One of the things I like the most about this adaptation is that the characters do actually use the muskets that their title derives from as well as the sword play that we generally get with the genre. Just about every skirmish in this episode makes use of some sort of firearm or explosive, which works especially well in the riot scenes and in one where D'Artagnan is rescued, again, by a lady with a pistol.
There is some lovely character development on the whole in this episode, especially with the Musketeers themselves and the Bonacieuxs', but there are a couple of people whose motivation I am still a little unsure of. One is someone whom Aramis starts getting close to this week; yes he’s the dashing, romantic hero, but we've not seen any real reason for this lady's eye to start wandering towards another man as yet, especially when it would be so dangerous for her to do so. It also makes a bit of a mockery of his undying love for Adele last week when he starts appreciating, and even perhaps encouraging, her advances.
With Vadim (
Jason Flemyng;
Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels,
Primeval) wreaking much of the havoc this week Richelieu has his hands full just trying to keep the royal family safe, so there isn't a great deal of evil scheming from him this week. As working with Treville and the Musketeers doesn't come easy he does find himself once again turning to Milady to try and uncover the notorious criminals hideout, but can she be trusted to have his best interests at heart? For someone so used to art of deception he should be able to see right through the game that she seems to be playing, but it seems that for now she still has the upper hand on him.
Sleight of Hand airs at 9pm on Sunday 26th January on BBC 1 and BBC 1 HD, below are a few dialogue teasers to see you through until then. Don't forget to come back to vote in our poll after the episode and let us know what you think.
“I told you I am not a musketeer, I'm a wanted man on the run”
“Servants are like rats, they will find all manner of secret exits and entrances”
“It wasn't only murder that made our night together memorable, you’re at the crossroads D'Artagnan, don’t take the wrong path, choose the musketeers and you choose oblivion”
“Look, if I knew any more I'd tell you, I don't want to hang”
“Common sense is for commoners, not for kings, I will not have it said that the son of Henry IV is a coward”
“The secret to a good trick? Make people look the wrong way”
“How many ways can a man think of to get himself killed?”
“D'Artagnan is in prison because of you, alone, friendless, condemned, I hope you’re very proud!”
“Accept this gift as a token of your queens gratitude, may it keep you safe, always”
“You don’t have to do this, it’s Musketeer business”
Trailer Teaser
“There are opportunities for men like you in the colonies, you could be rich”
About the Author - Sandi
Sandi is part of the Senior Staff at SpoilerTV having been a contributor from back in the Lost days of DarkUFO, and who now writes previews for Banshee, The Musketeers, Atlantis, and other BBC shows. She also enjoys watching and commenting on other shows such as Sons of Anarchy, Hannibal, Game of Thrones and Elementary.
