The Musketeers - Episode 1.08 - The Challenge - Preview & Teasers

This could very well be a continuation of last week’s story in some ways as the theme of women and their role in the world of men is very much carried over as the subplot behind the main action of the tournament between the Musketeers and Red Guards. There is an entrance fee to be paid in order to enter the competition you see, a hefty thirty livre which most of them do not possess, and how they each get it is down to the women in their lives.

For an episode that deals with honour I think that it does tread a fine line in places when it comes to this secondary plot. In particular Aramis comes off as a tad cold at times, which is a shame as I don’t think he is perhaps meant to be seen as ruthless as it comes across in the few scenes we see him in, it goes against what we already know of him as a character so I feel that it could have been lightened up a little perhaps. Porthos’ attempts at raising the fee by using the same methods are where the real story lies though, his courting of wealthy widow Alice Clerbeaux (Zoe Tapper; Mr Selfridge) doesn't quite go to plan and he is left in a quandary.

A couple of relationships from the books that we haven’t really seen blossom as yet get under way too, one is Athos taking D'Artagnan under his wing which is something I think many of us have been wanting to see for a while now. Those that have played Monkey Island may recognise a certain similarity to the elder Musketeer’s bag of tricks when it comes to attempting to tame the young Gascon's impetuous nature during a fight. As in the game it takes a while for it to work but Athos proves himself to be great mentor in the end, perhaps because he has learned the hard way to control this side of himself too.

Finally, there are some very sweet Constance and D'Artagnan scenes this week, but (and I am sorry to have to say this, it is a big but) be prepared for a bumpy road ahead as things are going to get a bit rough for a while before they straighten themselves out later in the season I feel. Hard choices must be faced and there are turns in their lives that I think some won’t enjoy, though as I say there are glimpses of a silver lining ahead that show that this plot has only just started in many ways. As someone who doesn't normally take to complicated romance stories I actually enjoyed what unfolded here and find myself rooting for the couple somewhat, certainly much more so than last week, and I'm intrigued as to where we go from here.


The Challenge airs at 9pm on Sunday 16th March on BBC 1 and BBC 1 HD, below are a few dialogue teasers and a spoiler hangman 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 thought.


“How he resisted you I have no idea, but like I said, self-discipline isn't my strong suit”

“Get on your knees before he changes his mind”

“You have natural talent, but too often you let your emotions run away with you, talent won’t keep you alive if you let your heart rule your head” Athos

“You know what I like about cutting people’s throats? It stops them talking” Lebarge

“I can’t risk my future for you, I have far too much to lose” Constance

“You shine so brightly in my eyes it puts all other women in the shade”

“Porthos my friend, I think it’s time we went fishing, for a patroness” Aramis

“I'm sorry your Majesty, I wasn't aware there were any rules”

“But I'm innocent, I love the King, whatever it is I didn't do it!”

“I’ll accept it as a loan, I’ll pay you back when I win”


Trailer Teaser

“One of us will die, that is certain”


Spoiler Hangman
K won the first poll so it has been added.
C won the second poll and has been added.
F won the third poll and has been added.
D won the forth poll and has been added.
U won the fifth poll and has been added.
S won the sixth poll and has been added along with a visual clue.
I won the seventh poll and has been added.
R won the eighth poll and has been added.
E won the ninth poll and has been added.
T won the tenth poll and has been added along with a bonus letter, H
The hangman has been solved!



There is a subtle difference in how each of the leaders introduce the challenge to their men. For Treville it is about the honour of the Musketeers proving they are the better unit, the prize money is of second importance. Whereas with the Cardinal it is all about humiliation and his own personal honour above that of his Red Guards, and bribes them with a cash reward.

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.

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