‘The Watch’ Recap: ‘Twilight Canyons’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘The Watch’.
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For the most part, brand-new television shows, rarely deviate from their baseline structure and understandably so. After all, they really want audiences and fans to understand exactly what this series is going to stand for and sticking to a plan, is a tried-and-true way to establish the framework of a fresh universe. But some rookie T.V. shows, well they’re looking to stand out from the get-go and have no problem with trying new things storytelling wise, in order to tell their tale. Because the folks in the writers’ room seem to understand that they have been gifted a grand opportunity to create something special, so why not go for broke? And one particular series that fits this mold, is The Watch.
 
Because from day one, this show has worked to established itself to be a unique fantasy/sci-fi adventure, unlike any other. One that not only thrives within the realm of the fantastical since it features dragons and magic and everything in between but can also offer up so much more. Since it also is host to fascinating commentary on the human condition, some fine comedy and there are even hints of redemption to come since Captain Vimes and his merry band of officers are trying their best to be beacons of hope in a city trapped within the status quo. But while alone is enough to make this series worth our while, and stand out from other fantasy shows, it turns out that this story is eager to continue to push the envelope, as evidenced by this week’s episode.
 
For ‘Twilight Canyons’ opted to add another genre into the mix, by turning this particular tale into an outright crime drama. One that featured a majestic cat and mouse game between the Watch and Carcer as everyone worked to find the sword known only as Gawain, and this led to one compelling tale. One that really did help us to understand just how cunning and resourceful our villains are, since Carcer and Wonce were eventually able to hunt down the sword itself, and this really was wonderful to see since it added depth and intelligence to these two characters, ensuring that they won’t be one-dimensional in the slightest. But while it was incredible to see what Carcer and Wonce can do when left to their own devices, there was mention of a little give and take between both sides and well, it turns out that the members of the Watch are actually quite good at their jobs.  

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Because Vimes and the gang were able to quickly figure out the stuff that Carcer missed. Such as the fact that the most important part of the sword was its hilt, and that it was still residing within the magical retirement community of Twilight Canyons. And that without said hilt, the sword had no power and coming to learn this, allowed for the Watch to lay down quite the trap. Because they knew that Carcer would eventually return to get his hands on that hilt. And that’s really when the story opted to go ahead and abandon any further notions of Ankh-Morpork SVU, by diving right back into its lighthearted roots. Since it turns out this retirement community is armed to the teeth with peaceful spells for those that wish to fight, the kind that allowed for Vimes and Carcer and Wonce and Lady Sybil to cut a rug to the tune of Wham’s ‘Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go’, the instant they attempted to duke it out for ownership of the hilt.
 
Which was, hands down, an absolute treat to watch since it brought forth all kinds of laughs. But once the dust settled and the music came to a close, our heroes were left victorious. For they had both pieces to the sword, and they were even able to learn that Gawain is sentient and likes to be called ‘Wayne’. Plus, we also for the first time ever… got a glimpse of who is ‘employing’ Carcer. Because he was yanked back to the very place that he spent the last twenty years residing within, during his dance with Vimes. And this strange place was full of disembodied voices that announced that they feared Captain Vimes and the Watch and the hope they could bring to the world, since that would render these beings powerless and well, that was quite the revelation for certain. Since it plays into the redemption theme that this series has been toying with from day one and more importantly, it sets the stage for the back half of season one.
 
Because clearly the Watch is about to be challenged like never before. For Carcer was sent back to finish his mission and is enlisting the Thieves’ Guild to help in his meddling and of course… Vimes has to decide if his duty is to the people or his boss since she made it clear she wants this dragon to help her control Ankh-Morpork and really in the end, this was just an incredible episode through and through. Because it really did demonstrate just how versatile this show can be since it pulled off the whole crime drama twist in a compelling manner, and it managed to pack in a bevy of future plot points, all over the course of a single hour. Which is no easy feat, but it speaks to the ambition of this series. One that is clearly building to something big down the line and it should be quite interesting to see exactly how this hopeful revelation surrounding Vimes and his team, is going to unfold. Until next time.

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