Ahhhhhhhhhh ... a primo episode. One worthy of praise and study and utter delight.
We're introduced to Darius, the priest who turns Duncan MacLeod's life around. We're introduced to Grayson, played by the ever-so-lovely James Horan, who takes exception to Darius' abandonment of warfare for peacefare.
Grayson is hunting down one after another of Darius' disciples in order to force Darius from his refuge on holy ground. Duncan undertakes to protect one targeted disciple, peace monger Victor Paulus who has come to Seacouver to spread the word.
Reporter Randi notices that Duncan seems to be in the vicinity as one after another assassination attempts is thwarted. She tries to get Duncan to spill the truth, but we know that ain't gonna happen, don't we? Her assumption that Duncan is part of an ultra-secret organization makes for some interesting questions on her part, answered not-at-all by Duncan.
Grayson offers Duncan safety for his friends if Duncan will just join with him. Duncan refuses, and the inevitable battle is joined. Grayson is quite a swordsman, chasing Duncan around and almost taking his head. However, since Duncan is the star and Grayson a mere K'immie o' the week, Duncan makes a maneuver from his knees that defeats Grayson. Grayson's smile as Duncan stands over him ready to take his head is one of the most absolutely memorable moments in 6 seasons of Highlander. His grace as he falls to his knees in death proves him to be a PRIMO K'IMMIE ... a K'Immie's K'immie. RIP Grayson.
A minor plot point gets us to Paris. Tessa has gone to Paris to be a curator for a big art exhibit. Duncan is more than willing to have her go to Paris for her own safety, and for good measure, sends Richie along with her. Duncan arrives at Darius' church in Paris, to be greeted by Darius, Tessa and Richie. Darius starts to tell Richie what it was like to go a-courtin' in his youth, and Duncan walks away with Tessa ... doing the happy happy joy joy dance. Mentally, of course.
Sigh
There. Wasn't that simply wonderful? Wasn't that about as good as it gets?
Questions:
1. I think this episode points out the romance between Duncan and Tessa in deep relief. Her anger at being sent away for her own safety, even though she wants to go in order to curate the art show, is so realistic. Wow. She is sooooo conflicted. But it's all okay as soon as Duncan gets to Paris. For a subplot, this whole romance thing is done up royally. Comment or don't.
2. Isn't that Grayson a snappy dresser? Didn't he die GREAAAATTT??? Didn't he have the most marvelous voice for a villain? Deep and steely, with a hint of impatient weariness or weary impatience. Whatever.
3. Didn't they get a lot of mileage out of that Darius meets Duncan scene through the years? Wasn't that Darius a snappy dresser? [I always had a thing for guys in robes.]
4. Duncan buys a ticket for Richie to go to Paris with Tessa immediately. No problem. Former street kids ALWAYS have a passport ready for international travel, don't they?
5. Is it my imagination or did Victor Paulus give the same speech at every venue in the episode?
6. Is Duncan psychic or did he just read an awful lot into those runes Darius sent him? Don't they have phones in Paris?
7. Wasn't this just a great episode?