Episode 3 of Willow brought all of the emotion and action, didn’t it? The gang’s quest keeps spiralling downwards, and reality is starting to sink in. Their quest won’t be easy, and sacrifices will have to made in order for Elora to succeed. Will they ever find Airk? At the moment, it seems like they’re taking two steps forward, and then eight back. What will episode 4 bring us? Let’s find out. Episode 4 is now available to stream exclusively on Disney+.
Synopsis
Willow turns into The Walking Dead this week. Graydon has been infected… And it’s only a matter of time before he’s completely consumed and becomes an empty but powerful monster. The gang take shelter in the one place they shouldn’t venture near… Nockmaar Castle, the home of the evil sorceress Queen Bavmorda. There lies Graydon’s last hope, as well as a few other surprises…
Review
It’s difficult to call this episode “down time” because the team are up against the clock. I may have had issues with last week’s episode, but it’s hard to deny Willow‘s ability to keep things exciting. Things are always moving, and the pieces are constantly shifting. Each episode brings new obstacles and as the group near the Shattered Sea, the obstacles grow much larger. With Graydon in imminent danger and the team retreating to the worst place imaginable, the stakes have just rocketed once again. While looking for a way to cure Grayden of his “illness”, it quickly becomes clear that Nockmaar Castle isn’t as dead as originally believed. Queen Bavmorda may be gone, but her spitit is still very much attached to this decrepit fortress. Suddenly, it’s a battle of the mind for Grayden and the team.
The series has been full of throwbacks to the original film, but this episode feels the most attached. Yes, the spirit of Willow has translated brilliantly into the series, but it has also done a fantastic job of standing on its own two feet. This fantastical and immersive world has been fully enhanced thanks to this show, and because we’ve moved well beyond what we already know anything can happen. Having said that thought, it is nice to have a bit of time stuck in the past. Nostalgia is a powerful tool and this show knows how to utilise it perfectly. I never imagined that this show would set an entire episode in the most pivotal places in the entire Willow mythology. Not only is Nockmaar the home of Bavmorda, it’s also where the film’s ending sequence takes place. Bavmorda has baby Elora in her clutches and is about to banish her with her magic, but at the last second Willow appears and defeats her- sort of.
Being able to explore Nockmaar was an absolute treat in terms of a visual experience. It was harrowing, desolate, and spooky- everything you want and need from a deserted castle. More than that though, it was interesting to see how Willow and Elora interacted with this familiar yet alien environment. Obviously, this place holds a special place in their hearts, unfortunately not in a good way, but it was a great chance for us and the characters to revisit something familiar. It also circles back to this convergence of new and old. We’re seeing something old through new lences and it provides a unique opportunity to reflect and build upon what we know, and this episode absolutely jumps at that opportunity.
Despite spending most of the episode strapped down and in severe amounts of pain, this episode really is Graydon’s. Tony Revolori shines in this rather dark and twisted episode. We get to see him open up abit more and his character starts to make much more sense. He seemed like this relucant companion, but there’s something else happening under the surface. He’s had his own issues to deal with, particularly in relation to his father, but he’s actually been holding onto a very dark secret. It was a surprising turn to take, especially for the most least suspecting characters. But it was a fantastic amount of development that has fully transformed Graydon into a mysterious, yet lovable and kind character. This episode however, brings out a more Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde side of Graydon, which Revolori absolutely nails. He has a lot of fun with this unique opportunity and doesn’t waste it at all.
While Willow and Elora are left to deal with Graydon, everyone else goes on their own little adventure and the effects of the castle impact each character differently. Evil visions plague the cast. But it doesn’t take them too long to work out that this castle has a few secrets of its own. This episode teases some rather interesting developments and continues to test the bonds between the characters- especially Jade and Kit. However, the highlight of the episode is definitely the time Willow and Elora spend together. When you look at it, they haven’t actually been able to spend a great deal of time with each other. Of course, despite the past they share they’re still struggling to see eye to eye. There’s a part of Willow that wants Elora to just understand magic. On the flip side of that, part of Elora still hasn’t yet come to terms with her so-called “destiny.” It’s a strenuous relationshup, but I have a feeling that the small hint of anamosity they share may actually help Elora in the future. It’s not all bad though, Elora has tapped into her magical powers and the race to save Grayden forces Elora and Willow to work together. While evidently difficult, their relationship is indeed evolving.
Verdict
Episode 4 is a great treat for original Willow fans. It’s this perfect bridge for old fans and new fans alike. We’re fully immersed in this eerie and familiar landscape, and it’s really the only downtime our characters have had, yet the stakes have never felt higher. In a way, it was just nice to spend some time with each character rather than being on the move, or battling monsters. We get to explore these characters more and we gradually get to understand what they fear, and who they truly are. They all have their own secrets, and they are gradually rising to the surface. Nockmaar is just speeding up that process. There is still a lot of distrust amongst the party, but certain relationships are forming and improving. The Shattered Sea feels like a lifetime away, but this episode seemingly provides the party with a well-needed boost. Filled with classic Boorman humor, great performances- particularly from Warwick and Revolori, and that electic chemistry that has fueled Willow with so much life, Episode 4 is a fun and nostalgic race against the clock that delivers at every possible moment.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Experience the magic of Willow exclusively on Disney+ right now. New episodes of Willow will air every Wednesday, so tune in again on December 21st for episode 5. Have you watched the latest episode of Willow? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
