So, yeah, this is a thing. The episode opens with a freaky ritual done for the Lusitanian’s god, which I find fascinating. When most people think of a monotheistic religion, the abrahamic ones are most often what comes to mind. This..is clearly very different and its own thing. I’m very curious to see the finer points of this country’s theology, and what all these rituals mean.
Anyways, we pick up where we left off, with Arslan being saved by Daryun, who confronts Kharlan on his treachery. Kharlan of course says he’s got a totally good reason for betraying his king, but Daryun’s too busy thinking of kicking his ass to let him explain. Daryun is a super badass in this scene as he fights off and kills so many guys single-handedly.
Kharlan backs off, but he damage he’s done has taken its toll. The king’s advisors say he must retreat, something that has never happened in his army’s history or the history of Pars. We can see him struggle between the necessity of the situation and the shame of being the first to admit defeat. However, while we’ve seen him be arrogant and stubborn, he doesn’t choose to waste more of his men’s lives and risk his entire kingdom. He orders the retreat, but unfortunately this is another layer to Kharlan’s treachery.
Its almost fascinating to see just how much Kharlan has taken this army and hit it from every side. When the order to retreat comes down, Kharlan’s soldiers kill the messengers to signal the retreat, and has them also spread rumors that the king simply fled like a coward. This shatters the morale of the Parsian forces, making them easier to rout, as well as causing the great united army to fracture with deserters.And that’s not all. Kharlan, or possibly the masked general, planned out the king’s escape route, so he ends up walking right into an ambush.
We also get to finally see the mastermind behind this entire thing, Lord Silver Mask. He’s a very good villain and this is a good way to show him.He’s mysterious, he’s clearly intelligent and (as we see later) a great fighter, and has a history with the King. He isn’t from lusitania, just a general they took on, so nothing is really known about him. I’ll be curious to see how that goes.
However, even cornered and outnumbered, Arslan’s teacher shows he’s an old guy badass. There’s few things in fantasy more powerful than an old guy.
Unfortunately, one of those things that can beat an old guy is a man in a mask, so ObiWan here dies o Silver Mask, who takes the King (though it isn’t clear if he is killed or captured.)
One thing I like about this show is that it does cut to scenes that, while not rapidly moving the plot, does help us to delve into the world. One is of Lusitania soldiers at their battlements, seeing the Parsian soldiers still fighting, riding through flames to reach them. They’re taken aback, and acknowledge that, if this was a fair fight, the Parsians would have been truly unbeatable. Another is a few Lusitanians discussing on the war they’re fighting and the morality of it. While one is a straight crusader, who things nothing of the barbarities they’ve done, another questions it. Can they truly be fit for heaven when they’ve slaughtered so many, even children? Its scenes that add depth to the world that I really dig.
Anywho, Arslan and Daryun,cut off from the main forces, head out to a friend of Daryun’s, who apparently was an advisor to the King before he was dismissed. We meet his ward as well, an archer kid. So it looks like Arslan is getting together those who will be his principal allies in retaking his kingdom. I’m really interested in these new characters, and what fate befalls Pars, its king and all of it. It hasn’t been easy to get a peg on the series because the status quo is continually changing, but once it settles, I feel it can show more of its quality.
Episode 4
This episode further introduces Narsus, the strategist that Daryun holds in such high esteem that he’s the first he went to after the battle. However, while he respects him as general, for the most part when they interact, all he does is bicker with him about the quality of his art.
One thing particularly fun is that, Arslan himself sees Narsus’ paintings, and not very positively. However, we the audience never gets to see just how bad they are. For all we know, he’s really misunderstood and is the Van Gogh of his time, or it could be utter crap. Its a really funny moment that helps liven up the episode.
This overall was what I wanted to see more past the big battle episode. Episodes 2 & 3 were very focused on drama and action, but because of that we didn’t get to see as much of the characters and the balance between them all, which this episode provides in spades.
Well, his artistic merits aside, we get to learn more about Narsus, why he’s such a good strategist and also why he was relieved of his post and now lives as a hermit. It shows a flashback of 5 years ago, when three separate countries worked to invade Pars, and Narsus came in his father’s place due to his father’s death. However, he came with far less men than anticipated and for a very important reason.
Apparently, he is a decrier of slavery, and once his father died, Narsus freed all his slaves. Many of his own men abandoned him in disgust for this move, hence why he has so few men to bring. However, he says he can help defeat the enemy without having to spend a single of the king’s soldiers. The king is incredulous, but decides to give him his chance, if only to see him fail. And to be fair, at first it doesn’t make any sense.
However, this was all part of his plan. He frees soldiers to help substantiate a rumor between the three kingdoms that one of them is a traitor. This causes the three armies to divide up, so the Parsian forces could utterly wipe them out. Its a very brilliant scheme, and I’m curious as to if this inspired the Lusitanians in their ploy against Pars. However, despite his stunning success, he apparently still lost favor due to his anti-slavery sentiment. His constantly saying to the king he should outlaw it led to his current position, even though he really doesn’t seem to mind. Unlike other “hermits” who take up a trade but secretly long to be part of the big picture, I genuinely believe he just wants to paint for the rest of his life.
One thing he does bring up is the issue of slavery. Arslan was exposed to the idea of slavery being wrong in episode 1, now he is shown another man, one he trusts, who thinks the same way. He clearly is going through some Huck Finn shock and confusion, unable to fully know what to believe. He was raised in a world where slavery was common, normal. Seeing those who are against it cause him to reconsider his position. This greatly contrasts with his father, who is extremely stubborn and set in his ways, which both makes him willful but also causes him to be easily played.
Anyways, Kharlan’s men come poking around, due to Daryun’s own tricks. He took a path that would lead them there, to implicate Narsus as a conspirator so that he’d have no choice but to be one. Though its possible Kharlan would have tried to recruit him anyway. This is the point where they find out Arslan’s mentor has been killed, and that there’s been a complete rout. However, while offered land and titles and riches, Narsus completely rejects their offer, and disposes them in an awesome way.
I have to respect a man who puts a trap door in his own home. He basically knows now he can’t stay at his current abode, but Narsus still doesn’t want to join Arslan, due to his desire to pursue painting. It takes Arslan himself o find someway to convince him where riches and titles failed. A lot of this episode has been of reflection, both Narsus and Daryun discuss Arslan,and Arslan looks at himself and what he’s done. Daryun admires his kindness and goodness,but acknowledges he is emotionally weak and had difficulty with will. Arslan himself acknowledges this weakness, and that, without his supporters, he would have fallen so soon. Its his job as king to lead, and act in he best way he can. So, he manages to do the impossible and give Narsus an offer he can’t refuse.
This is simultaneously hilarious and awesome, especially since it works. He manages to completely get Narsus on his side, and its really good to have a scene with Arslan shining. He has proven he can fight, though is by no means a great warrior, and here, he shows how he can use his authority and earn a powerful ally. He’s going to need allies against his enemies, and its one of the most important skills a leader can have. I really want to see him grow and develop further as a prince and leader.
Overall, this has been my favorite episode so far. Narsus is a perfect blend of funny and amazing, the chemistry with the characters is great, plenty of shining moments, and I’m excited to see how the travelers make their next move. The series I feel has finally hit what will be its status quo and its really enjoyable.