Cursed: Season 1 Episode 3 “Alone” – Recap/ Review with Spoilers

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As we learn why Arthur stole Nimue’s sword, Father Calden’s plan for his genocide is introduced, alongside more familiar names from the stories of King Arthur.

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Director(s)	Daniel Nettheim
Writer(s)	Janet Lin
Aired (Netflix)	7/17/2020
Introduced This Episode
Marion	Jaye Griffiths
Tor	Richard Pepple
Ector	Peter Guinness
Morgana	Shalom Brune-Franklin

This content contains pertinent spoilers.

An Audience With Rugen – King Uther, The Widow, Merlin

While King Uther questions his alliance and trust in Merlin, Merlin seeks a being or person named Rugen. Someone who The Widow is against him meeting, but Merlin is stubborn. So despite the advice, he finds a way to get an audience and hopes his offering is enough to not get him killed.

You’ll Bring Honor To Us All – Arthur, Marion, Tor, Ector

The reason Arthur stole Nimue’s sword was an attempt to bring honor to his family. You see, his father, Tor, died in debt. A debt which, in their world, is passed down to the children and so Arthur has spent his life sometimes doing the lowliest of jobs to pay off that debt, seemingly while adding onto it.

But, there was this hope, between Nimue’s sword, Aunt Marion, and Sir Ector, Arthur could get into combat and win honor for his family. However, with the man who lost his hand to Nimue showing up, and forcing Arthur’s hand, he not only loses his uncle’s trust but the sword. Leaving him at the mercy of the Red Paladins who may burn him for holding such an item and the assumption he associates with demons.

Who Can And Cannot Be Trusted? – Morgana, Nimue, Father Calden, The Weeping Monk

Imagine waking up in a strange place, your precious item gone, and being interrogated. That is what Nimue experiences, and even with Morgana, going under the name Igraine, trying her best to look out for her, Nimue is stubborn. She doesn’t follow directions and nearly ends up in the crosshairs of Father Calden. Someone who, with The Weeping Monk by his side, comes under the impression that a fey is around.

Which, depending on how you look at it, could be the one who interrogated Nimue – hence her trying to out her. But, luckily for Nimue, and many fey folk, before Morgana whisks Nimue away, Nimue destroys the documents of The Weeping Monk, which details the location of the elders. Thus buying her people more time.

However, with the sword of power soon to be in the hands of the Red Paladins, how much time has she really bought them?

Highlights

Yay A Queer Character?

Morgana we see kissing another woman and trying to calm them as they fear what the Red Paladin will do. Naturally, this is a lovely sight to see, for who doesn’t like diversity. However, I will admit, like gratuitous violence, there is the vibe this is more so to compensate for “Cursed” not having the best story or characters. After all, how many shows get a decent pop due to having a queer character? Whether token or not.

Low Point

It Needs A Serious Jolt To Its Story & Characters

I think we’re at the point where something major needs to happen. It’s hard to say what but, as of now, the characters are almost universally dull, the battle sequences don’t inspire shock, awe, or even the need to flinch, and there is just nothing really here to inspire you to continue.

Heck, even if a fan of someone involved, unless an utter fanatic, how in the world would that be enough for you?

Summary

Trajectory – Declining

I want to continue, in hopes “Cursed” will get better, but there comes the question of what can get better? Will it get engaging characters, will the story push you to wonder what’s next? How about an epic battle sequence? What can and will “Cursed” do?