Wednesday, May 13, 2009

The Mysterious Cities of Gold - Episode Eight

At last we meet the famed Governor Pizarro. Honestly, what are the odds of landing the Solaris on the exact beach where Pizarro's armies are stationed? I thought the intention was to get away from Gaspar and Gomez, not sail right into their home port. Given that Mendoza is a navigator, and Zia seems to know a fair bit herself, there's no way they could have not avoided Lima if they wanted to.

This episode is full of accidental brilliance on the part of Esteban. Even suddenly stopping from his fear of heights probably saves him from getting crushed by the lowering drawbridge. He also comes face to face with a prophecy concerning himself for at least the second time. At least he doesn't let it go to his head, though it'd be nice if he could catch a clue once in a while.

It seems like they save a new trick of the Solaris' for every episode. This time it's a light focusing laser beam which somehow even chooses its own targets. I love how Gomez seems to think his tiny little ship will be able to damage a ship the size of the Solaris. Of course, the first mistake was Pizarro not stationing guards on the ship in the first place.

Favorite parts:

Mendoza showing Zia what the Spaniards are likely to do to her if she does not agree to decipher the golden quipu for them. He really does have a heart, even if she doesn't see it.

Tau explaining that the lever Esteban accidentally pulled was right next to what amounts to the ship's self-destruct button.


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The Mysterious Cities of Gold - Episode Seven

Ahh, back out to sea. Familiar but strange in their lovely ancient but futuristic vessel, which somehow still has plushly decorated living quarters untouched by the ravages of time. Obviously whatever material the ship is made from doesn't rust, either. Tau turns out to be an incredible nerd, running around everywhere with his nose in a book.

One thing that struck me was the comment about the wheel on the ship. Sure, we're used to seeing a convenient wheel for steering sailing ships, but apparently that was a relatively recent invention, requiring mechanical or even hydraulic systems to operate. There's no doubt that the Solaris is mechanical, and more. Despite this attention to historical detail, Mendoza anachronistically declares that the sound coming from inside the sealed metal block is mechanical in nature. So much for accuracy.

Favorite parts:

Esteban insisting that the toggle on the block was more than just a decoration.

The solar sail rising to replace the cloth one.

The Mysterious Cities of Gold - Episode Six

Now we're getting into parts of the show I don't remember at all. I did remember Tau running off with Zia, but my memory included something about a cliff, rather than a treehouse. I had completely forgotten about the hidden temple, and Tau's jar. Poor Tau...I wonder how long he's been alone like that; it's no wonder he seems a little eccentric.

I think this episode has an equal number of surprises for all parties. Sure, Mendoza's gun is a shock to poor Tau, but honestly, how can a guy who keeps a monster iguana for a pet really think it's all that frightening? This episode is the first real step into the mysterious world of the cities of gold; Mendoza's science is no longer able to explain everything going on around him. We finally get a glimpse of the true scope of the adventure awaiting us.

Favorite parts:

Tau whisking Zia off down the zipline.

The Solaris emerging from its hiding place.