Friends and Watchers.
The Watcher oath seems to indicate that Watchers should not mingle their affairs with those of Immortals. Joe took that oath long, long ago, but as is so often the case, he decides that friendship should override the oath. Charlie DeSalvo tries to assassinate Immortal Andrew Cord, not knowing what an Immortal is, much less that Cord is one. When the attempted murder doesn't take, MacLeod cannot dissuade Charlie from further encounters.
Cord killed Charlie's lady Mara in the Balkans, and attempted to kill Charlie, and Charlie is naturally rather pissed. Mac would like to challenge Cord and put an end to it, but Joe begs him not to kill Cord. Mac and Cord fight once and Mac wins, but allows Cord to go free because of Joe's request. Joe's reason for protecting Cord is that Cord saved Joe's life in Viet Nam. So everyone has good reasons for what they do. It just doesn't work out.
Charlie and Cord meet and battle it out. Charlie ends up on the losing end of Cord's knife, and Duncan arrives to comfort Charlie in his dying moments. Duncan explains about Immortality, which keeps his promise to Charlie to explain things before Charlie dies. Duncan meets Cord and takes his head, then explains to Joe that they can't be friends anymore.
Questions:
1. Whose fault is it that Charlie dies?
2. Joe wanted to protect Cord. Mac wanted to protect Charlie. Cord and Charlie both died. This does not bode well for the MacLeod-Dawson Bodyguard Business, does it?
3. Mac and Joe's friendship runs hot and cold and every variation in between. Is there real friendship there, or do Joe's hero worship and Mac's tolerance fill in the gaps? Is the Watcher's oath a handy excuse on both sides to break off the relationship when occasions warrant?
4. Brothers in Arms is an interesting title for this episode, dealing with promises, betrayal and death. Who are the brothers, and do their actions belie that relationship or fulfill it?