© BBC Pictures Episode: 2.09 "The Accused"
Directed by: Nicholas Renton
Written by: Simon J Ashford
Air date: 20 March 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"
Episode 2.06 "Through a Glass Darkly"
Episode 2.07 "A Marriage of Inconvenience"
Episode 2.08 "The Prodigal Father"
Queen Anne - The Queen's strength and courage in the face of this complete catastrophy are the most impressive view. I absolutely loved watching Anne bravely confronting Rochefort and not giving up, even when she had to watch her child being taken away from her or was being humiliated by the man she once called a friend. Not to mention the painful truth about Spain's and her brother's possible involvement in her current situation. Any of these things could easily break her heart and spirit, but it never happened. And once she learned the news about the King's condition, her plan to come back to the castle, despite knowing what it means for her, has surely left all the Musketeers proud to be her protection. Her moment with Aramis must have been hard for her in the circumstances, so it was lovely to have her admit she didn't regret what happened between them. Even if it's only a dream, it's a good one and a little smile on her face meant a lot in the situation. She's certainly doing better than Aramis and Constance at this point. Alexandra Dowling has been fantastic this season! It makes me really glad that the Queen has such a significant plot and more screentime lately.
- This season has been absolutely heartbreaking for Aramis. He seems to be slowly breaking down since episode one. He had a better moment after "Emilie" but there's so much more sadness and pain for his character this year. He and Athos can definitely bond over their tragic stories. Though his relationship with Marguerite can surely be called the biggest mistake he made this season, I feel so sorry for the guy, I can hardly blame him for his poor judgment. At the end of the episode, he's finds himself in the worst possible situation, accused of treason and (almost) sentenced to death, in the cell next to Constance. It seems like such a lost cause at this point that I honestly can't imagine a happy ending for Aramis this season (even though I don't doubt he'll survive) and it's such a painful thought to consider for one of my favorites. On the better note, I'm so glad all his friends finally know the truth. Their reactions were one of the episode's best (and positive) moments. And it's a wonderful thing to see everyone having his back in this mess. I so hope he'll at least get a chance to confront Rochefort in the end. That would be a great fight!
- Right now, Porthos is the best (and only) hope for Aramis, the Queen and Constance. And he doesn't even realize how much worse things got after he left on his mission to bring a proof of Rochefort's treason. Luckily, Porthos is just the perfect person to trust with something so important and I have no doubts, he won't stop until he finds something to save them all. So we can at least stay calm about that. And I just loved Porthos' reaction to Aramis' secret. Of course he was angry, but he was also the most supportive friend one could wish for. He's the one I wanted to know the most, since the two are clearly best friends, so I was glad to see their honest conversation after the reveal. Maybe his support is exactly what Aramis missed this season the most. I recently re-watched some of the moments with these two from season one and was reminded just how much I love their friendship. I hope to see more of them and Porthos in general once the show comes back with season three.
Treville - Captain, our Captain! His reaction to Aramis' news was just so true to his character and fun to watch that I'm not entirely sure how many times I've seen it. He was angry and shocked for sure, but it didn't stop him from being completely on his people's side and protect the Queen with pride and respect. Though, I can't help but think how different things could be if he accepted that King's offer back in the season premiere... Anyway, he had many great interactions with the Musketeers, the Queen and even Milady in "The Accused". And I'm always happy to see him being such a strong and wonderful leader for the group. His loyalty and honor shine through all these dark events.
Athos - If there was a contest for the saddest character of the episode, Athos would certainly be one of its frontrunners (with Aramis, Constance and Milady). It seems that for the first time he actually asked Milady about her side of the story about Thomas' death and it's sadly clear that the truth might just bring him more guilt and pain, as we could witness in his heartbreaking conversation with Anne. Though it may help him accept his feelings for her, which I don't think anyone could deny at this point. Let's hope for a chance to change things for Athos, a new beginning, no matter where it leads, can be exactly what he needs after the last few painful years. Now, despite all of this, Athos still remains one of the most quotable characters on the show (and they all have great lines!). The entire moment when he revealed the truth about Aramis' affair with the Queen was so amazingly done. "There's more" and his expressions were just spot on. It's a fantastic episode for Tom Burke and Athos' fans. Athos was supportive, smart, sarcastic (even funny at times), passionate, angry and hurt - like we all know and love.
- Milady continues to be a real scene stealer this season. She always had a very interesting story, but I never expected to become such a fan of her character. Her scenes with Athos are some of the show's best and I absolutely love seeing the dynamics between these two. It's intense, emotional, amazingly acted and immensely entertaining. Their scene in Rochefort's office will surely become a fan favorite. And I really enjoyed the music in its background, this show has such a wonderful soundtrack. Though I admit I expected something more from Milady's confrontation with Catherine. She never even tried to fight her, like she just gave up. Catherine, bitter, vengeful Catherine was quite a pathetic view. But there is a big chance it wasn't the last time we've seen her. It looks like I was
almost right about Thomas' murder (probably like most of the fans). He really did attack Anne and she had to defend herself, but it appears Catherine might not have been so involved in this, like I suspected. To be honest, I'm not sure if we're ever going to be completely done with this plot. It's such a turning point for both Athos and Milady that they may never find peace and closure after that events. However, after season two's brilliant run, I'd love to see a true redemption arc for Milady. If only to have her team up with the Musketeers more often. They're such a great team at times! I have a few speculations about Milady's role in the finale and hopefully at least some of them will turn out to be true. And a shout-out to Maimie McCoy for her performance in the hour! Milady and Athos's quiet breakdown before visiting Rochefort's office was so beautifully acted by both actors.
Rochefort - I'm going to try and remain calm here and say that now Rochefort has officially crossed all the lines. And no, I don't even refer to his plots against the King, his treason and attempts to execute Aramis and the Queen for their actions. What happened to Dr Lemay, the poor, kind soul and a truly innocent man was horrifying, so much more than I can say. It was cruel, brutal, heartbreaking and painful to watch. And Rochefort forced Constance to witness this shocking execution. I can't even begin to describe how sick his behavior has become. His twisted game and what he's doing to Marguerite, bringing this lost woman down with him, is making me wish him the worst of endings. It's also quite impossible how someone so insane can be so clever and a good strategist at the same time. He's definitely one complicated and broken (in the strangest way) person. Hopefully it's not long until even the King will see it. I can't imagine Rochefort getting away with his actions at the end but kudos to Marc Warren for such a powerful performance every single episode.
- Poor Constance! Her loyalty and kind heart left her in the worst possible situation in the episode. Her witnessing Dr Lemay's murder was the most powerful scene of the episode and her complete breakdown was marvelously acted by Tamla Kari. She was so strong in her confrontation with Rochefort and even in the final scene of the hour she remained calm and brave in the face of close death. Her decision to stay behind created a short argument between D'Artagnan and Porthos but Constance's courage will always make me truly impressed with her character. And I remain hopeful she'll find a way out of this tragic situation and get a happy ending after everything that's happened in both seasons. She could certainly use a break from all of the life or death circumstances.
D'Artagnan - D'Artagnan's desperation after letting Constance stay in the castle couldn't be more clearer. These two finally got their chance only to end up in the middle of another tragedy. But still, I feel like they have the most potential for a happy ending so I think they're gonna (
have to) be fine. His reaction to Aramis' affair was pretty hilarious, though I honestly would expect more of an understanding from him, considering his own experience in loving someone he couldn't be with. Oh, D'Artagnan, then! But I can't wait to see him at his most heroic self (my favorite!) in the finale. Things are looking very intense and crazy for our young hero. Fingers crossed.
King Louis - Louis, Louis, Louis. I like how he wasn't willing to accuse the Queen of treason so easily. Sure, he might not be a great person, or a good husband, but back in season one, I always enjoyed the little moments when he seemed to listen to Anne. They were always more like friends than a couple but I'm hoping it's enough for him to at least start to see how Rochefort is manipulating him. It's been an entire season. I don't think I even like the King at this point. But there's no denying that Ryan Gage is truly shining in this role and I'm always happy to watch his fantastic work on the show. Kudos!
Notes, thoughts and quotes:
Best Character: Queen Anne
Best Duo: Aramis and Porthos & Athos and Milady
Most Horrifying/Most Shocking: Dr Lemay's death
Most in Need to Leave: Rochefort
Most Helpful: The Nun copies Rochefort's handwriting
Least Helpful: Marguerite &
Runner up: King Louis
Best Quotes: Athos
Saddest Moment: Athos asks Milady about Thomas
Best Reaction: The Musketeers after learning about Aramis' affair
Most Unnecessary: Porthos and D'Artagnan's argument
Memorable quotes:
1. Athos: "
Aramis slept with the Queen." Treville: "
You didn't try to stop it?" Athos: "
If I'd known what he was going to do, I would have shot him there and then."
2. Rochefort: "
Too late for that, madam." Anne: "
You will address me as Your Majesty!"
3. Aramis: "
I've never met a woman like her. Her courage, her endurance, her kindness... and she needed me."
4. Athos: "
If Rochefort's advances to the Queen are treason, what does that make yours?" Aramis: "
Love." Athos: "
I'm sure the King will appreciate the difference."
5. Athos: "Do you still maintain that my brother tried to rape you?" Milady: "Why would I lie about it?" Athos: "You lied about everything." Milady: "You would never have married me if you'd known the truth about my past." Athos: "You sold yourself to the cardinal." Milady: "What else did I have to live for? "Why not become the woman you believed me to be?"
Favorite to Least Favorite Season 2 Episodes Ranking:
1. Through a Glass Darkly
2. The Accused - It was powerful, intense, emotional, breathtaking and
so good. It could be a number one on my list but I just love happy endings too much.
3. Emilie
4. An Ordinary Man
5. The Return
6. The Prodigal Father
7. Keep Your Friends Close
8. A Marriage of Inconvenience
9. 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 Saturday March 21 at 9pm on BBC America and Friday 27th March at 9pm on BBC 1 in the UK!
And now, what did you think about "The Accused"? Any favorite scenes/quotes in the episode?
Great review....I agree with all of it. These last few episodes have been so great that I am going to be sad when it is over tonight. Thank god we get a season 3.
ReplyDeleteThank you for another wonderful review!! : )
ReplyDeleteMy Season 2 Episode Rankings:
1. The Accused
2. The Return
3. Through a Glass Darkly
4. The Prodigal Father
5. An Ordinary Man
6. Emilie
7. A Marriage of Inconvenience
8. The Good Traitor
9. Keep Your Friends Close
Bring on the finale!! I await it with baited breath!!
I always love reading your reviews, thanks yet again for a fantastic insight and roundup of the characters as we head into the last episode!
ReplyDeleteMilady and Athos positively smouldered throughout the episode, both Maimie and Tom have impressed me this season and I have loved their performances apart and together. He can say so much without words, and then be so very dry and witty when he does speak, while she has become one of the most compelling characters on TV this season. There's so much depth and fragility in her which Maimie has brought to the surface, I sincerely hope that there will be more next year too!
Ali Dowling has been very impressive this season too, I loved seeing Anne's strength in An Ordinary Man, and she has been outstanding these last couple of episodes. I particularly enjoy her scenes with Marc Warren, they play off each other wonderfully on screen together - as he does with Ryan Gage too imo. All three of them instinctively know how to pitch the ebb and flow of emotion around the script to build the story effectively.
Thank you for reading & another kind comment!
ReplyDeleteLooks like I'm not only one who's still doing the ranking ;) Love your top 3 choices, it's been such a fantastic season!
Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe we have only one episode left, most of us anyway ;)
I loved season 2 and I'm SO happy we're getting season 3.
Thank you Sandi! I really loved all our Musketeers articles this year on SpoilerTV and I think I'm going to miss them just like the series :) All the speculations and fan comments were great!
ReplyDeleteAnd you know, Milady and Athos have always had some really great, interesting scenes but this year they're really stealing the show at times. Absolutely loved both actors' performances this year!
All of the actors had a chance to shine this season, in my view, Alexandra, Ryan, Marc, Santiago, Luke, Tamla, Howard and Hugo all had their awesome moments!
Agreed, the performances have been first class from all of the leads, and they have all had a chance to shine as you say. That is why I think the fans are drawn to the show in the huge numbers that they are, and why they are so, so passionate about it!
ReplyDeleteI love the community of Musketeer fans we have on the site too, we have been very fortunate to have such intelligent, thoughtful and respectful comments from around the world about the show we all love. I'm sad that this season is so very nearly over, but we still have a lot of speculating to do about next year in the new Filming Watch post that will go up soon. I sincerely hope that fans will stay and continue the momentum through the hiatus, so that the BBC see how much support the show has. Hopefully it will get a better slot next time and not suffer the breaks that we have had this year.
I couldn't agree with you more re Porthos and Aramis. Especially Aramis. The poor guy deserves a break.
ReplyDeleteIt will forever drive me mad that he's come out looking like the only one who messed up. Oh he slept with the Queen. Well, yes but she also slept with him. He didn't persue her and he certainly didn't force himself on her. It drives me mad when I read comments like 'he should have kept it in his trousers'...perhaps but don't tell me the Queen didn't know the consequences. Aramis saying he didn't want anything to happen to her because of him- she could have said the same thing. And the whole baby situation just piles on the heartbreak for him and yes, re Marguerite he should have kept it in his pants but I can't even bare discussing that mess of a character. I get that the rest of the Musketeers can hardly go about questioning the Queen about whether she actually loves Aramis, what exactly did she think she was doing and call into question her morals for having a baby from a man that's not her husband but seeing Aramis cop it all makes me wish I could.
I don't get how Milady killed Athos's brother in self defense from what they showed us. Right afterward she is in a pure spotless white dress without a hair out of place. I think Milady did kill him as a way to stop him from telling Athos about her past and now they are changing that to it really having been that he attacked her as a way to let it be okay if she winds up with Athos because they have become fan favorites. A suprise stabbing as he moved to find Athos could leave her still looking perfectly dressed and coiffed and not covered in blood. But I find it very hard to believe she ended up looking like that after a violent attack that forced her to stab him in close quarters. Unless they change up her past as well, she is certainly not a nice woman when Athos meets her. She and her priest (!) lover (who she seduced) are pretending to be brother and sister when Athos meets her and she has already committed a number of crimes letting others take the blame.
ReplyDeleteLove your reviews I really can't wait to read your thoughts on episode 10 :-) The Queen has quickly become my favorite character this season Ali is just wonderful. And I think Rochefort is not only a great foe for the Musketeers but for the Queen as well and imo she is definitely holding her own! My poor, poor Aramis I have been a fan of Santi's long before the Musketeers and I have to say he has impressed me with his portrayal of a darker, deeper and more complex Aramis. This is an incredible show with some mesmerizing characters brought to life by great acting and writing it will be a long wait for series 3!
ReplyDeleteHmm, that's interesting observation. Thanks for sharing! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure about the dress, but I don't think the writers are changing the story because she and Athos are one of fan favorites. I always suspected there was more to Thomas' death than we were told in season one, there were clues and hints from the beginning, which is probably why Milady acting in self-defence has become such a popular theory with the fans.
Thank you so much for such a kind comment! Something tells me there will be a lot to say about the finale ;)
ReplyDeleteI really liked the Queen back in season one, but Ali is so amazing this year that the character only got better in my eyes. Also, yeah, Santiago is probably the actor I knew the best before the show started and he was incredible in his performance as well! But poor, poor Aramis. It's painful to see him like this.
Thank you for reading & commenting! :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, I also don't agree with people making Aramis responsible for everything that happened. Sure, he made mistakes. But so did everyone else. And it's really not okay that he's the one who often gets blamed the most. If someone needs to be blamed, how about we start with Rochefort?