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| Image from Marco Polo, streamed via Netflix |
To be honest, the first time I watched Marco Polo, I feel asleep a few times during this episode. That is not a commentary on the overall quality of the episode, simply how tired I was when I initially watched this. As such, when I re-watched this episode so I could write this recap, it was actually the first time I saw the fight between Kublai and Ariq.
Following Kublai's victory against his treacherous brother, the camera kept panning from the Khan to Marco, and back again. I could only assume it was to underscore the alien-ness of what Marco just witnessed from his Venetian merchant's son's point of view. Still, the camera movement also served to underscore perhaps the show's biggest challenge --- it's main character is not nearly as compelling as the supporting cast who surround him.
As a lead, Lorenzo Richelmy isn't bad, and I truly do appreciate the eye candy (though I prefer Remy Hii, who portrays Prince Jingim). I cannot fault the creative choice of viewing 13th century Mongolia and China from the eyes of a foreigner who has never before travelled outside the confines of a thriving European city. It is just that the other characters are so good, the awkward beginning's of Marco's romance (you just know it is going there the first time they see each other) with the Blue Princess feels juvenile.
Kublai Khan (Benedict Wong) has filled the hole left in my TV viewer's heart by Robert Baratheon. We meet Kublai at the height of his empire, though he is no longer a young man. When he fought his brother in single combat, that it was difficult for him to even get off his horse made the scene even more poignant. This was a man who has led with strength, and must once more prove it when physically, he was not at his strongest anymore. The way he blocked a broadsword's thrust with his armoured arm showcased the force of this leader's will more than his palace, or his harem, or the disciplined line of soldiers who followed him.
When we met Mei Lin in the Pilot, she was providing her particular brand of services to a government official at her brother Jia Sidao's bidding. Here, the Chancellor went too far and actually gave three soldiers permission to bed his sister, an Imperial Consort and mother to the now dead emperor's daughter. Mei Lin initially did a seductive dance, then, when she was n@ked, killed all three soldiers with such graceful expertise, it made me wonder why she does not turn her talents against her brother, especially when he threatened her daughter's life. Mei Lin now has a new assignment --- travel to Cambulac, win the favour of the Khan, and report back to Jia Sidao.
I welcome Mei Lin's move to Cambulac, mostly because it would give her a chance to interact with other fascinating characters like the Khan's favoured wife Lady Chabi. Jia Sidao is perfectly capable of making the scenes within the Song dynasty compelling on his own. The cricket minister struggling not to roll his eyes at the new child emperor is a more exciting character moment than Marco's night time rides.
Strays
■ "...I had to become the man I wished my father was." Sigh. I just had to re-watch this episode at this particularly trying period.
■ Whereas ravens are the preferred messengers of the Westerosi, the people of Cambulac use falcons.
■ Marco accidentally got the genial tax collector Sanga killed. He was given an honourable death, according to Jingim --- rolled up in a carpet and trampled by dozens of horses.
■ The Jingim-led army was defeated at Wuchang, partly because of Ariq's treachery, partly because the young Prince so wanted to prove he was Mongol despite his Chinese education.
■ I wish I had taken down a few of Hundred Eyes's lines in this episode. The way Tom Wu delivered them was golden.
■ Marco figured out Ariq's treachery by looking at the army's grain supplies. Jingim so does not like Marco.
■ Marco tried to escape but was prevented by Hundred Eyes, who knows there was no way for the Venetian to survive and remain free for long.
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