User Reviews

There are many rock-solid scenes and plotlines in this episode, the finale of it especially being beyond excellent. Princess Celidon (that's how I'd spell her name based on how it's pronounced, though this isn't the proper way apparently) is a truly praiseworthy character and one to whom I can relate a lot: she's the only one that stands by her beliefs and doesn't go against tradition based on blind faith and flimsy/absent evidence, and the Skeksis - when playing above the table and in absence of evidence to the contrary - have been nothing but trustworthy, forthcoming and respectable. Moreso, Princess Celidon gives audience to Deet to learn the claims of "the Darkening", showing that she legitimately cares about good governance and problem-solving even when it's at odds with the prevailing beliefs, prejudices or policies, so long as it doesn't stray into heresy and rebellion. And even in later episodes, when her storyline devolves a bit, her stance is the only meaningful one and would have paid off were it not for the fall from favour of The Chamberlain and the impunity of The General (who at this time bows his head to her as the All-Maudra, you'll note!). The dialogue between The Chamberlain and Rian is another particularly excellent segment, showing the absolute brilliance of the former...

...except, hold on, why does Rian escape? And if he changed his mind, his escape and the entire rebellion is entirely the fault of The Chamberlain for failing to stop his carriage (why would he possibly not?! It's even worse than the draining!) ...And hold on, how did The Chamberlain knew where The Hunter was to arrive in time?.. Not to mention the infantile bits like the Skeksis' volunteer selection. All of that cheapens the episode, unfortunately.