1X02 DEATH TO THE QUEEN

WRITTEN BY: Jocelyne Barque-Simmons
PRODUCED BY: Tony Thatcher
DIRECTED BY: Jon Cassar

The episode of "Death to the Queen" begins its storyline with workers being forced to excavate an old mine hidden far from the limits of the little pueblo. Farmers are seen working hard, picking up rocks and pushing around a wheelbarrow full of debris removed from inside the mine, while soldiers stand by supervising and ordering the farmers to work faster. A few farmers, walking in single file, carry barrels on their shoulders heading towards the entrance.

High atop a cliff overlooking the mine below, the viewers get to see Captain Grisham sitting high and mighty on his white stallion with another soldier on horseback next to him. The Sergeant informs his commanding officer that the barrels of powder should be enough to blow the mine. Captain Grisham orders the Sergeant to complete his task and obtain the gold contained within the mine. Grisham tells his Sergeant that he is a week late and Colonel Montoya wants his gold. The Sergeant gives Grisham an excuse that the workers are getting sick and can not work from exhaustion. Grisham spots new soldiers and a wagon approaching. He sees more men being escorted on a wagon towards the mine and tells the Sergeant that more volunteers have arrived. He lets the Sergeant know that he will not tolerate any more excuses. The new workers are forced down from the wagon and one of them breaks free making an escape towards the hills. Soldiers follow on horseback and force the farmer to climb up the hill. Waiting for him at the top of the hill is Captain Grisham offering him assistance. The farmer refuses and slips backwards rolling down the hill while Grisham watches in amusement. At the bottom of the hill, the farmer's body lays still against the rocks, dead from his fall.

In the opening scene, Marta and Tessa are in town browsing through the lack of food stocked at the general store. The supply ship from Madrid is late arriving with the shipment of food. Tessa makes a comment to Marta that she needs to eat more of a variety instead of the same edibles. Suddenly she spots a lonely green apple in a crate barrel and heads towards it. As she reaches inside to grab it another hand gets to it first and snatches it. She looks up to see a tall man, wearing a hat and duster, bite into the green apple and savor its taste. She is taken by surprise and claims that she had seen the apple first. He looks at her and breaks a piece off the apple offering it to her and telling her they could share. Tessa views it as an insult and just stares. She believes that she was entitled to the apple. I loved the man's comeback line. He would have had to present himself and exchange pleasantries, which he was not prepared to do. She is not convinced of his manners. He tells her that he was hungry and looks her over implying that from her looks she wouldn't know what hunger meant. Suddenly a voice calling out a name - Dr. Helm - is heard coming from Colonel Montoya as he approaches the two individuals. Once again Tessa is taken by surprise and acknowledges the man for a Doctor. Dr. Helm, very modestly tells her that he came all the way from Texas to steal her apple. Colonel Montoya greets Dr. Helm and is happy to see the doctor finally arrive at his little pueblo. He notices that the doctor and Tessa have already met, while Marta watches the three from a distance. As Colonel Montoya and Dr. Helm depart, Marta approaches Tessa asking her who was the man she was talking too. Tessa watches them walk away and lets Marta know that the man called himself a doctor.

The writer introduces in the storyline the new character of Robert Helm, a doctor who is hired by Colonel Montoya and comes to Santa Helena to set up his practice. The character of Robert Helm is played by veteran and seasoned actor Peter Wingfield. His role could bring many confrontations with Tessa and could cause dilemmas for Colonel Montoya.

On the ride back home, Tessa begins to describe to Marta her unfortunate encounter with the good doctor. She begins to describe him by saying that he is ill-mannered, fowl smelling and arrogant. Marta finds it amusing that Tessa is unable to finish her insults and adds that he has broad shoulders, teeth as white as pearls and blue eyes. Tessa corrects Marta by informing her that he has green eyes. In the storyline, the writer managed to introduce Dr. Helm's character to Tessa in a comical way. Tessa's first encounter with the doctor did not go well. The writer made her look like a spoiled rich aristocrat and he as a poor common healer with no manners. It was not the classic "love at first sight", but it was a beginning. The character of the doctor could cause Tessa either happiness or sorrow and I'm hoping the cards predict a union in the future.

Walking towards the hacienda entrance, Tessa and Marta are approached by a woman called Louisa who came to see Marta. Louisa explains to them that her, husband Tollio, was arrested by the soldiers and accused of being a thief. Tessa finds this information shocking since she knows the man would not steal anything. Louisa believes that her husband has disappeared and she is frightened. Tessa takes it upon herself to discover the whereabouts of Louisa's husband and visits Colonel Montoya to ask him for his help. Colonel Montoya finds it foolish that she is concerned with such pettiness, but Tessa demonstrates she has an attitude of aristocracy letting him know she is just concerned about her workers gossiping and not doing their work. Grisham interrupts and Colonel Montoya very curtly dismisses Tessa and says to her "be careful Maria Teresa, if one so beautiful as you were to disappear, it would break my heart". She looks back and responds, "don't worry Colonel, I have no intention of disappearing" and leaves. The dialog exchanged between Colonel Montoya and Tessa offers the viewers a chance to see the first confrontation between the young woman and the intimidating Colonel. The writer manages to set up the perfect defiance, just one of several which I'm sure will happen between these two main characters.

Colonel Montoya, once again, demonstrates his power over Grisham by letting him know that he is behind in getting his gold. Grisham provides Montoya with an excuse of not having any more men and the few that are working are getting sick. Montoya hates to hear excuses and orders him to produce the gold at whatever the cost. He has an ulterior motive for the gold. His plan is to use it to build his empire with more soldiers and purchase a cannon that is due to arrive on the next supply ship. Grisham knows that if more men disappear to help dig up the gold, the Queen of Swords would find out. Colonel Montoya's plan is for the Queen to know of it, thus setting a trap for her. In the storyline, the writer begins to show the wicked side of Colonel Montoya. The viewers get to see a high ranking officer who is scrupulous, manipulative and a very intelligent schemer. The character of Colonel Montoya is the archenemy and rival to the Queen and he will do anything he can to capture her and get rid of her presence from his little pueblo of Santa Helena. The Queen is not someone who will back down so easily and manages to always make her appearance known, thus defeating his plans.

Appearing in this episode are the characters of Vera and Gaspar Hidalgo. Both were introduced in the episode "Destiny"; she as the unfaithful trophy wife and he as the rich wealthy Don. Vera is intrigued by Dr. Helm's presence and offers him a bottle of wine to welcome him to the pueblo. She of course is curious to learn if he is married or not and wonders why he came to California. He responds by mentioning "adventure". Gaspar approaches in a horse driven buggy to pick up his wife and both of them ride off leaving Dr. Helm with his welcome gift. This was an interesting way for the writer to set up the first meeting between the Hidalgo's and the doctor.

The Doctor gets to show is area of expertise as he begins to treat the sick soldiers while Montoya watches. Montoya questions him by asking the good doctor about healing sick men under confined conditions. Dr. Helm informs Montoya that he could only cure them if he were to see the sick men. The writer introduces more qualities to the character of Dr. Helm. The viewers get to see a dedicated man, who practices his profession in a skillful manner, but who also may have a very mysterious past.

The Queen responds to the questioning and disappearance of the farmers from the jail and follows some soldiers escorting another wagon full of men out of town. As she rides through a canyon passage, she is suspicious of her surroundings and follows at a far away distance. Looking around she proceeds with caution always observing above on the canyon ridge. Feeling insecure, she pulls her sword and is ready to take action if she encounters danger. Suddenly shots are fired and she is ambushed from soldiers shooting at her from the top. A single bullet manages to strike her down off her horse and she falls reaching for her left side below the ribs. Grisham watches on his horse as the soldiers continue to shower her with bullets. He orders the soldiers to follow her and she manages to make her way up a hill on foot and turns to defend herself . As she continues her climb, Grisham approaches on his horse and reaches the bottom of the hill. More soldiers chase the Queen up to the top and she stops to look down over the edge of the cliff into the ocean below. The Queen confronts more soldiers and manages to fight them off. Grisham dismounts and heads up the hill to encounter the Queen once again. (Remember their first encounter in "Destiny" took place in the jail cell in which the Queen overpowered Grisham). The Queen sees Grisham and places her gloved hand over her wound. Grisham believes that he has finally got her and tells her that she has no where to go. The Queen looks at him and turns around. Holding her arms out sideways she makes a swan dive over the cliff into the ocean below as Grisham watches astonished, believing that he has finally killed her.

The scene was the first action sequence that took place in the storyline. The viewers get to see a dive from the cliffside down in ocean from a distance. The stunt performers who executed the stunts did a great job doubling for the lead actress. I really enjoyed watching the action that took place on the cliff side. The sword dueling between the Queen and the soldiers were great to watch. It was very exhilarating to see the fight scene. The view of the cliffside and ocean added depth to the scene and was a major plus for the background.

After combing the sandy beach and searching for the Queen's dead body, a soldier finds a piece of her clothing and shows it to Grisham. He orders that they continue to look until a body is found.

Meanwhile, Montoya is sitting at the cantina talking with Gaspar Hidalgo about his idea of extracting gold from the mine and offering him a percentage as a deal. Montoya knows that Gaspar Hidalgo is a very powerful man, who has much influence over the other Don's. If he manages to keep Gaspar on his side, he will be able to control the other Don's as well.

Grisham arrives in town and as Montoya watches him approach, Grisham holds up the piece of clothing. Montoya looks over the piece of clothing and realizes that the material is made of fine silk. Montoya's suspicions of the Queen is that she is a Spaniard and believes that if she is not dead then she must be seriously wounded. The writer manages to illustrate once again how Montoya displays his ability of decision-making and wisdom. Keeping his enemies close by to ensure he maintains some control is an interesting way the writer builds upon Montoya's characteristics. Montoya's idea of flushing out the Queen at a party he plans to have in honor of Dr. Helm's arrival to Santa Helena is the perfect decoy to flush out the Queen. He knows that it could not fail and she would not refuse his invitation unless she was badly injured. It is an interesting quality in which the viewer gets to learn a little more about who Montoya really is.

Vera approaches Marta in town inquiring about Tessa. Marta tells her that she would be glad to give her mistress a message. Vera blurts out in a happy tone that the Queen is dead. Marta reacts to the news surprised and confused. She politely excuses herself from Vera's presence and heads back to the hacienda. The chance meeting between Vera and Marta was an interesting way for the writer to have Marta learn of the Queen's death.

A soldier searching on the beach finds the Queens sword buried in the sand and then he spots her body lying on the beach a few yards ahead of him. He sticks the sword upright on the sand and walks over to the Queen with pistol in hand. As he reaches her and turns her over, the Queen regains conscience and kicks the pistol from his hand beginning a hand to hand combat with the soldier. Managing to render him unconscious with a right hook, she remembers the pain from her wound. Looking up she sees another soldier charging on horseback with his lance drawn towards her. Picking up the pistol she aims to shoot, but the flint is wet and doesn't fire. Watching as the rider approaches her, she waits and with perfect timing she reaches for the lance and manages to throw the rider off his horse. Grabbing the horse, she mounts and rides towards her waiting sword, grabbing it as she continues to ride. Another great sequence of actions shots by director Jon Cassar. The stunt doubles did a great job of performing the scene. The use of the lance by the rider reminded me of the jousting days of medieval times. It was a wonderful scene to watch.

Marta returns to the hacienda devastated from the news of the Queen's demise. She enters the kitchen and leans against the table and begins to cry. This is the first time the viewers get to see how Marta reacts when she hears of Tessa's horrible accident. Marta gets to demonstrate how much she cares for the young woman. The writer manages to give the character of Marta a quality beyond that of servant and mistress, more like mother to daughter or sister to sister. Unbeknownst to Marta, Tessa is standing out of sight nearby watching Marta in silence. Suddenly Marta looks to her left and sees Tessa staring back. Tessa suddenly feels faint and Marta approaches her to give her assistance. As Marta helps Tessa sit down, she looks at the wound and scolds her for almost getting killed. The wound only grazed her below the ribs. Tessa responds that she is fine. It was good to see how much Marta truly cares for Tessa. This is only the beginning for her. How many more times will Marta have to endure the not knowing if Tessa will come home unscathed? I'm sure this is only one of many scenes, which will show the relationship between Marta and Tessa.

Tessa prepares to attend Montoya's party. Marta doesn't agree that she go since she has not recovered from her wound. Tessa realizes that if she does not attend, it could provide suspicion. Tessa informs Marta that she must attend the party in order to learn more about the disappearing farmers. Marta believes that if she goes Montoya would get what he wants. Marta is not in agreement, but helps Tessa prepare for the party. The viewers get to see how Tessa is more concerned in learning the truth then protecting her own life. This is a good example of the differences in opinion between Marta and Tessa.

Montoya's party for Dr. Helm is underway. Montoya tells Grisham that he needs the gold before the supply ship arrives or else he won't be able to get his artillery. Montoya threatens Grisham to complete his order or he will regret it. Dr. Helm arrives for his own party and Montoya greets him. He is upset that he has not been able to capture the Queen of Swords and makes it known to Dr. Helm. Montoya describes the Queen's deeds, making her seem like a vigilante, while the doctor has heard that she has become a local hero. The viewer gets to learn how much Montoya hates the Queen and what she does and finds out that Dr. Helm does not share Montoya's distaste.

Tessa, wearing a beautiful red and black dress is standing near the back wall of a rose garden holding her left hand over her wound. She starts to feel faint and turns around to steady herself, leaning against the wall with her left hand. At that moment, Vera approaches her and realizes that something is wrong with her. Tessa, not wanting to arouse any suspicions, informs Vera that she feels ill from the wine. Vera responds by telling Tessa to smile, she might meet her future love at the party. Standing nearby, observing Tessa's reactions, Marta walks over and tells her that the wound is bleeding through her dress and offers Tessa a black shawl to hide the blood. Once again the viewers get to see the concern Marta has for Tessa, watching over her and protecting her back.

A soldier arrives informing Montoya that no body was found. Montoya searches for Grisham and accuses him of his incompetence when he suddenly looks over Grisham's shoulder and notices a blood stained handprint on the wall. Montoya realizes that the Queen is at his party and orders Grisham to secure the surroundings. The viewers get to see Montoya's cunning in trapping the Queen. He suspects that she is at the party and by securing the premises, she can not get away. He believes that he has finally caught her.

Putting his plan into action, Montoya announces to his invited guests that someone among them has suffered an injury and he introduces Dr. Helm. He makes it known that Dr. Helm will treat the injured person. Dr. Helm wonders what is going on and Montoya informs him that the Queen is at the party and is concealing her injury. He orders him to follow along. Montoya presumes it must be modesty that prevents the injured person from stepping forward and he concludes that it is a woman. Tessa and Marta stare at one another realizing that if Montoya learns she is injured, her identity would be revealed as the Queen of Swords. This is the first time the viewers get a chance to see Tessa's identity placed in jeopardy. Tessa is placed in a tough situation, one that she knows she must get out of. Montoya directs that the Don's wives be the first to get examined by Dr. Helm.

One by one the wives line up as Dr. Helm overlooks to see if any one of them has a visible injury. Tessa places herself in line observing how all the soldiers have covered the exits to the rose garden. Marta realizes that Tessa's life is in danger if she is discovered as the woman who has the injury. As Dr. Helm checks out each lady one by one, he reports back to Montoya with a negative response. Montoya is anxious to learn who the injured woman is, thus proving that she is the Queen of Swords. Tessa looks at Marta and realizes that she has very little options. Marta grabs a glass from a table and holds it in her left hand as she watches Tessa approach Dr. Helm. Suddenly the glass breaks in Marta's hand, drawing blood from the cut. Marta announces to the crowd for everyone to forgive her. Montoya stops the proceedings as Marta walks up to him showing her wounded hand. Marta gives Montoya an excuse that she wanted wine and had an accident as Tessa watches nearby relieved from her ordeal. Dr. Helm walks over and looks at Marta's injury. Montoya is disappointed and dismisses Marta's intervention. Dr. Helm escorts Marta away to treat her wound. Tessa is about to follow when Montoya stops her. She informs him that she is concerned for her servant and wishes to follow. He asks that she stay and dance with him before she leaves. The scene is another good example of how Marta demonstrated her loyalty to Tessa and she is there to rescue her from all harm.

Dr. Helm takes Marta to his office and begins to treat her wounded hand. Marta is thankful for his care and begins to place her right hand over his. Dr. Helm senses Marta's touch. In flashback scenes, the viewer is given insight into Dr. Helm's past. He is a soldier fighting a war where many die or lay dead on the battleground. He aims his rifle to shoot the enemy, as the picture of war is etched on his conflicting face. This is Marta's first opportunity to see into someone else's past and to learn more from just reading the hand. She learns clues about Dr. Helm's past.

Tessa arrives and Marta's concentration is broken. Dr. Helm is happy to see Tessa for she managed to break the unearthly emotions he carries from the war. He informs Tessa that Marta will be fine and leaves. Tessa is worried over Marta's injury and asks if she is in pain. Marta lets Tessa know that she is concerned more for her then herself. Another good example of Marta putting Tessa before herself.

At the hacienda, Marta is washing clothes and scrubbing the blood stained shirt that the Queen wore when she got injured, as Tessa approaches her. She scolds Tessa for getting injured. Marta is angry at Tessa and tells her that she could have been more careful. Tessa is disturbed by Marta's words. Marta begins to tell Tessa that in two separate occasions she felt that she almost lost her, first believing that she had died and almost getting discovered at Montoya's party. The two embrace, showing their devotion to one another. The writers have developed a wonderful chemistry between these two characters. The relationship between Marta and Tessa will be interesting to see in the upcoming episodes. Vera approaches by wagon as Tessa responds to greet her. Vera walks over to Marta and notices the servant is washing clothes. Marta hides the blood stained shirt under the water so that Vera can't see it. Vera came to visit Tessa to talk with her about some of her grooms getting into a brawl and being hauled off to the prison. Vera communicates to Tessa that her stable boys were probably taken to the mine. Vera provides Tessa with a clue of the disappearing farmers.

Montoya orders Dr. Helm to provide his assistance with some sick men and has his soldiers escort him to the mine. Dr. Helm is forced to go.

Tessa sits in the cantina with Don Gaspar reminiscing about the past. She, in a very subtle manner, begins to question him about the mines located near the outskirts of the pueblo. He, in turn, informs Tessa to stay away because they are too dangerous. Tessa's interrogation is suddenly cut short when she sees a wagon, carrying a dead body, and being followed by Louisa. Don Gaspar warns Tessa that curiosity is not a virtue. Tessa leaves to speak with Louisa. Louisa tells Tessa that her husband was found dead. Tessa looks at the dirt on the man's body and figures out where to begin her search for the mine. This is the writer's way of showing Tessa's ability and intelligence to gather information and solve the problem. Although it is a small example, I'm sure that in future episodes the viewers will get to see more of Tessa's finesse for piecing together clues in order to solve the mystery of the storyline.

Dressed as the Queen, Tessa finds the mine where the disappearing farmers are being forced to work. Observing from atop a hill she surveys the surrounding area. Dr. Helm informs the Sergeant that the working farmers have been exposed to many unhealthy elements inside the mine and will get worse if not treated. Dr. Helm learns that Montoya is behind it all and only wants the gold. A soldier approaches and informs the Sergeant that he found another soldier's hat. The Sergeant realizes that the Queen has been lurking around and is close by. He tells Dr. Helm that Grisham had informed him that she would be coming to the mine. Dr. Helm wonders who the Sergeant is referring to and watches as the Sergeant orders his soldiers to gather up 6 farmers and have them lined up before the front entrance of the mine. Yelling out loud, the Sergeant announces to the Queen that she must make her presence known or he will kill the men one at a time. Dr. Helm is caught by surprise and held by soldiers when he tries to stop the Sergeant. The Queen watches as the Sergeant continues to make his treats. The Queen shouts out loud and reveals her position, thus surrendering. She is forced to confront the Sergeant who informs her that Grisham will want to kill her himself and orders that she be tied to a stake until he arrives. Once again, the writer places Tessa/Queen in a terrible predicament. Not wanting to see any of the farmers hurt, the Queen is forced to submit to the Sergeants threats in order to save their lives. It is a good format to show the Queen's vulnerability and worry over the safety of others. The Queen is the people's avenger, which makes her have good qualities as a heroine.

Dr. Helm orders the Sergeant to give the farmers some rest and water or they will die from their work. The Sergeant relents and gives in. As the farmers exit the mine, two men see the Queen tied to the stake and believe that it is the end for her. The Queen watches as one of the farmers yells her doom. Dr. Helm tells the Sergeant that the Queen is bleeding and must be treated. At first the Sergeant disagrees. Dr. Helm convinces him that she must be alive for Grisham. The Queen watches and hears Dr. Helm's response wondering what to think of his remarks. In this scene, it is the first encounter between Dr. Helm and the Queen. She is leery of his actions and wonders if he is an ally or enemy. This is just the beginning of many encounters I'm sure.

Montoya is in church praying for his dead father and sees Marta. He tells her that it is the anniversary of his death and he never forgets to celebrate it. She is surprised by his words of confession. Montoya gets word that the Queen has been captured and makes his way to the mines with Grisham. Marta learns that Tessa is in danger once again. The writer provides a little more background on Colonel Montoya. The viewers are getting to know a little bit more of the character's past.

Dr. Helm goes to the Queen to treat her wound. She tells him not to bother. He lets her know that he needs to stop the bleeding. She tells him that it doesn't matter because Grisham and Montoya will kill her anyway. The Queen realizes that she has no hope. Dr. Helm tells her that he treated her wound so that he could be near her. As the Queen waits for his next move, Dr. Helm takes his scalpel and cuts the ropes tying her to the stake. He tells her that the rest is up to her and leaves. The Queen doesn't know what to think of his actions. She realizes that she is able to free herself from the ropes and wiggles her hands out of the bindings as Montoya and Grisham approach the mine on horseback. Montoya is happy to see that the Queen has been captured.

Suddenly the Queen breaks free and surprises the guard assigned to watch her. From behind, she grabs his pistol and knocks him out of the way and aims to shoot Montoya, of course missing her target. Grisham takes aims and misses her too as she flees into the entrance of the mine. The Sergeant volunteers to go after her. Montoya knows that the Queen is trapped and that there is no way out. He figures that he has finally captured her. The Sergeant enters cautiously seeking out the Queen and spots her. In a short confrontation, the Queen manages to overpower him and grab his sword.

In the mean time. Montoya is savoring the moment by yelling out to the Queen to surrender for there is no escape. The Queen uses the Sergeant as hostage and pointing the sword to his back, orders him to proceed out of the mine, but not before she cracks open a powder barrel and starts to roll it in front of her while grabbing a lantern on their way out. Dr. Helm does not agree with Montoya's methods of forcing the Queen to give up.

The Queen and Sergeant make their presence known at the entrance of the mine. She pushes him out of the way and throws her sword down, only holding the lantern in her hand. Montoya believes that he has won. The Queen asks for a final request, to say a short prayer. Montoya gives in. She tosses the lantern behind her and falls to her knees to pray. The lantern breaks and the fire ignites the powder. As she prays for her executioner's souls, Montoya finds it amusing. The Queen drops face down on the ground before a loud explosion erupts from inside the mine blowing smoke everywhere. Montoya, Grisham and his soldiers are taken by surprise and he orders that the soldiers shoot the Queen. Grisham makes his way to the mine to verify if the Queen is dead or alive and finds no one.

As Montoya and Dr. Helm wait for his response, Grisham is treated to a lonely flying card that drops to his feet. Picking it up he walks over to Montoya and holds it up for him to see. It's the Queen's signature trademark, the Queen of Swords tarot card. The stunt double, who performed in this scene, did a great job. The action sequence was well executed and the effects were done very nicely. The Queen was able to get herself out of a bad predicament with the help of a semi-trusting ally. Dr. Helm demonstrated that he supported her by helping her out, but will he continue to do so in the future episodes. It will be interesting to see how much chemistry will occur between the Queen and Dr. Helm.

Resenting the fact that he once again failed to bring the Queen to justice, Montoya watches as the people of Santa Helena are happy to see the ship from Madrid has brought new supplies to replenish the food inventory. Everyone is happy except Montoya. He couldn't obtain the canon he wanted.

The story ends just like it began. Dr. Helm is browsing around the food market and spots a green apple in one of the crates. Just as he is about to grab it, another hand beats him to it. Tessa greets Dr. Helm by telling him that she was hungry and took his advice of not eating all day long just to learn what hunger felt. Marta approaches them announcing that the supply ship brought a variety of treats and acknowledges the doctor. He does the same. Tessa stares at him as she and Marta start to walk away telling Marta that she needs a new dress. He finds it amusing and smiles.

It was a very interesting manner in which the writer ended the storyline just like it began. In this episode, the character of Dr. Helm was introduced. Maybe he is slated to be Tessa's love interest or not, but his role will be interesting to watch. The episode also touched upon the affection shared between Tessa and Marta. Marta is willing to help Tessa at all costs, even placing her own life in danger if necessary. Tessa is willing to protect Marta and ensure her safety. Both women are willing to sacrifice themselves for the respect they have for one another. It is really going to be exciting to see how these two characters develop in the future episodes. This was a thoroughly enjoyable episode and it helped to establish many of the character's qualities. I look forward to the next episode.

~Margie~