End Game

Beastmaster Episode Review

In which things finally start moving forward.

What Happened

Dar and Arina finally find the Golden Auryx, the bird that is Dar's mother. Dartanus appears, still spouting platitudes about Dar's quest and warnings about Balcifer. Tao is able to put a few more details on Dartanus' unhelpful hints. Apparently, three signs will signal Dar's final challenge: the House of Eldar will turn against itself, the good shall become evil, and finally, Balcifer will fall.

Dar's brother Sendar turning against him (two episodes or so back) was one sign, and when Balcifer possesses Arina here to trick Dar, it is sign number two. Balcifer reveals himself and is able to snatch the Auryx, even though Dar drives him from Arina.

Dar guesses that Balcifer will have taken the Auryx to Xinca. He decides to save some time by taking the Ark to her. While he does, Balcifer possesses Tao and delivers Arina to Zad. Dar makes his way to the throne room and finds the Auryx... and Balcifer. The Lord of Evil offers Dar a peaceful kingdom in Xinca if he will leave the rest of the world to Balcifer. Dar refuses, even after he learns that Zad has found the Crystal Ark.

Dartanus frees Tao and Arina, who join the battle against Balcifer. While Dartanus distracts Balcifer, Dar places his mother in Ark, which emits a beam of light. Rather than use the power to free his family, Dar chooses to save Dartanus' life. He strikes Balcifer, who falls, completing the final sign.

What We Learned

• Dartanus likes to think he appears when he's needed most.
• If Zad wants to stop the Beastmaster, he has to shut up and listen.
• That is the best Dartanus can do.
• Zad was expecting someone a little taller.
• There's hope for Zad yet.
• Balcifer is a very difficult man to like.
• Balcifer's true form is suffering, pain and darkness, but that's a little hard to beat with a sword.
• For a thousand years, Dartanus has caused Balcifer trouble.
• Unlike Balcifer, Zad can't change bodies when it suits him. He has to walk.
• Good always triumphs over evil. And scum always sinks to the bottom.
• Dar doesn't bargain with the devil.

What Did I Think?

If only they hadn't dragged Dartanus into it. On the other hand, it was fun to watch Jeremy Callaghan beat him up.