The path our lives takes is sometimes predetermined for us by our parents. But more often, we are the navigators of our own futures and even then, our lives can take an unexpected turn.

Such was the case of Sleepy Hollow’s Joe Corbin.  An estranged relationship with his father August caused him to abandon whatever plan for his future August might have had for him.  Choosing instead a career in the marines, Joe was living the life of a soldier when an explained event happened to him and he was cursed to become a deadly beast known as a Wendigo.  This creature ended up killing Joe’s entire platoon.  Frightened by the dangerous animal within, Joe leaves the military focusing on a finding a cure to his curse.

This reunited young Corbin with Abigail Mills, the ward August took in as a troubled teen, now a Sleepy Hollow police department officer (And later an FBI Agent) Joe harbored resentment for Abbie, reasoning that his dad cared for her more than him.  But upon August’s death and after they work together on his werewolf affliction, Joe and Abbie are able to develop a closer relationship.

Joe also becomes close with Jenny Mills, Abbie’s younger sister.  They both view themselves as misfits and their bond is strengthen by fighting supernatural evil.  Soon, it turns to love and Jenny is finally able to give her heart and trust to someone.

But as they are part of “Team Witness” and charged with protecting the world from supernatural evil, Joe and Jenny don’t have time for a traditional romance.  They face their greatest challenge when a god known as The Hidden One sets about to destroy humanity. Joining Abbie, Ichabod Crane, Agents Sophie Foster and Daniel Reynolds and former nemesis Pandora, Joe and Jenny had eight hours to stop The Hidden One from gaining full power.

However, it is Joe who receives the force of The Hidden One’s wrath when he is again turned into the Wendigo. When Jenny and her father Ezra Mills are unable to turn Joe back to human form, Jenny is forced to fatally shoot the beast.  “It’s okay, you had to.”  And with that Joe dies.

I was heartbroken by Joe’s death.  When I interviewed actor Zach Appelman last September, we talked in great detail about his hopes for the character of Joe, in particular a possible Joe/Jenny spin-off when Sleepy Hollow ended.

Zach Appelman brought depth to the character of Joe Corbin.  He was a flawed hero, in no way perfect but he cared enough to constantly put his life on the line.  Unfortunately, time finally ran out for Joe.

I wish to thank Zach Appelman for his portrayal of Joe Corbin and wish him much success in what path his career takes him next.

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