Episode: 2.06 "Through a Glass Darkly"
Directed by: Andy Hay
Written by: Marnie Dickens & Adrian Hodges
Air date: 20 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"
Episode 2.05 "The Return"
Milady de Winter - There were so many incredible moments for all the fan favorite characters, yet Milady almost stole the episode for me in a few short scenes. She's both a fascinating and a very complex person which often makes her actions unpredictable and entertaining. And in case anyone was wondering what it would be like if she was on the Musketeers' side the answer can be found in this episode - she's a valuable ally and in a way, quite a perfect match for Athos. If I was more of a shipper I would probably be rooting for them after this hour. It's hard not to notice how intense and absolutely brilliant are their interactions. Every little moment with the two was among my favorite scenes of the episode. And the fact that in the end Milady managed to earn Athos' respect, despite their tumultuous past kind of sums up her actions the best. I loved seeing this different, brave and helpful, side of Milady and would surely like it to last for as long as possible. Also, she and Athos had the best lines!
- Athos is such a great character, his comments and looks he exchanges with others are always spot on. It was nice to see his support for Treville but even better to watch them team up with Milady. It's impossible not to notice he still has feelings for her. Love and hate in his case are very much entangled together. Another memorable aspect of his character in the episode? The way Athos cares about his fellow Musketeers, even if he doesn't always show it. His short conversations with Aramis and Porthos, making sure they're both okay and his smile at the end at the sight of d'Artagnan and Constance are exactly the kind of things that make him a great friend. And we couldn't have asked for a better actor to portray this Athos than Tom Burke who wonderfully embraces all the different sides of the Musketeer.
Treville - I'm glad to see Treville is acknowledging his mistake in the season two premiere. Couldn't have agreed more with his statement where he admits how he regrets the fact he refused the King's offer to be his right hand. It's beyond ridiculous how much Louis is ignoring all the Musketeers' achievements and bravery at this point and only awards and trusts Rochefort. It's great to see Treville still being called Captain by his men and acting as always as their smart and thoughtful leader. I'm certainly worried about him in the next episode after watching the promo. Hopefully he'll be fine and him and Porthos will finally make a progress in their story, with the possibility of the secret about Porthos' family being revealed.
Porthos - Porthos just has to be the strongest, the most honest and reliable of the Musketeers. Gotta love this guy. And despite there only being a few short moments with him and Aramis they were still my favorite duo of the hour. Porthos' faith in his friend's survival and his relieved and happy look when they were reunited, were both truly heartwarming. Poor Porthos had the bad luck to got stuck with Rochefort this week. Loved the contrast between them, though, how it took four men to stop Porthos and only one to imprison Rochefort. Their interactions were a very interesting change. I only wish Porthos wasn't so in the dark when it comes to Aramis' secrets. He accidentally discovered a part of Rochefort's plan about The Queen and The King but doesn't know its true meaning. Hopefully things will become much clearer soon.
Aramis - Aramis' heroic efforts to save the Queen and their baby were one of my favorite things about the episode. After the promo, we all knew about his fall, but it didn't really make the moment less shocking and hard for me to watch, when he was thrown out the window by Marmion for simply suggesting (as one would in this situation) to have mercy and let the women and the child go. Really sudden and horrifying every single time, especially considering everyone's reaction to it. And as if that wasn't enough, he just had to climb the outside walls of the fort the moment he woke up. That had to be a tough scene to shoot! Also, like I already mentioned, I loved all his little moments with Porthos, their friendship is always a highlight for me. It was great to see him root for D'Artagnan and Constance at the end with the rest. Both happy for his friends and a little hopeful that even the most impossible couples have a chance for joyful moments like this one. Of course, Aramis worrying about his loved ones during the episode made him completely miss Marguerite and that's not a good thing at all. She'll surely remember this in the near future. Looks like everything has a potential to change in the next episode. Can't wait!
- Queen Anne's strength through the situation, despite being absolutely terrified, really impressed me. As did her understanding of Aramis and Marguerite's "relationship". She realizes the impossibility of their position and takes advantage of all the little moments she gets. It was such a lovely view when she showed Aramis the baby and left the little one in his arms for protection. This was the first time they
both got to be parents to their son and sadly it probably won't happen again anytime soon. Even though their situation is quite a heartbreaking tragedy, they do seem stronger together at the times like these and I always enjoy their interactions. However they really have to work on being less obvious about their feelings in front of others. I'd be surprised if Marguerite didn't figure out there's something between them. And finally, a shout-out to Anne and Constance! Loved how great friends they've become.
Rochefort - Rochefort's obsession only gets stronger this week and we get a confirmation that he plans to get rid of the King when he's ready. He actually believes the Queen has feelings for him which only makes me really worried for what he's going to do once he finds out about Aramis and Anne. And the next episode's promo doesn't bode well for them. He's certainly smart about some things, he knew exactly what to do to end this hour as the hero in King's eyes and he didn't hesitate to take the final shot. It was definitely interesting to see him interact with Porthos, they don't actually know anything about each other and because there's no sympathy between them it was an unusual, but successful choice to put them in the cellar together. It ended up being a good opportunity to see things from Rochefort's perspective and learn about his time in Spanish prison.
King Louis - The King is annoying, shows no gratitude towards the Musketeers, blames them for everything that goes wrong, blindly trusts Rochefort and learns nothing. Nothing new, then. However, I did like how much he cared about keeping baby safe, even the Queen to some extent. I find it interesting how he has a way of always coming back to her. Not in a romantic sense, of course, but because of her constant friendship, kindness and loyalty he goes to her for support at the end, like he used to back in season one. He treats her horribly when it comes to his mistresses but there's still an understanding of sorts between the two. Also, I have to say, Ryan Gage was absolutely fantastic in his scenes with Leo Gregory. Both actors played their parts perfectly and made the entire situation all the more intense and engaging. Louis' breakdown was a heartbreaking view but the truth about Marmion's family was worse. The line "YOU starved us to death out of sheer indifference" stayed in my memory. Once again we get a proof of how little the King cares and thinks about his people. Not even wanting Milady (or anyone) to get free if has to stay behind and suffer. What a sad truth about this character. And a stunning performance by the actor.
- Speaking of great performances, I absolutely loved Luke Pasqualino's in the scene where D'Artagnan offers to take Constance's place and sacrifice his life. The two were truly heartbreaking in this moment, which only made the final scene more beautiful to watch. I'm glad we're getting to see quite a lot of D'Artagnan's interactions with the King. Of all the Musketeers, he's the one with the biggest potential to impress Louis and show him what they can do at this point. And I'd be happy to see the progress like that. It was great to watch D'Artagnan trying to talk to Marmion and help the situation. Even though he couldn't get through to him, his words helped Marmion's brother make his own choice and save D'Artagnan's life. It was a very powerful and in the end a fantastic episode for the youngest of our Musketeers. He had to witness the deadly game and it almost cost him his life but eventually he got a second chance with the one he loves most. And for a little while, at least, I'm so glad we can be happy with him.
- Last but definitely not least. Constance was certainly one of the brightest stars of this episode. She truly is one of the bravest people on the show and she confronted Marmion with just the right things to say when she was about to die. And in the end, she took the biggest risk of them all, she gave her and D'Artagnan a second chance and decided to fight for their future, no matter how hard and impossible it may seem. It was such a beautiful scene and much happier than I expected to see. I couldn't help but think it might be the beginning of the end for her character on the show. I really wish it's only a bad feeling and I will end up being completely wrong. For now, it was one of the best episodes for Constance, her courage, strength, will to fight, kindness, understanding and hopefulness only made me a bigger fan of the character. Now, let's all wish for a happy ending for her and D'Artagnan and go back to re-watch the scene (and the episode) a few more times.
Notes, thoughts and quotes:
Best Character: Milady de Winter - This one was quite an impossible choice this week as all our heroes were perfectly brave and at their best, but in the end, I wanted to give a shout-out to Milady. The fact she managed to earn Athos' respect says it all.
Best Action: The Musketeers with Milady and Rochefort come to the rescue
Best Team: Athos & Milady & Treville
Best Duo: Aramis and Porthos
Best Fun to Watch Duo: Athos and Milady
Most Intense Duo: King Louis and Marmion
Most Tragic: Marmion talks about his family
Most Joyful: All the Reunions / Constance and d'Artagnan at the end
Most Heroic: Aramis climbs the fort's walls and saves the Queen and their baby
Most Quotable: Milady,
Runner up: Athos
Memorable quotes:
1. Milady: "
Aramis is dead, the King is in terrible danger, but by all means let's discuss my moral character. We have all day."
2. Marmion (to Milady): "
You may go." Louis: "
I forbid it! If the King cannot have his freedom, no-one can!"
3. D'Artagnan: "
We can do anything if we dare, Constance." Constance: "
Do you really believe that?" D'Artagnan: "
Always."
4. Marmion (to Louis): "
It wasn't infection that killed us. It was hunger. YOU starved us to death out of sheer indifference."
5. Athos: "
That was either a wounded bull... or Porthos."
6. Milady: "
So, that is the reward for virtue. To be left with nothing." Athos: "
Not entirely. You have my respect." Milady: "
Once upon a time that might have been important to me."
Favorite to Least Favorite Season 2 Episodes Ranking:
1. Through a Glass Darkly - No doubts about it. I watched it three times already (I never do that!) and will probably re-watch it quite often. A perfect character driven episode and such a powerful story with amazing performances from the entire cast. With just the best scenes for every fan of the show.
2. Emilie
3. An Ordinary Man
4. The Return
5. Keep Your Friends Close
6. 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 27th February at 9pm on BBC 1 in the UK, and on February 28 at 9pm on BBC America!
And now, what did you think about "Through a Glass Darkly"? Any favorite scenes/quotes in the episode?
Enjoyed you review. Regarding Constance, either we're being fed some serious red herrings here, or that was one of the most blatantly obvious pieces of foreshadowing I've ever seen in a drama. I don't think anyone watching was left with any impression other than, "Right, well she's dead." As you say, we can but hope that somehow we're all wrong. Certainly if she does go, I can't help feeling that her character and it's potential has been completely wasted.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
ReplyDeleteI really hope we're all wrong about Constance. She has been one of my favorites and there's so much potential for her character that I would hate to say goodbye to her like that. D'Artagnan's story in season 3 would surely become much darker and it's not really something I'd like to see, as much as I enjoy his character development. Time will tell, fingers crossed our heroes will survive the season. I'm fully prepared for Rochefort's departure, though... ;)
Thank you for this wonderful review!! : )
ReplyDeleteMy Season 2 Episode Rankings:
1. The Return
2. Through a Glass Darkly
3. An Ordinary Man
4. Emilie
5. The Good Traitor
6. Keep Your Friends Close
As an aside, I chuckled quite a bit watching Milady waiting for someone to help her mount her horse. First, it was a servant at the observatory, and then, later, Athos. LOL. Of course, I might swallow my pride for his (or Porthos') assistance. ; )
Thank you for your kind comment and for reading!
ReplyDeleteI'm still surprised I'm actually doing the ranking, cause most of this choices are really close to each other. This season has been fantastic so far!
I loved this little bit with Milady and Athos, no wonder she waited for him ;) Or in my case, any of the Musketeers... :)
Great review and thanks for it .
ReplyDeleteI really loved all the remarks you made about the characters . Now that I've seen this episode and read your review I really appreciate this episode more than the first time.
Before this week the episode 5 was my favorite but now that I saw this one I think I really love this episode better than episode 5.
Episode 5 was really sad with all the flashback, but this episode 6 was fun to watch with the unbelieveble team ever (Rocheford and Porthos) and the team (Athos-milady-treville). But episode 5 still a little more interesting than the others. it's my second favorite episode after this one for now...
Agree with you about the milathos' act and the memorable quotes .
Now that I see Constance acts brave and a little tough, I want to see more of her bravery -as for example how she will face her husband and more-.
Even if Milady is my favorite character (especially her relationship with Athos), I really appreciate Constance now in this serie more than books or other series.
I'm completely with you on this. She's long been a favourite of mine and I'd be frankly heartbroken to see her go. Particularly after a series in which you sense that her character never really got going and that much of the promise of this spirited young woman, ahead of her time, was never really fulfilled. Her purpose it seems would simply have been to suffer and die. It would leave D'Artagnan a profoundly bitter and damaged soul and would "reward" her incredible bravery with death. I also think a depressing Constagnan ending to series one, followed by a terminally depressing ending to series two, would be worryingly repetitious. How on earth they would then enthuse many in the fan-base about series three after such an ending, I simply don't know. If series three is likely to see D'Artagnan evolving into the legendary Musketeer we know he becomes, doing this without any form of emotional connection for the character, would feel very hollow to me. He, perhaps more than any of the other Musketeers, craves love and thrives on it. The idea that he would be left with nothing emotionally, would make series three a very bleak prospect. Equally where it would leave the other female characters, I don't know.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading! It's very kind of you to say this.
ReplyDeleteMilady was a very interesting character from the start of the series and her scenes with Athos always ended up being one of my favorites but she's really growing on me this season. After the last two episodes I can't wait for her confrontation with Catherine!
Hi Justyna! Your review perfectly explain why this episode is so special for most of the fans.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't a big fan of Milady in S1, or Milathos in general, but now i found myself really intrigued in their dinamic and in Milady as single character. It's like the Cardinal's death gave her -and the rest of the gang- more space and time for being better explored.
I'm enjoying more even Constagnan. I always liked them as single character, but in this season i found myself more open to them as couple, mostly because of D'Artagnan's upcoming maturity. I really liked how he was dealing with Marmion and trying to protect both the King and Constance.
Our baby musketeer is definitely growing up!
"I only wish Porthos wasn't so in the dark when it comes to Aramis' secrets. He accidentally discovered a part of Rochefort's plan about The Queen and The King but doesn't know its true meaning."
I bet we were all wishing the same thing!
Though the conversation between Porthos and Rochefort made me even more curious about Rochefort's obsession for the Queen.
"Her feelings for me aren't changed" I'd really like to know how he jumped at this conclusion, since she was really young when they both were in Spain. The time of imprisonment dangerously increased something that already was in his mind. I hope we will find out more of that in the future. Maybe in a some kind of "i believed you loved me!" conversation.
Aaand, in the end, Annamis time!
Aramis basically saved his family here, wow. And you understand how little time he had with his baby when he's the one carrying him through the escape.
Anne strength towards the all episode was matching Aramis' one. I loved the way she comforted Marguerite and firstly searched for the window, probably wondering if Aramis were somewhere out there or if there were a possibility for escape.
Also, the look they shared when Constagnan were kissing is fundamental.
We started the season not knowing at 100% their position on an emotional level, so after "Emilie" this episode -and that moment in particular- had been very precious.
Now i noticed that i talked a lot about the ship, but obviously the boys and their cool statement in finding each other alive were fantastics.
"I heard you break a window" - "Better that then m neck"
"Next time try to use the door" - "Cool nod"
"Bring the Queen to safety. And come straight back"
As i couldn't love them more!
Awesome review this week Justyna, thanks :)
ReplyDeleteIt was a superb character driven episode, with some gorgeous moments in it. Both the regular cast and the two guests, Leo Gregory and Nathan Wright, performed a blinder and Hay's direction and Englishby's music were as spectacular as ever :)
Well said! I don't think you've left me anything to say as we agree on so many points. Fingers crossed we're just overthinking this and the writers won't finish the season with such a cruel tragedy.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome but thank you for taking time to make it, :).
ReplyDeleteI also want this confrontation to happen.
"As i couldn't love them more!" Ditto!
ReplyDeleteThank you for such a long and insightful comment! I loved reading it. And I get why you said so much about the couples, they all had many wonderful (and hopeful!) moments in the episodes and no wonder their scenes quickly became fan favorites.
Milady and Athos have so intriguing dynamics that I can't help but want to see more of their interactions. D'Artagnan and Constance are really winning me over this season as a couple after D'Artagnan's great character development and Anne and Aramis are truly great characters and it's impossible not to root for a little happiness for the two.
I think things are definitely going to get a lot tougher, for all of them, before they get better. I remember them saying at the screener I went to that things do get very grim as Rochefort is such a hands on baddie this year. But they also said that because he is so truly evil, when they do beat him it makes them more heroic and dashing. I can't see someone like Constance dying being part of plan if they are to end the season as the true heroes they described, they would have lost rather than won if that was the case imo. So I am erring towards believing that she will make it out ok tbh :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sandi!
ReplyDeleteI always love these character driven episodes, especially if they're both full of action and emotions. The entire cast was spectacular, the direction beautiful and I can't believe I forgot to mention how much I loved the music in the episode. It was perfectly composed in the story!
It sounds like we will finally get a soundtrack this year too! Jess tweeted this when we asked her last week :)
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/PopeJessica/status/568142753537916929
Thank you for that. Already made me feel better :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I just love seeing the Musketeers heroic and dashing, that's when they're at their best! Now I'm even more excited about the last few episodes :)
Fantastic news! Thanks for sharing. The music is always great on the show but it really impressed me, even more than usually, this week!
ReplyDeleteI'm sincerely hoping that's the case Justyna. I think a lot of the concern regarding Constance comes from the character's ultimate fate in the novel and the inclusion in this series of Rochefort. In truth, many of us have been fearing her loss since series one. Personally, I don't see how Constance's death could act as any kind of viable springboard to D'Artagnan becoming the ultimate Musketeer. It could make him a soulless killing machine with nothing to lose, certainly but I think it's much more likely that he'd be haunted by his inability to save the one person he clearly valued more than his own life. Adrian said that he felt we learnt more about Aramis and Porthos this year than Athos and D'Artagnan. It would be odd then that a series so heavily focused on the narrative for those two characters would ultimately become essentially a Constagnan tragedy.
ReplyDeletegreat news ! finally we'll have one yeh! , thanks sandi for asking .
ReplyDeleteThat is extremely comforting Sandi, thank you. I can definitely see them all being in an almighty scrap for survival at the end but the sheer weight of such a tragedy, at this point would just be devastating and as a series finale, would be incredibly hard to recover from I would have thought. How it ultimately ends is another matter but the show is still on a continuum at this point and for many this would feel very much like the end.
ReplyDeleteNo worries hun. I do have to say that this is only my thoughts on what's been said in the past, I have no knowledge, so to speak. So it can't be taken as gospel. But, with the Musketeers 'losing' every ruddy week at this point in the season, they have to have a bloody huge 'win' coming at some point if they are going to be the true heroes that they spoke of in the promotional stuff at the start of the season. Losing Constance just can't possibly make it any kind of win situation in my eyes.
ReplyDeleteBecause Adrian has described d'Artagnan as "loving" you get the impression that out of all the Musketeers, he's the one most likely to want to have a wife and children and it would be interesting to indeed have this be one of the aspects that seperates him from the other Musketeers, as well as having the King's respect - hopefully...... eventually......... Aramis is clearly a romantic but as Isabel said, he's not one for being tied down, he craves adventure - which is why he's had a Cardinal's mistress and a King's wife as his lovers..
ReplyDeleteWhatever happens to Constagnan, the issue of Bonacieux needs to be delt with, so that the two of them can move forward and not face an endless cycle of 'will they or won't they' because that would be tedious and nuts.. I want Athos getting over Milady for similar reasons.
Great review.. :)
ReplyDeleteD'Artagnan gradually gaining the King's trust and respect is definately something I want to see going into the third series, it would be such an important part of his moving forward as a Musketeer.
Completely agree. They've been kicked from pillar to post this year, with Rochefort lionised by the King. It would be impossible to construct the death of Constance as any kind of win and would certainly obscure any defeat of Rochefort. Certainly you'd struggle to exit that finale with a group hug and a cry of "All for one and one for all!"
ReplyDeleteOh Sandi! You've given me hope!!! I just said in the other thread that I was starting to feel desperate. I do love the idea of them exploring a relationship under difficult circumstances. Why do TV shows always feel they have to keep characters apart to make their story interesting? I hope you are right. I am so in love with this couple!
ReplyDeleteWonderful review, Justyna! This is definitely my favourite episode so far and I am embarrassed to say I've watched it WAY more than three times! I just hope you're wrong about Constance - I am practically holding my breath for the finale at this point - I'm so worried about her!
ReplyDeleteRead your review at work but hate posting anything on my phone so waited till now. Great Review...and agree with pretty much everything. One of my favorite episodes to date.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Don't be embarrassed, it's not like I'm planning to stop after three... :) Fingers crossed Constance will be okay!
ReplyDeleteSuperb news! Thanks Sandi - I'll definitely be buying! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Sandi - that's calmed my fears as well! I know you don't know for certain about Constance but it's reassuring what you have said. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you Justnya :) This has totally been my favourite episode of the series so far. I've also lost count of how many times I've watched it. There was such a good balance between action and character developments - it was so perfectly done. I am also fearing for Constance, as others are, but I am hopeful that the writers/producers will see the worth in not killing her off and rewriting her story.
ReplyDeleteI have so many favourite scenes from this episode - very predictably, I love the ending with Constance/d'Artagnan, the scene when Louis has to choose between rooms 1 and 2, Milady riding in to the garrison, d'Artagnan begging Marmion not to kill Constance, Aramis saving Anne/Marguerite, etc. I absolutely loved both the guests, Nathan Wright and Leo Gregory - they were fantastic, strong performances. My favourite quote has to be Milady to the boy at the Garrison: " What? You've never seen a woman before? From the look of you, probably not."
Ha yes, that was a funny line from Milady, made all the more amusing that she then proceeded to swipe his meat and take a large, rather suggestive, bite out of it.
ReplyDelete