1x03 Fury

Still in awe of the beautfil locations (and overall production value) of the show. Locations give the show a grand scale, i.e. Intro scene on the beach with the Demon CGI, vast greenery, etc.

Again, casting for the show is one of its strong point. The Actors that form the lead Trio (Amberle, Wil and Eretria) work well off of each other. With different casting choices these three would have fallen flat in a generic/standard fantasy story. Nice touch for the first scene the three have together to be a combo of each couples meeting: Eretria catching Amberle by surprise as Wil is in the lake (Amberle/Wil at the river with one of them wet/naked, Will being caught by surprise by Eretria, and Amberle/Eretria at knife point). What gives this scene some spark is having both Wil and Amberle finding out that the other had previously met Eretria (Wait, you know her? I'm not special?)

One thing I love about Amberle is characterization is even though she is a princess, she gets dirty. She doesn't play damsel in distress that needs to be save. Rather an active participant of the "battle". First see her risking her life (and conventions) to participate in the gauntlet, then defending herself when Wil walked in on her nake (when she deemed him a risk). Also her outwitting (barely, it was almost a tie the first time) Eretria TWICE and taking the upperhand. Yes, she is a princess and yes, she is sometimes in distress, but she don't need you to rescue her.

Eretia = Smol, but Fight Me. Also, want to give her a hug cause she looks so pained.

Really like the dynamic between Amberle and Eretria, being place as Elven vs Human/Rover (with Wil as a hybrid in the middle of them, what could be a love triangle, but it doesn't feel that way). Two women on opposite sides trying to survive, even placed at odds with each other (I mean, they've held each other at knife point SEVERAL times shortly after meeting each other) but as we've seen with Amberle saving her from a demon attack, they won't let actual harm come to the other. Note: I totally ship them!

The consistancy with the VFX, CGI and stunt work for this show is amazing. Most shows put in the money just for the pilot and you slowly see the quality of these go down as the season moves on, but, again, I am amazed this is an MTV show. Hats off to the producers! Highlight: Intro at the beach with demon. Wil using the elf stones for the first time as a demon attacks the camp.

Like the characterizations even early on: Amberle accepts the conflict going on with the Demons, as she should having been raised in Royalty, knowing that duty comes first, while Wil who is has this history he knows nothing about rejecting destiny as it is too much for him, Eretria being a prisoner of a life she didn't want making conflicting decisions of saving Wil and Amberle (which is what her choice) and kidnapping them (forced decision under duress). Wil be interesting to see more of them as their paths solidify.

The introduction of Bandon is interesting. Is his role to help the quest? Or will he ultimately betray them? Visually he might even be set up as the counterpart to Wil (Bandon is the visual opposite of Wil).

Moments I loved: 1. Mirror scene of previous episode where Amberle is checking Wil as he strips, even him saying her words back to her; 2. Amberle on Wil's case for falling into Eretria's trap (OMG, you are such a guy, falling for a pretty face). 3. Eretria/Amberle battle of wits and knives (not sure who I'm crushing on more, they are both amazing!)