Episode: 2.05 "The Return"
Directed by: Marc Jobst
Written by: Simon J Ashford
Air date: 13 February 2015
Reviews so far:
Episode 2.01 "Keep Your Friends Close"
Episode 2.02 "An Ordinary Man"
Episode 2.03 "The Good Traitor"
Episode 2.04 "Emilie"
Athos - First of all, I'm so glad we finally got Athos-centric episode. It's been a while and he's definitely one of my favorites. It was a very emotional hour for our Musketeer when he was forced to go back home and confront his past once again. It's clear that Milady's influence over Athos is far from over. He's definitely more calm and reserved now whenever he has to face her, much more than he was back in season one but thinking about their story still causes him a great deal of pain and being back at their old house was a visibly heartbreaking experience for him. Which makes the fact that he came back to help his people even better. I loved the little smile he finally had on his face when he watched the entire village training and working with his friends to prepare for the fight. Also, it was great to see him leaving the lands to the people and everyone showing up to say goodbye to the Musketeers after the fight. But, I have to mention the most memorable part of the episode for me, the flashbacks to the day when Thomas died and his fiance, Catherine's introduction. After meeting her I actually felt sorry for Milady, which is definitely saying something. The fact that the writers keep getting back to this story for the past two seasons only makes me believe that there's something we still don't know about the events surrounding Athos' brother's death. And I have to admit, I watched the episode twice and both times I couldn't understand why Athos didn't even try to listen to his wife's explanation. He listened to Catherine and sentenced his beloved Anne to death. If this was any other case, I would be sure he didn't truly love her enough to fight for her, but there's no doubt that Athos was deeply in love with Milady and even now he doesn't deny having feelings for her. It's just strange, to be honest and would definitely want to see more of his perspective on that day.
- There was no Milady in the current story of the episode, but her presence in the hour was very much felt by the characters. It's always tragic and unusual to see her years ago happy with Athos, she really seems like a completely different person and keeps making me think: "what happened to her". And then there's the story of Thomas' death. Back in season one I wondered whether she was actually telling the truth about her killing Athos' brother in self-defence but after the plot was seemingly put to rest I thought it would be the end of it. These new flashbacks and Catherine's character definitely change things and my current theory goes like this. Catherine wanted to marry Athos since they were kids, she wanted position, power, money and the man himself. Then Anne showed up and Catherine was to marry Thomas, who wasn't nearly enough for her. She started to look for a way to get rid of Milady and eventually found out the truth about her past. Catherine used this information to send Thomas after Anne and once Milady killed him when he attacked her, Catherine easily persuaded Athos to execute his wife, the murderer, hoping to finally get a second chance with her one-time fiance. However, what she didn't anticipate was how broken Athos would be after everything and that he would choose to leave it all behind and start his new life as a Musketeer. Obviously, I could be completely wrong about it but for now these are my speculations. I'd love to hear about yours.
- In case anyone needed a reminder why exactly Treville is such a great Captain this is the episode I would recommend to watch. It was such a nice change to see him more involved in the action with the rest of the Musketeers this week. And I loved all of his speeches to the people of Pinon where he taught them how to fight and helped them find their strength and motivation to take the stand against the Baron. The fight could have gone differently if he wasn't around, his presence there really meant a lot. I wish he could tell Porthos the truth since we all know it's going to be revealed eventually and it would be so much better if he heard it from him. I admit, I'm a bit worried about Treville's plan to leave, as we can hear in the next episode's promo, because the Musketeers would certainly lose their best support if he was to say goodbye for good. And I'm not so sure they're ready for that.
Porthos - Always honorable, good-hearted, smart and skilled fighter, that would be Porthos for sure. I'm glad that despite their issues, he still had Treville's back when it mattered. And how great was it to finally see him spending more time with Aramis. I missed these two together! They were easily one of my favorite things about the series back in season one and we hardly see them interacting with each other lately. Which is why their short trip to save the kidnapped woman from her (absolutely revolting) captors was one of my favorite parts of the episode.
Aramis - Aramis certainly seemed more like his old self, back from season one, in this episode. Teaming up with Porthos, enjoying the country and teaching the people of Pinon to fight and shoot Baron and his men brought back the lighter, carefree side of him. And what he said about taking risks to feel alive was actually a great description of his character. He's a passionate, loyal, honorable believer and a risk taker. He cares about people and protecting the innocent but he also enjoys the brutal, fighting side of things. It was a nice change to see him free like that, looks like being away from the castle for the second episode in a row, away from his worries and secrets has a good effect on him. Clearly, it won't be the case next week. The fall looks terrifying, what a rude way to end the promo.
D'Artagnan - I absolutely loved all the little moments D'Artagnan had with most of the Musketeers this week. Always great to see his bond with Athos and him being there for him in his family home full of haunting memories. Also I really enjoyed him and Treville helping out the people in the village. It sure made me smile how he got stuck with his old Captain's chores at the beginning when the Musketeers showed up to ask for Treville's help. And finally, what a cheerful moment he and Aramis shared. So many great interactions for all the Musketeers this week, I loved it.
Notes, thoughts and quotes:
Best Character - Athos
Best Duo: Athos and D'Artagnan & Runner up: Aramis & Porthos
Best Scene: The flashback to the day Thomas died
Best Speech: Treville
Most Suspicious/Annoying: Catherine
Most Disturbing: Baron Renard and his men
Biggest Change: Milady in the flashbacks
Biggest Question - What's the real story behind Thomas' death?
Memorable quotes:
1. Athos
"A little battered, but just about serviceable."
d'Artagnan
"Are you talking about yourself or that pistol?"
2. Porthos:
"I didn't think that would work."
Aramis:
"Centuries of inbreeding is making the aristocracy stupid."
3. Treville:
"All right, I'll ride with you. But not as your commanding officer."
D'Artagnan:
"Whatever you say, Captain."
Favorite to Least Favorite Season 2 Episodes Ranking:
1. Emilie
2. An Ordinary Man
3. The Return - This is were the ranking gets really hard as I didn't know where to place the episode at all. Great character moments and interesting story but I still think something was missing for it be one of the best.
4. Keep Your Friends Close
5. The Good Traitor
In case you haven't read it yet, you can find Sandi's preview for the next episode here. Don't miss all new The Musketeers which airs on Friday 20th February at 9pm on BBC 1 in the UK, and on February 21 at 9pm on BBC America!
And now, what did you think about "The Return"? Any favorite scenes/quotes in the episode?
Justyna JJ Kubica
22. Student. SpoilerTV Writer. Loves Movies, TV Shows (The 100, Teen Wolf, Sherlock, Person Of Interest, Arrow, Supernatural (especially 1-5), Agents Of SHIELD, Doctor Who, Fringe, The Musketeers, Psych, etc.) and Books (Harry Potter!). Fantasy & SciFi geek!
Scene Of The Week articles author. Writes reviews for Doctor Who, Sherlock & The Musketeers. Member of SpoilerTV team since 27th November 2011.
Thank you for all of these Season 2 reviews!! : )
ReplyDeleteMy Episode Rankings at the Midpoint of Season 2:
1. The Return
2. An Ordinary Man
3. Emilie
4. The Good Traitor
5. Keep Your Friends Close
Thank you for reading! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm so not good with ranking things, I usually just end up saying I loved them all. And it really is a great season with so many brilliant episode, like The Return!
I agree with your take on the death of Thomas and Catherine being suspicious. I think there is more to the story too. Well, we should find out soon since Catherine is now on the path to Milady.
ReplyDeleteOh, I can't wait to see this confrontation! Thanks for reading :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with most of the synopsis of the Catherine situation, she wanted him herself plus the trappings that went with him. He didn't love her then because he found Milady and his silence when Catherine asked him upstairs during a break in the fighting, whether he had ever had second thoughts, spoke volumes to her.
ReplyDeleteI have said somewhere else on here that I see Catherine as the vehicle by which, i believe, the storyline between Athos and Milady will be brought to what i hope, is its natural conclusion. Either redemption through death for Milady. Admission of guilt/regret from Athos and a parting of the ways. This storyline cannot continue to be stuck in this same spot when Series 3 is written. There are a great many other potential sides to the character of Athos (incidentally which Tom Burke plays to perfection) which could be persued in the next series.
One last point: Catherine was happy to sacrifice Athos to the Baron, no doubt after the rejection she suffered earlier. I would expect episode 10 to see the outcome of this, especially if there is a possibility that a main character may suffer fatally.
Yeah, I think that this story should and will end this season. Personally I would like to see a chance for the final redemption for Milady and Athos finally being able to move on. I agree things can't stay like this for long. Either way it will probably be over soon.
ReplyDeleteTom Burke plays all the sides of his character to perfection for sure. He did an outstanding job in the episode!
Thanks for the review ! Like Sandi you make it great.
ReplyDeleteThis episode for now is my favorite.
It's a good one but also a sad one , I was almost crying when I saw all the fashback (the field -now I know they can't go back like they were- and thomas' death - I want to know more about this fact ), in the first season it doesn't touch me so much but in this episode (Oh God !)
I'm agree with you about the characters especially Catherine and I also think that they are something more to come.
About her, when I saw her for the first time I though she could be nice but when I saw the episode Now I think she's dangerouse, jealous (but more than I excepted).She also seems a little bit arrogant especially when it comes to the people of Pinon .
Athos seems to love & live with the most dangerous women in the show. (except for Ninon -she was smart and nice- really like her.)
About treville & Porthos : I hope it'll be all good at the final. And I hope that if Treville doesn't tell the true to Porthos it's because he has some goods reasons not because he doesn't want to hurt Porthos' feeling or something like that.
My favorites quotes in the show was in the flashback between Milady and Athos like :
"did you ever love me? and you know I did"
Loving your reviews and I must say that I am with you on your theory about Catherine and the events surrounding Thomas's death.
ReplyDeleteFrom the flashbacks in this episode and in Commodities, along with what Athos says to D'Artangnan in Commodities it seems like Athos has her executed the same day of the events. They are wearing the same clothes. Was he afraid that if he hesitated he would not be able to go through with it? Did finding out that his wife lied about who she is hurt his ego so much that he acted without thinking (I mean he did not even consider she might be pregnant and wait to have her executed)? Did Catherine know what buttons to push to get him to make this decision. No wonder he has been drinking himself to death.
I am beginning to think that Milady was not lying to D'artangnan in Episode 10. she was a small time crook but after everything went south with Athos and she was forced to survive, she became what we saw in episode one. If it turns out that it was Catherine who set the wheels in motion, I do not blame her for being the bitter B she was in season 1.
ITA
ReplyDeleteI could be wrong but do not think Mamie/Milady will not be involved in season 3. She is involved in to much promoting of the show to this season have been killed off in the final episode. That said, I have a feeling that Athos and Milady will have new chapter next season and it will not be the same old, same old.
ReplyDeleteGreat review again! It may be a terrible thing for the character, but Treville being demoted has given the fans a treat as he is now essentially the fifth Musketeer and we get to see him being one of the lads...and he still gets treated as a Captain and acts like one anyway, lol. I adored Hugo in this episode, watching his character training the villagers and then leading and inspiring them into battle was just superb :)
ReplyDeleteWe also got our fan favourite pair offs, Porthos/Aramis and Athos/d'Artagnan, both covering what they do best. The former couple's easy banter and off on a mission to rescue the girl, while the latter two cementing their special bond that they share - the armoury scene was understated brilliance from both actors.
Love Marianne Oldham portrayal, but boy did I loathe her Catherine! Nasty, bitter and twisted scorned woman that she was, I couldn't even feel sorry for her for what she had lost when Athos brought home and married Anne instead of her. I don't understand women who become so jaded like that, and even if she didn't set Milady up - which I totally believe she did at present - then I sincerely hope that she dies in the finale.
Milady told d'Artagnan in An Ordinary Man that he owed her for saving his life, so perhaps he will save hers in the finale and end that witch instead tbh. Then he should take his best mate down the tavern and explain to him exactly what really happened in the past. (If this doesn't happen, I may just start writing fan fiction and make it happen like this :p lol)
I guess Catherine knew what buttons to push, they were life long friends after all and he was in shock over the death of his brother. At most the hanging was possibly the next day...after a night of heavy drinking probably, lol. Anne would have needed some time to bribe her way out of it after all, so I think there must have been some kind of delay, but not a long one by the looks of it.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the review. Agree completely with your comments about Porthos especially.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
ReplyDeleteLooks like we agree on all your points :) I couldn't stand Catherine so I'm actually rooting for her to be responsible just so we could get rid of the character. Though the actress did a great job with her role!
Loved seeing our favorite duos , the Treville still being the Captain, even without a title, but with the rest of the Musketeers and now I so want to see the scenes where d'Artagnan saves Milady from Catherine and tells Athos everything. And if not, I want to at least read this fan fiction! ;)
Thanks, it's great to write about such an incredible show!
ReplyDeleteI really hope Porthos and Treville will work out their issues in the end. I'm also very interested to learn what's this big secret of Porthos' family. What could have possibly happened that makes the Captain want to keep it from everyone?
I absolutely can't wait to know to entire story of Thomas' death and see the confrontation between Catherine and Milady. It's hard not to root for Milady in this fight now.
Thank you! I'm loving all these comments!
ReplyDeleteI also thought it didn't even take very long for Milady to be executed which is why I get Athos' guilt, even if he believed Anne was responsible it all still went down so fast that it makes it seem so unfair. No just trial or anything. I can't wait to know the truth. If my theory is correct or a close one I really do feel bad for Milady.
Thank you! I still wish we would get more of Porthos. He's such a great character!
ReplyDeleteI have always been puzzled how he hung her so quickly without trial, without finding out more information. There is a huge dialogue gap that could have been explored as she begged for him to listen and he tried to make sense of what he had seen and read in the letter, especially as the two actors play this relationship with the most fantastic chemistry and commitment.
ReplyDeleteI am happy for Milady to remain alive as long as the scenario with Athos is brought to its natural end.
I dont think D'artagnan just telling Athos after the even will suffice - Athos needs to hear and see first hand what happened with Thomas, either from the lips of Catherine, when she incriminates herself or Milady herself.
I think that Athos and D'Artagnan's scene would be a great character moment for the two, but it wouldn't be enough, as you say, after all this time.
ReplyDeleteThe biggest effect would be certainly if Athos heard the truth from Catherine and actually fought for his old love this time. It could serve as a right ending of their story, a very powerful one for sure and a chance for a new beginning for these two broken characters.
Love the symbolism in the situations like this, so I'm with you on that.
Just hope the writers dont cop out - the worst scenario (for any of the main character storylines) would be the feeling that audience investment in the plots is left empty.
ReplyDeleteMaybe i should try fan fiction! Could be the three characters from the Thomas scene exactly where they were before only this time, Athos saves Milady, Milady kills Catherine or something like that! Milady saves Athos, D'artagnan saves Milady ....I like the idea that Milady puts Catherine to the sword!
One other small point ( i must go!): the mention of pregancy - now here's an idea - Milady was indeed pregnant - has baby after being cut from tree (say 7 months later) baby given up - oh the possibilities are endless!
Great review, totally agree with everything you said. I too am worried about Captain Treville leaving. I really hope he stays, it would be a huge loss to the Musketeers and to the show. Also agree about Milady. For the writers to keep that story alive for so long makes me think there is more to her and Thomas. I wish there wasn't because Athos has suffered long enough. I would like to see him be able to move on with his life.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
ReplyDeletePoor Athos, if he finds out she wasn't responsible like he believed, his guilt is only going to get worse. Hopefully there will be a way to make things better, then.
lol!
ReplyDeleteThey cannot swap the guilt and remorse of the possible mistakes he made over the killing of his brother for more guilt and angst if Athos is soon to find out he made a catastrophic mistake, one that cost him his sense of living and her the terrible life she then went on to lead. Certainly not into series 3 it would be a waste and poorly thought out.
ReplyDeleteThe resolving must be one they can both live with/move on from.
You made a point at the start of your review and in the previous one on Emilie about the lack of storyline/presence of Athos this series - any reasons for this? It has been commented on endlessly elsewhere, especially for episode 3 and 2 to a lesser extent.
The whole series has focused heavily in one direction or so and the next two episodes look like going the same way.
In more than one interview Tom has stated that in the end the journey that Athos takes is a good thing and from the sounds of it he will be in a much better place emotionally. Both he and Mamie have said that there characters are going to have to face some truths about themselves and deal with the past. Not sure what that mean for the show but I do think things will be cleared up between them and I do not think they will end up together but maybe they can finally go on with their lives apart without all that baggage.
ReplyDeleteAbout the lack of Athos in a lot of the episodes, I actually feel that there has been a lack of all the musketeers in all the early episodes because we were focusing so much on the guest stars and things have only improved since episode 4. Do not know where they are going to go with season 3 but am interested to find out.
Adrian said in an interview before the season started that this year's arcs would be more Aramis and Porthos led then d'Artagnan and Athos. I guessing that will exchange over next season.
ReplyDeleteI think that due to his status he could legally hand out the punishment to anyone on his land who had broken the law without a trial. He was effectively the judge and jury anyway, so a trial wasn't necessary in order to carry out her hanging if he wished it to go ahead.
ReplyDeleteohh!! something like this in the show will be great but I don't think so (I hope at least -but not too much-) or in some fan finction (I also want to read this version of the story)
ReplyDeleteAbout Treville & Porthos = if treville doesn't want to him the true it could be something really big or something he can't forgive himself. But I think it's gonna have some really big impact in the future.
ReplyDeleteAbout Thomas' death I also can't wait for the entire story to comes out and the confrontation between Catherine and Milady is something I really wanna see too (it could be epic between two dangerous women and see who's gonna win)
I agree that ALL the Musketeers have had less screentime this series - so far - than they had during the last series, I don't think Athos is a particular stand-out, if anything Porthos has been the least used so far..
ReplyDeleteJessica Pope was asked whether d'Artagnan will become more "central to the show" as he gets closer to becoming the legendry Musketeer and she favourited that tweet, which I'm guessing means yes..
ReplyDeleteAgreed
ReplyDeleteThat, unfortunately is the bit i am struggling with - of all the storylines it is the Aramis, queen, baby bit that, if i recorded the programme and didnt watch it live, i would fast forward through. I have not found any comfort in this aspect of the series at all.
ReplyDeleteAs much as i like Aramis, i am beginning to feel slightly overdosed! Maybe the series should be re-titled Aramis and (occasionally) the other three/four (Treville) blokes!!! (sorry just be facetious).
Great review, I totally agree that it was nice to finally see some Athos, and also just to focus on the musketeers instead of the royals, Rochefort, the Dauphin etc!
ReplyDeleteI'm really hoping for redemption for Milady, I always liked her and thought there was more to the events around Thomas' murder...this storyline is sure to be resolved one way or another by episode 10, and though I don't want to see her leave after this series, I'm not sure where they could take her character in series 3.
Also, I loved all those quotes!! Let's just hope that Athos doesn't hear about Aramis' nobility comment ;)