In Review: The Musketeers – The Prodigal Father

Synopsis: Porthos uncovers the truth about his parentage and questions his allegiance to the Musketeers. Can he trust his new found family and where do his true loyalties lie.

Review: We have been teased with the origin of Porthos since the series began last year and we get to finally learn about his father in this episode, which is largely centred on him.

We get to see some fantastic acting between Howard Charles (Porthos) and his manipulative father Belgard, who is played brilliantly by Liam Cunningham. Also putting in a great performance was Emma Hamilton as the selfish and conceited Eleanor Belgard , who is not beyond lying and selling young women into a life of slavery to the highest bidder.

In the episode Porthos spends much time hearing his father out on why he never benefited from an upbringing in his house and for a time Porthos does actually question his place with the Musketeers, but soon learns the ugly truth when his father is confronted by himself and Captain Treville.

My one small complaint is that it took quite awhile for Porthos to wake up to his deceitful father.

There are a few pretty nice action sequences in the episode, but much of it is an emotional roller coaster for Porthos, who is trying find some meaning behind why he was abandoned as a child.

The episode also advances the relationship between Constance and D’Artagnan.

But the big surprise is saved for the closing moments when Rochefort tries to have his wicked way with Queen Anne only to lose his eye in the process.

Things are likely to get interesting as we come to the close of this current run. Especially given that Rochefort is now very much in the know about Aramis and his romantic interest in the Queen.