Clash of the Titans

Beastmaster Episode Review

In which there are elephants. The second season of Beastmaster closes with an exciting action story that would have had more weight if the storytelling through the season had been more coherent.

What Happened

It's a game of Musical Hostages.

Zad captures some elephants and Tao and threatens to kill Tao if Dar doesn't get the elephants to behave and knock down the walls of Xinca. Then, Voden captures Arina and threatens to kill her if Dar doesn't keep the elephants from knocking down the walls of Xinca. Or he might kill her anyway, just for kicks. Dar doesn't know, 'cuz Voden's Just That Wacky.

In the end, Zad points the elephants in the general direction of Xinca, where they knock down the walls, protected from Voden's arrow by a mist conjured up by the Sorceress. Yaomar betrays Voden, who manages to escape, but runs afoul of Zad. The new King doesn't trust Yaomar not to betray him and kills the general, consolidating his control of Xinca.

Dar manages to free Arina, and they rescue Tao before Zad's men kill him. Despite having replaced one mad tyrant with another, Dar and his friends take some small comfort in Voden's defeat and the fact that they did save the elephants.

What We Learned

• "Beastmaster. Still looking out for the animals." (Well, it is kind of there in the title.)
• There is danger in trying to turn the hand of Fate. One never knows what will happen.
• Zad's conquests are legend.
• A good general wouldn't risk everything on a single strategy.
• Don't underestimate an army of men clinging to their last hope.
• Death traps look impressive, but are never as deadly as you'd think.
• The first rule of war: don't underestimate your enemy.

Add It To the Missed Opportunities List

• Why doesn't the Sorceress excuse her interference by mentioning the Ancient One's interest in the Elephants' Graveyard and by extension in the elephants?
• What happens to Voden, who is last seen whimpering in the forest? He disappears just like Kord, who was revived so dramatically at the end of Season One?
• And is Arina pregnant or not?

What Did I Think?

Interesting if you cared what happened between Voden and Zad. Less so if you're looking for character development for Dar.