Discover Top Posts Tagged with #lescitesdor

Episode 9 - The destruction of the Solaris

Episode 9 is probably one of my favourite episodes (if not my favourite, judging by the fact that I know at least 80% of its dialogue by heart). From the chase between the Solaris and the San Miguel to the destruction of both ships to save the Incans, it encapsulates all the qualities of the show. I’ll try to only focus on the last scene of the episode, when the Solaris explodes.

It’s funny that Esteban is the one left behind for once: on any other occasion, he’s the first to get into trouble or rush to the rescue. Here, he’s forced to watch Zia surrender to the Spaniards and then he’s totally broken when it seems that they’ve disappeared. We can assume that Zia and Tao have already become very close to him: he’s spent more than five months at Zia’s side, and he’s growing closer to Tao (from gaining his trust in episode 6 to helping him / seeking trouble with him in both episode 8/9). They’re probably the first friends of his own age he's ever had and they may have become inseparable already. Esteban would’ve preferred to be on the ship with them rather than staying on the beach.

When it seems that all is lost, he finds refuge in Mendoza’s arms. For once, even the navigator is affected by the situation. He genuinely seems upset for Zia and Tao and tries to comfort Esteban (look how Sancho is also looking after him!). Mendoza’s also the first one to notice the pyramid coming out of the water and to rejoice at the sight of the two children alive. It’s heartwarming to see everyone light up when Zia and Tao appear, especially Esteban’s reaction.

As for the two of them, this scene also sets their character. Zia’s determination and fierceness is shown once more when she decides to surrender to Gomez to save her friends. She’s willing to suffer – or even die – into the hands of Pizarro if it means they’re safe. Once in the “cockpit” of the Solaris, she faces the same choice: pull the red lever and destroy both ships to save the village, even if she’s not sure they’ll both survive it, or stay safely inside but let everyone die. She shows her quick-thinking and it’s nice to see her take the initiative for once. It’s funny to see her come up with a plan while Tao is totally petrified. It would have been nice to see then act together more often in the show (the only other time I can recall is when Esteban is paralyzed by the Olmecs, but they don’t do much).

Tao is facing his own dilemma. While Zia makes her choice quickly and would rather die saving everyone than do nothing, he’s stuck between saving everyone and protecting the Solaris, his legacy. From the beginning, we know how proud Tao is of Mu’s legacy and how important this ship is to him. In his mind, the Solaris was more than a ship: we can assume that he grew up knowing its legend, and that he’s been waiting a long time to find it and use it to leave the Galapagos. The Solaris is also the first big real proof of his ancestors’ genius as well as his ticket towards the Cities of Gold. His objection to Zia’s plan might seem childish regarding the situation, but it’s understandable. On another note, it’s also funny to see him face a problem he’ll have to confront several times throughout the show. While here he’s reluctant to destroy the ship, his better understanding of his ancestors’ legacy and of the threat it might pose make him evolve into someone who would rather bury the Cities or the knowledge of Mu than see it used by bad people (from the Olmecs to Ambrosius in the next seasons).

Finally, let’s talk again about Mendoza. While episode 8 reminded us how sly and clever he can be, this scene underlines his attachment to the children and his role as a father figure for Esteban. Of course, his character development is just beginning, and he comes back to his old habits in episode 10 (becoming cold and pressing Zia to show them the road to the Cities of Gold). But it’s still nice to see his evolution step-by-step.

Since I don’t really have a conclusion this time, I just wanna list the awesome things that can be seen in this episode:

Zia holding on to Mendoza when the Solaris is first attacked by the San Miguel

Pedro trying to row slowly and pretending he doesn’t know how to do it. Also, Sancho and Pedro making fun of Alvarez.

The general incompetence of the Spaniards (with a special mention for Alvarez) and Gomez losing his mind aboard the San Miguel

The cute goodbye scene between Esteban and Zia, which is the closest hint of romance we get in the first season.

The destruction of the Solaris, while heartbreaking, is freaking cool.