Just seen these. And what can I say? I mean, holy phuck with a ph! Wow! This is brilliant!
I’ll take it as read that we all remember the original Annointment Trials 5-parter, which provided some of the most memorable moments of the entire series. The writers here have managed to cram all of that into a mere two episodes, including a very real threat elsewhere. While Lion-O is fighting for his life in the trials, the others have their biggest difficulties to overcome yet, getting captured by Slithe and co.
Actually, I’ll admit at first that the comic relief scene when they’re eating and Lion-O doesn’t manage to get a single bite, I first thought was overdone a little - but considering how dark and intense things get, and how quickly, that thought quickly evaporated.
In a way, the reason for the trials here is better than the reason in the original series. Having it as the immediate precursor and prerequisite to a formal coronation made it feel like some big final exam after months and months of hard study. And while exams can certainly be important, the trials here have much more of a purpose - Lion-O is killed at the start of the episode and must complete the trials to have a second chance at life. Also, a most excellent use of Jaga in the spirit realm. While Jaga’s appearances to Lion-O were often a bit random in the originals, his appearances here follow a carefully set code. In the book, or the spirit realm, there he can see him.
As for the trials themselves . . .
The kittens’ trial is good, about how you have to trust ALL your senses, not just your eyes. If Lynx-O had been part of the team at that point in the original series, his trial would doubtless have been something equivalent to this. The pickpocketing theme of this trial is perfectly suited to the characters of the kittens in this show, and a lot less contrived than the Maze Of Infinity in the original.
Cheetara’s trial of speed is much the same as it was in the original, Lion-O figuring out that there’s another way to do things, he knows he can’t beat her in a straight race so he takes the shorter route. Although with the birds up above it feels like cheating a bit. Oh well, I’ll let it slide. The birds thing is actually an homage to the first trial in the originals, when he used a bird to fly him across acid lake. Nicely done.
Panthro’s trial is THE classic “you have to do it in a different way to the one you think” challenge. Not much to say about this one, but the final lines, “I thought this was a trial of strength.” “It was - your greatest strength is as a leader.” - are great.
Of course, in all three of these trials, the opponents are dropping hints so much they could be charged with littering . . .
And then his trial against, about keeping control of his emotions - and BOOM! He loses! This didn’t happen in the original, we’re all thinking - how can he get back now? Even though we know in our heart of hearts that of course he will, we’re at a loss. And then Jaga appears again and offers him the deal. Which of course he accepts. And then breaks free of his rocky underwater prison with such ease that you wonder why he didn’t manage it the first time . . . but that’s a minor quibble. He then follows the directions Kit has carved out for him . . .
Meanwhile of course, the other cats have their hands full. Captured by the Lizards, who also have the sword, they escape, thanks to new King Tygra distracting the enemy generals for long enough for the kittens to pick the locks - a skill they demonstrated earlier in Journey To The Tower Of Omens. They escape, but Slithe retains the sword. They follow them to Mumm-Ra’s pyramid, where the action is fairly generic and predictable, but still good.
Lion-O, when he starts following, well, hops on a bird again, “finally learning the lessons” - and tricks Slithe, Addicus and Kaynar into the cell. Why they didn’t just trap him inside right off is another matter . . . but one thing. Kaynar’s cackling is very evocative of the original Jackalman (and indeed, I keep having to remember not to call him by that name, ditto Addicus).
Mumm-Ra’s transformation inside his own pyramid is a little more impressive than previous occasions, but Robin Atkin Downes just doesn’t have the same gravitas as Earl Hammond when uttering that catchphrase.
Oh - and one thing I forgot to say last week. The music is starting to get very evocative of James Horner’s music for Star Trek II & III. And indeed other James Horner scores and other Star Trek films. Speaking as a fan of both Horner and Trek, I give that my blessing.
Overall then? Best pair of episodes yet.
