This review may contain spoilers.

The Sanctuary is back for its second season, but its missing one pivotal member. Ashley (Emilie Ullerup) is still being held captive by the Kabal, and off running covert operations for them. Shes being turned into a killing machine, not unlike one of the dolls in Joss Whedons Dollhouse.

Ashleys parents, Helen Magnus (Amanda Tapping) and Druitt (Christopher Heyerdahl), are traveling across the globe to try and bring her back, assuming shes still alive. Theyre about to lose hope, but they get to see her by the end of the episode. It wont be enough for Magnus, and shell end the episode angrier then she was when she couldnt find Ashley.

Apparently Ashley and five other humans are being turned into perfectly engineered human beings. Theyve then been blended with source DNA from those like Magnus and Tesla, turning them into a kind of vampire/human hybrid with creepy faces and long fingernails. The masterminds behind the operation are the Kabal, who will do anything to destroy the Sanctuary, as we learned of last season.

Ashley cant be killed, and she doesnt appear to have anything in common with her old self anymore. Shes presumably dead, as weve known her.

We were also introduced to what could be a new character, Kate Freelander (Agam Darshi). Shes cute, sarcastic and a con artist. Shes the female version of Josh Holloways Sawyer on Lost.

The episode seems to mostly be about setting up the new big-bads for the next season, the six individuals who were chosen to become the new killing machines. The running question must be whether or not they can save Ashley and bring her back to herself without having to kill her.

What Worked

The creepy lady playing Dr. Frankenstein on Ashley most certainly worked. The way she talks to her was sweet in a way, and it kind of makes you like her ... but mostly just creeps you out.

Tesla (Jonathon Young) is a welcome new addition to the season. Hes funny and brings a nice new factor into the semi-boring dynamic between Magnus, Will (Robin Dunne) and Druitt. This is affirmed when he compares the level of emergency equal to the near death of one of the Sanctuary's inhabitants with the fact that theyve almost run out of wine in the Sanctuary. Hopefully hell become a regular if he hasnt already.

What Didnt Work

The new split screen shots. Theyre a bit distracting, not quite as cool as Syfy is trying to make them. Perhaps theyll take some getting used to, but Im hoping the channel will give up on them.

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due

"Sanctuary" stars Amanda Tapping, Emilie Ullerup, Christopher Heyerdahl and Robin Dunne. "End of Nights" (Part 1) was written by Damian Kindler and directed by Martin Wood. It airs Fridays at 10 p.m. ET on Syfy.