In any new television series, there is at least one critical episode that will either reel viewers in or turn them away, often for good. By all indications, this may be that episode, and The Gates has attained must-see status for this particular writer.

Alpha werewolf Simon Ford (Louis Herthum) is attacked not long after he has had an altercation with a vampire. This puts the uneasy truce between the vampires and werewolves in jeopardy, as everyone assumes the attacker was a vampire.

Sheriff Nick Monohan (Frank Grillo) has no idea about the pact at first, only that Ford is lying unconscious in the hospital. He recently learned that vampires exist and are living inside The Gates. The real game-changer here occurs when he realizes he is also dealing with werewolves. Once he finds out about the conflict between the two supernatural races, and the stakes involved in this investigation, he immediately sets out to find a resolution. It is obvious that Nick has decided to stay at The Gates for good.

Andie (Skyler Samuels) breaks it off with Charlie (Travis Caldwell), and begins bonding with Brett (Colton Haynes) over their shared supernatural heritage. Since Brett is a werewolf and can heal quickly, its possible that she will pose no threat to him, despite the fact that she is a succubus.

Devon (Chandra West) makes a brief appearance, and we learn that she is growing devils weed, which apparently is dangerous. She is also secretly tutoring Mia Mueller (Devyn Tyler), daughter of fellow witch and former mentor Peg Mueller (Victoria Platt).

Dylan (Luke Mably) finds out about the dark secret Claire has been hiding from him, that she has been hunting with Christian (Paul Blackthorne), who is also in love with her. In the end, Dylan takes decisive action.

What Worked

Dog Eat Dog was riveting television. No surprise there, as writer Gabrielle Stanton has quite a genre pedigree, from recent episodes of The Vampire Diaries and Moonlight, reaching all the way back to Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

The concept of an underground war between vampires and werewolves is certainly not new or original. In fact, series star Rhona Mitra, who plays Claire Radcliffe, was recently in a movie about that very topic (Underworld: Rise of the Lycans). This sort of conflict is perfect fodder for The Gates, and it will undoubtedly be the cornerstone of the shows mythology from this point on.

The moment Nick realizes he is talking to two werewolves is probably the highlight of the episode. In addition, the dark warning that Simon Ford gives him at the end promises thrills to come. I like the fact that Nick is no longer being blackmailed to stay in The Gates, but instead has made the decision to stay on his own. This seems more genuine, and it makes his character more likable and interesting.

I like Coach Ross (Roger Cross) as the new alpha werewolf. I think he is a bit more menacing than Ford.

The tie-in between the high school story line and the adult drama made me rethink my distaste for the former. In fact, the situation between Andie and Brett is beginning to get interesting. I stand corrected.

What Didnt Work

I feel like Dylan went too quickly from being repelled by Claire to taking action in order to save their bond. It just seemed like a rather abrupt about-face.

Ive already mentioned how much I hate it when they tease us with something, and make no mention of it in the next episode. I want to know what Devon was working on at the end of the last episode, and I want to know now! Hopefully, well find out next week!

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due

"The Gates" stars Frank Grillo, Marisol Nichols, Rhona Mitra, Luke Mably, Travis Caldwell, Skyler Samuels, Colton Haynes, Chandra West and Victoria Platt. Dog Eat Dog" was directed by David Barrett, and was written by Gabrielle Stanton.

"The Gates" airs on ABC Sundays at 10 p.m. ET.