk and cloak and dagger. The pageantry and ceremony behind this trial make it feel more like a session of Dungeons & Dragons mixed with a pastor’s sermon rather than a top-level Guild ritual.

The trials that the Monarch and Gary have to endure to claim this honor are all a lot of fun and feel like continuations from the Creep’s lawn dart madness from the prior installment. These tests range from the deceptively simple and gross, to severe mental manipulation. The Monarch and Gary maintain a firm grasp at what’s at stake and seem ready to embrace this new beginning that awaits them. Gary even faces a serious promotion when he’s offered the opportunity to quit henching and become his own villain. Henchman 24 would be so proud.

For a moment it looks like the Monarch and Gary are headed into uncharted territory with their decision, but it turns out their actions only make them closer to Saphrax and Alatheus. This isn’t about killing your rival, it’s about never-ending torment and blood allegiances of hatred. The Guild is a pretty vindictive bunch, and so are the Monarch and Gary, but they’re also partners. It’s so satisfying to see that the Saphrax trial is just as much about the Monarch and Gary’s bond as it is about their Guild promotions. Their friendship is just as fundamental to the series as Hank and Dean’s bond.