Episode I: Spidrax Attacks
by Dan Distefano and Janis Diamond
Narrator: The ancient Hyves of Symbion hold the powers to rule the planet. The evil Spidrax knows the map to one of those Hyves is here in the Shining Realm. Part I of Spidrax's vicious plan for conquest is about to begin.
In a farming village just outside Castle Lightkeep, a group of farmers are working in their fields harvesting Skall. Hearing a commotion in the distance, one farmer stops working and looks up to find the source. He places his hand above his eyes to cut out the intense light of Symbion's twin suns to get a better look. To his horror, he sees a dark and frighteningly familiar form rise from the horizon and head their way. Spidrax and his Terror Troops. The farmer immediately shouts an alarm to his fellow villagers and all begin to run away from the advancing army and towards the safety of Castle Lightkeep. Riding Spiderflyer, Spidrax descends towards the farms and orders his troops to set fire to the Skall fields. His troops comply, and the once peaceful Skall fields become a blazing inferno. The farmers take a momentary glancing turn as they flee for their lives. . .just in time to hear Spidrax issue the order to burn the surrounding village. Meanwhile, in one of the farming villages, a young warrior named Seacor grabs a sword and leaps onto his flying insectoid Altifly determined to face the enemy that would destroy his home.
Standing on top of one of the balconies at the highest point of Castle Lightkeep, Pinsor blows a horn calling the Shining Realm forces to arms. Prince Dargon runs past his old friend, jumps off the balcony, and onto Dragonflyer. Before getting ready to fly off into battle, the young Prince tells Zak to ready the troops and lead them into battle against the invading forces of the Dark Domain. Mantor holds up a cautionary hand to stop the impetuous young Prince. "You can not face Spidrax alone," he says. "Spidrax is destroying everything," the young Prince retorts. Dargon unsheathes Symator and raising it above his head, orders Mantor to "push ahead." "Defend the Castle for the Shining Realm," he shouts. Dargon flies off on Dragonflyer, ready to face the invading forces.
Outside the Castle's protective battlements, Spidrax continues to ransack the farming village. Waspax orders his troops to "turn everything to ashes" and throws a torch onto the roof of a village hut as example. Hearing the flutter of insectoid wings, Waspax looks up to see Seacor approaching on Altifly. "You're too late, Seacor," Waspax says with a sneer. Wingid flies up and stings Altifly, sending both Altifly and Seacor crashing to the ground. Seacor, sword in hand, rushes to take on Waspax. But the young warrior is no match against the Dark Domain's Master Swordsman, and Waspax quickly flings Seacor aside.
The gates of Prosperon slide open and the Shining Realm troops quickly file out into battle led by Zak, Bitaur, Pinsor and Battle Beetle. Riding on Battle Beetle, Pinsor wields his battle axe above his head and shouts "For the Shining Realm." "Charge," Zak cries with his Slazor at his side.
Farmers and their families who were in the village when the attack started were now desperately trying to escape Spidrax's fiery wrath. Suddenly, Dargon and Dragonflyer dive out of the sky and strafe a group of terror troopers ready to set fires to village huts. Dargon, a Vengun in each hand, fires several rounds at the terror troopers, stopping their arson for good. Zak, Bitaur, Pinsor, and Battle Beetle surround another company of terror troopers about to burn down a barn. "I wouldn't do that, Maggots," Pinsor growls. "Bitaur, get them," Zak commands. Bitaur leaps into the air and bites the terror troopers torch out of his hand. Pinsor and Battle Beetle dispatch the remaining troopers as the forces of the Shining Realm descend on the village.
Meanwhile, Spidrax and Spiderflyer descend from the sky to a gathering of his top allies...Waspax, Skito, and Skulk. "Dargon went for the bait," Spidrax affirms with glee. Skito looks up to the evil General, "Soon, Mantor's scroll map will be yours, General Spidrax." "And that will lead you to the Hyve of the Ancients," comes Skulk in a high pitched, insect-like, voice. Spidrax contemplates the thought of obtaining the map. With it, he would have the power to rule all of Symbion.
As he tosses aside a Terror Trooper, something skyward attracts Pinsor's attention. The old warrior catches sight of Spidrax approaching an unsuspecting Dargon. Pinsor shouts a warning to the Prince. Dargon turns just in time. "Prince of the Burning Realm!" Spidrax cackles as he whips one of Dargon's Venguns out of his hand. The young Prince readies himself to go up against the dark general.
Meanwhile, Skulk and Skito conspire to steal Mantor's map. The sinister twosome and their insectoids scale the castle wall. Skulk and Trancula climb over the battlements and throw off the two guards who were unlucky enough to be stationed there. The two guards posted in front of the entrance to Mantor's lab witness the commotion and rush to aid their comrades. With the lab entrance unprotected, Skito and Toxcid sneak inside. Skito begins rifling through Mantor's papers. Toxcid crawls closer to get a better look and is rewarded with a kick in the gut from an annoyed Skito. The evil mercenary finally finds the map. . .just as Mantor bursts in through the lab doors with his sword unsheathed. "The secrets of the Great Hyve will never belong to the Dark Domain," the old counselor challenges. Armed with his rapier, Skito takes on Mantor, but the battle is short lived as Mantor dispatches him quickly. With Skito pressed against the ground, Mantor demands the return of the map. But the old sage is suddenly taken out by a stream of venom from Toxcid. Skito stands over his defeated adversary and rewards Toxcid with another swift kick to the gut, "You idiot, Toxcid, he could have killed me." Skito and Toxcid make their way back down the castle walls and are greeted by Skulk and Trancula. The invaders escape victorious with map in hand.
Meanwhile, in the skies above the Shining Realm, Spidrax and Dargon battle on. The Crown Prince manages to slice through Spidrax's whip. The Shining Realm troops on the ground are successfully driving the Terror Troopers out. In all appearances it looks as if the forces of good are about to triumph. Skito and Skulk appear on the scene and call out to Spidrax waving their trophy in hand. Spidrax, delighted at the recovery, calls out to his troops to fall back. Waspax acknowledges the order and shouts for his troops to retreat. Confused at the General's sudden change in tactics, Dargon attempts to pursue but is alerted by a frantic Pinsor on the ground. The village fires are raging out of control and every hand is needed to combat the inferno. Beckoning Dragonflyer to the top of a water tower, Dargon slices through with his sword causing the water to flood into the village and extinguish the flames. Outraged at the destruction, Dargon lands and orders for a regrouping of the Shining Realm Forces to go after Spidrax. Pinsor gently contests Dargon's order. Night is falling soon. Spidrax's forces can see in the dark, but the Shining Realm forces cannot. "But you did well my Prince," says Pinsor laying a supportive hand on Dargon's shoulders, "There's plenty of time to cut Spidrax down to size." The warriors gaze around at the destruction as the villagers try to reclaim what's left of their lives. "Look at the bright side. We made those maggots turn tail and run," Zak offers positively. "Hhmm, did we?" wonders Dargon, still puzzled over the suddenness of the retreat. Spidrax never gives up that easily. "You bet we did," comes a young and enthusiastic shout, "Now let's go finish them off." The warriors turn in the direction of the voice to see a young teenage boy run up to them. "Prince Dargon, my name is Seacor. I want to join your fight against Spidrax." Dargon chuckles at the boys zeal, "I like your guts, kid." Seacor asks when they can go after them. "After you go home," Pinsor says, "come back in a few years." Seacor begins to protest, but Dargon cuts him off, "It's too dangerous!"
Back at Castle Lightkeep, the Shining Realm Knights find Mantor's lab in total disarray. . .and Mantor lying unconscious on the floor. Dargon starts for his fallen teacher, but Pinsor holds him back. "Don't touch him," the old soldier warns, "He's covered with venom." Pinsor takes a sachet from his bandolier and holds it over Mantor's lifeless body. "Get back," he warns as he crushes the sachet releasing an antitoxin powder which covers Mantor. "This wretched powder is worse than the poison," Pinsor coughs. Mantor slowly begins to come around and is helped to his feet by Pinsor. It is then the royal counselor relays the terrible news. Skito took his map to the Ancient Hyves and is now in Spidrax's hands. So that's why Spidrax retreated so quickly. A feeling of dread washes over the four warriors; if Spidrax were to find the Hyve, it would mean the end of the Shining Realm and all of Symbion would fall under the crush of his fist. Dargon impetuously starts off desperate to stop Spidrax. Mantor appeals to the Prince for patience. . .a plan should be formed before any strike against Spidrax is made. Dargon impatiently shrugs off any suggestion of formulating a plan. Crashing in on Spidrax and retrieving the map was good enough. It was also good enough for Seacor and Altifly, who appeared suddenly in the doorway announcing their eagerness to join the fight. "You again!?" states a surprised Pinsor. "You need me," Seacor stresses emphatically. "No we don't," Dargon finishes firmly, "GO HOME!" Seacor continues his appeal arguing that he is telebonded to the highest flying insectoid in the realm. But Dargon will hear none of it. He asks Zak to join him and the two run off to face Spidrax. Seacor watches as they run past. "I'll show them," he says frustrated with clenched fists.
Some time later that evening, Seacor and Altifly make an aerial sweep to find Spidrax's encampment. They finally locate it, and land nearby in secret. Unnoticed by anyone, the ambitious young warrior and his insectoid make it past the guards. Seacor cautiously decides to start his search in a nearby building. He pats Altifly with eager anticipation, "As soon as I get that map. . .." "You're not going anywhere boy!" a harsh voice interrupts. Seacor turns to find himself surrounded by Waspax, Skito, and two Terror Troopers.
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Skito gives the order for Seacor to be captured. Seacor puts up a struggle but is quickly restrained by the guards. He gives a last dire command to Altifly; find help. Altifly quickly takes off. "Don't let him get away," Waspax commands as he and several guards open fire on the fleeing insectoid. One of the darts finds it's target and hits Altifly on the leg. But the brave insectoid struggles on and finally disappears into the horizon. "You've got to make it, Altifly," Seacor pleads as the guards drag him away, "You've got to!"
At the center of the stronghold, Spidrax sits at the end of a long table and mulls over the map to the Ancient Hyve and his future rule over Symbion. "Mantor's research is perfect," he chuckles, "his map will lead us to the Ancient Hyve." At the opposite end of the table, Skulk lifts a goblet and suggests they offer a toast to Mantor and his map. The multi-eyed horror downs his drink and throws the goblet over his shoulder. The goblet lands near Trancula, who quickly snatches it up in his jaws and crushes it. Two Terror Troopers haul in Seacor and fling him towards Spidrax's feet. Spidrax looks over the hasty young warrior and reasons that Dargon must be near by. From this, Spidrax begins formulating a plan and Seacor is the bait.
Flying on Dragonflyer, Dargon, Zak, and Bitaur make their way to Spidrax's fortress to retrieve the stolen map. Dragonflyer lands unseen on a nearby rooftop and his three passengers leap off and descend into the fortress. Sighting a guard, the Shining Realm invaders quickly duck into a nearby room. When the guard passes by the doorway, Zak and Dargon yank him into the room and club him. One down. The Crown Prince and the Shining Realm Knight make their way up a long staircase which they believe will lead them to Spidrax's chamber. As they make their ascent, Dargon gradually notices that there are no guards. "It's too quiet," he mutters. Of all places a passage leading to Spidrax's chamber should be crawling with security, yet there was none. Why? At the top of the stairs were a pair of doors. Dargon peers into an opening at the top of one of the doors and sees the missing map laying in plain view on top of a table. And nearby. . .Spidrax and his "Nightcrawlers" (Dargon's reference to Waspax, Skito, and Skulk). "I'll take care of the Nightcrawlers," Zak starts. "Spidrax is mine," Dargon finishes. Zak orders Bitaur to chew through the door, and the restless insectoid ravenously obliges. The noise immediately catches the attention of Spidrax and his men. The tornado of saw dust settles revealing Zak, Bitaur and Dargon in the doorway. "Look who's here," Skito sneers. Dargon unsheathes Symator and begins a duel with Spidrax. As the two clash, Spidrax informs Dargon that Seacor is a prisoner in his stronghold. A shocked Dargon threatens Spidrax of the potential consequences should any harm come to that boy. Zak fires off several volleys from his Slazor pinning down Waspax, Skito, and Skulk. Bitaur jumps on top of Trancula and begins chewing into the insectoid steed's hide. Enraged, Trancula begins to spin wildly in a dire attempt to throw Bitaur off his back. With Spidrax's warriors completely pinned down, Zak makes a grab for the map. An arrow shot from above nails the map securely to the table top. Zak looks up to see a pair of archers ready to reload and fire again. "Kill them," Spidrax screams to his archers. "Not if I can help it," Zak shouts back as he shoots so fast and frenzied, the archers have no chance to shoot back. As Zak continues to lay down fire, Dargon grabs the map and yells to Zak to begin a retreat. "The map!" a frustrated Spidrax yells, "don't let them escape." Two Terror Troopers leap from a balcony and land directly on top of Zak and Dargon. The map rolls out of Dargon's hand and into Spidrax's. Spidrax orders his troopers to finish the troublesome pair off. But before they get a chance, Dragonflyer crashes in through a window. The commotion is just enough to distract the Terror Troopers and enable the Shining Realm invaders to escape. . .without the map. Skito is disgusted as he watches them fly off. "I wanted their heads," he barks. Spidrax shrugs off his companion's disappointment. "You will have their heads," he says with confidence, "after I get to the Hyve!"
Later that night, at Stellara's Pub the Crimson Claw, Dargon and Zak tell Mantor and Pinsor the bad news. They didn't retrieve the map, and a failed attempt by Seacor to retrieve the map on his own has earned him honorary guest status at Spidrax's stronghold. Pinsor paces back and forth in utter disgust, "That dumb kid," he growls, "Why did he do it?" Zak watches the old soldier as he paces. "Give him a break," the young knight offers, "he was trying to help." Pinsor counters that all Seacor did was make matters worse. Stellara walks over with several tankards of nectar. She offers one to Pinsor, "Here, cool yourself off." Pinsor accepts a tankard without looking, his mind completely engrossed with Seacor, the map, and possible planetary rule by Spidrax. Sitting at the bar with his face in his hands, a dejected Dargon stares out into space. Stellara sets a tankard next to him and then sets a pair of concerned hands on Dargon's shoulders. "What are you going to do?" she asks him. Dargon shakes his head. They have no choice. Somehow they have to find a way to regain the map and safely rescue Seacor. Mantor offers that he generated the map through years of research and he knows it's contents best of all. Thus they know what path Spidrax is most likely to take and could follow him. The first leg of the journey is to cross the Lake of Blood. "Sounds like fun," Pinsor says sarcastically. "No one has ever returned from the Lake of Blood," Mantor tells him soberly.
The next day, the Shining Realm Knights and their insectoids set sail across the Lake of Blood in pursuit of Spidrax. Pinsor peers ahead through a telescope and sights another ship in the distance. "That must be Spidrax up ahead," he reasons. Who else would be out here? Indeed the second ship is Spidrax's. . .with poor Seacor tied up firmly to the mast. Skulk looks behind and notices Dargon's ship pursuing them. He quickly calls the second ship out to the interest of Spidrax. The evil General, however, is not worried. On the contrary this could be the perfect opportunity to get rid of his enemies permanently. He orders the ship to pass by the nearby Island of the Web Widow. Skulk shudders at the idea and stammers that they will all be devoured by her. Spidrax says that Mantor knows nothing of Web Widow. Only Dargon and the others will be destroyed. Steering at the helm, Waspax asks how they themselves will pass by Web Widow's Isle without succumbing to her siren song. Spidrax orders everyone on board to stuff beeswax in their ears. That will enable them to pass by Web Widow unfazed. As the two ships pass by Web Widow's Isle, a beautiful harp-like melody begins to play. Spidrax's ship sails on, but the Shining Realm Knights quickly fall under Web Widow's spell and begin to steer for the Island. Dargon, however, was down below decks and did not hear the siren song. But he did notice the ship's abrupt change in course. He quickly runs topside to ask Zak why the ship has changed course. The Prince realizes the answer immediately upon seeing his men and the insectoids with white glazed over eyes. . .they're under a spell. Before Dargon can stop the ships heading, a rigging swings toward him and knocks him overboard. Still enchanted, the Warriors of Prosperon crash inland and immediately depart in the direction of the harp like music. The music is coming from the top of a Castle made entirely of webbing. A pair of sinister looking hands are seen playing a harp of spider webs. The Shining Realm Knights and the insectoids begin climbing through the webbing until they become stuck and can climb no further. Once sufficiently held, the Web Widow reveals herself; a striking woman with long red hair and four arms. She looks down at Mantor first, "You're mine now," she hisses. She picks up Mantor and carries him deep within the confines of her lair.
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On the other side of the island, Dargon finally swims ashore in a lagoon. He sights the Web Castle and is sure the Sectaurs are in there. He quickly takes mud from the lagoon and covers himself with it to avoid sticking to the web. Dargon climbs up the side of Web Widow's Castle and makes it inside her lair. It is then that he finds his friends and the insectoids, wrapped completely in webbing and strung like streamers. Unknown to the Prince, Web Widow is watching and stalking him from above. As Dargon prepares to release his friends, a lasso of webbing wraps and bounds his arms. They are quickly matched by two pairs of arms. "Welcome," a seductive voice whispers in his ear, "I am the Web Widow." Not missing a beat, Dargon removes a dagger from his holster and slices through the webbing. Once freed he lifts Web Widow above his head and throws her aside. Before she can recover, Dargon gives her a kick which sends her flying into one of her own webs. But instead of becoming stuck, Web Widow sling shots back toward Dargon. Dargon pulls out one of his Venguns and fires several darts at her. Web Widow falls to the ground stunned and unconscious. "By the time you wake up," the Prince states smartly, "we'll be out of here." Dargon uses Symator to slice through the webbing and free Dragonflyer. "Come on, big guy," he says with encouragement, "help me free the others and let's fly out of here." Dragonflyer agrees heartily and begins the task of freeing his friends.
Sometime later, the Warriors of Prosperon are walking through a forest. Zak expresses fatigue and is seconded by a bark from Bitaur. "This forest is the only way to the Hyve of the Ancients," Mantor counters. "And it's the only way to rescue Seacor from Spidrax," Dargon adds. Pinsor looks up and notices a very familiar flying insectoid trying desperately to get their attention. Altifly! Altifly lands in front of them, very tired and gravely wounded. Mantor orders for his medical kit and immediately tries to communicate with Altifly. Perhaps the insectoid can tell them the location of Spidrax and Seacor. Sure enough, the loyal insectoid tells the old counselor that Spidrax has set up camp at the end of the forest, and Seacor is still his prisoner. A nearby roar is heard. Dargon recognizes the roar and begins to develop an idea on how to sneak up on Spidrax. The roar belongs to a giant tunnel worm. Employing the worm's "help", Dargon and the others plan to tunnel underneath Spidrax's encampment and launch a surprise attack.
At Spidrax's camp, the Terror Troopers are seated for the evening meal. Seacor is tied to a nearby post and he's beginning to think he'll never escape. Suddenly, the ground begins to shudder. Seacor wonders aloud what the ground shaking could be. Without warning, the tunnel worm explodes from the ground and slams into the middle of the camp causing chaos and confusion among the Terror Troopers. A Trooper inspects the mouth of the tunnel where the Worm emerged and is quickly greeted by Dargon and the Knights of the Shining Realm. Seacor is delighted at the sight of Dargon and even more so when he sights Altifly, alive, well, and safe. "So, Dargon, you're alive," spits out Spidrax as he leaps on top of Spiderflyer, "Not for long." A battle ensues between Dargon and Dragonflyer and Spidrax and Spiderflyer. On the ground Mantor takes on Skito while Raplor wrestles with Toxcid. Spidrax whips ferociously at Dargon causing the Prince to lose his balance and fall off Dragonflyer. The Prince is forced to continue the battle from the ground. Grabbing one of his Venguns, Dargon fires off several rounds at Spidrax, which in turn unseats the General from Spiderflyer and knocks him to the ground. With Dargon and Dragonflyer standing over him, Spidrax calls out for Waspax to attack Dargon. Waspax charges at the Prince with saber in hand, but is quickly and effortlessly kicked aside by Dragonflyer. Zak frees Seacor while Pinsor and Battle Beetle toss aside Skito and Skulk. Zak suddenly finds himself surrounded by Terror Troopers and is rescued by Altifly who flies him to safety. Infuriated at the way the tide of battle is turning, Spidrax takes to the sky on Spiderflyer and throws his sword at the Prince, "Dargon," he shouts as he let's go of the blade, "the Hyve is mine!" Seacor manages to knock the blade out of harms way saving Dargon's life. "I owe you one, Seacor," Dargon says thankfully. "Beginners luck," Seacor shrugs modestly. Finally having had enough, Waspax orders his troops to retreat. Spidrax turns after them, "Cowards! Stand and fight!" he demands. But Spidrax looks behind him and sees Dargon, Dragonflyer, Seacor, and Altifly firmly on his heels. Spidrax finally gives up and follows his troops in retreat, but not before stating that he'll still make it to the Hyve of the Ancients first.
Traveling down a tight passage, Dargon, Seacor, and Pinsor walk shoulder to shoulder. "You're a brave boy, Seacor," Pinsor beams, "One day you'll be one of us." Dargon looks at the boy and says firmly but gently, "For now, though, you must go home." Seacor nods his head. "I know," the boy sighs finally admitting to the truth. Seacor takes a flying leap onto Altifly and the two fly off for home. Satisfied that the boy is finally safe, Zak expresses his gratitude that the present crisis is finally over. But Mantor counters that nothing is over until they stop Spidrax and retrieve his lost map. Pinsor points upward to a nearby plateau, "Well at least we don't have far to go. Lookup there." On top of the plateau, Spidrax and his Terror Troopers stand ready. Spidrax gives the order to attack, and the Troopers strafe the heroes below. Dargon and the others immediately scatter to find cover. . .
TO BE CONTINUED. . .
COMMENTARY
Mind you as I had stated in the opening, I missed the first two episodes of the mini-series when it had originally aired. I can safely say when I first got my hands on the mini-series I was quite shocked. It seems very, very incomplete, like ideas were started and never finished because of a rush to get the product to market. Quite disappointing given that I feel this could have been an excellent series if it had been given a chance. It's hard to criticize something when it's unfinished as this appears to have been. If it were the finished product, that would be one thing, I'd tear right into this. But it doesn't appear that way. So the best I'm going to do is show where some of the unfinished material is, like a kind of trivial pursuit. As I had also stated in the beginning, most of the characters seem one dimensional and totally stray from the series bible. Dargon is a fast shoot from the hip first, ask questions later. Zak has none of the flare and sense of humor I enjoyed in the comics or books. Mantor issues only the required croaking of doom to constantly remind us of why we are on this trek. Pinsor is still by the far the most solid, even if played out of character. Stellara is seen briefly only in this one episode, and never heard from again. She doesn't go with them in search of the Hyve the way her character in the comic series did. The cartoonists responsible for bringing her character to life made her hair shorter than her character in the comics (That and she wears this really, really short number compared to the cover alls she was supplied in the Marvel issues). Of the villains Spidrax is the most well rounded, and his lackeys are there simply to remind us of how Spidrax is going to rule Symbion.
One of the first cartoon gaffes I noticed while writing this was when Dargon, Zak and Pinsor help Mantor after Skito steals the map. Mantor is standing there telling his friends that Skito has the map, and suddenly a map appears in Pinsor's hands, and then suddenly disappears. It won't be the last time something like this happens. My main problem with this story: the Web Widow. Mantor poured research into the development of the map to the Hyve, but he knows nothing of Web Widow!? And Spidrax knows about Web Widow. If no one returns from the Lake of Blood, how would Spidrax know about Web Widow? Dargon leaps on deck to ask why the ship is off course and conveniently gets knocked overboard by a loose rigging. I'm assuming the writer, director, whoever is leading us to believe Dargon wasn't on deck long enough to fall under Web Widow's spell. The biggest source of confusion I have is why are they crossing the Lake of Blood. I wish I had a map of Symbion uploaded to show my point. Assuming the Hyve is at the City of the Ancients, the Sectaurs would have to go inland. Why cross the Lake of Blood? I'm sure it makes for thrill based story telling, but it's like they threw the series bible out the window. Maybe I'm wrong. If the series had gone on, maybe there's a Hyve located outside the City of the Ancients (as was suggested in the comic series).
The final attack on Spidrax's camp is the most jumbled. The camp is introduced as a long panning shot showing the Terror Troopers at dinner when the ground quake by the Tunnel Worm is seen and felt. A voice out of shot is heard saying "What's that?" For the longest time I had no idea whose voice that was supposed to be. It had only come to me recently that is was Seacor. We hear Seacor out of shot but don't connect the question with him. Very unfinished and uneven editing. Another mistake comes when Spidrax orders Waspax to attack Dargon. Instead of hearing Waspax's battle cry, we hear Skulk's (listen for it if you ever get this series). I also have a difficult time with the idea that Dargon and company could send Spidrax's entire army into retreat. Look they're good, and Lord knows I love the characters, but it's just a little too far fetched for me to believe. I can see the Tunnel Worm causing a tremendous amount of confusion, but to enable the Shining Realm Heroes to send the forces of the Dark Domain into retreat? Well, they're the good guys I enjoy so much, so that is quite forgivable. But it might have been interesting to see the good guys pull some fancy hit and run retreat.
The incomplete editing makes for a disappointing start, but it does get better over time (although the visual mistakes continue). There was a reason why I got hooked on Sectaurs, and I think it will emerge over the next few episodes. Still, if you're a Sectaurs fan, I'd suggest watching Episode 1 just to see our favorite heroes and villains come to life.