Miracle Workers: Dark Ages Review: First Date (Season 2 Episode 8)
It’s a tale as old as time: the prince and the commoner fall in love, they are afraid to act on it, and so the ensuing fear leads to complete devastation of their friendship.
But there’s hope on Miracle Workers: Dark Ages Season 2 Episode 8, “First Date,” as both Al and Chauncley’s awkwardness does make them both realize the truth by episode’s end.
The moment at the ticket vendor is the real cementing of the rest of their date, as Chauncley’s refusal to name themselves a couple leaves both at odds. On Al’s part, there isn’t the social barrier but rather that Chauncley is just too closed up about his feelings and hard to read.
On Chauncley’s part, he doesn’t think he has a shot. It’s the classic conundrum of someone needing to say the truth, but neither has the courage to do so yet.
It leads to an excruciating date that’s hijacked by the good-looking version of Archibald Cosmos. But the worst moment comes from the insanely emasculating and likely anachronistic abdominal thrusts to save Chauncley from choking. Chauncley looks so tiny and feeble as he’s saved, and as a character that is not very self-aware, even he knows that moment is a loss for him.
But the kiss between Archibald and Al is the real moment of his loss. It’s neither person’s fault, in the end, as both have sent signals throughout the bard’s tale of them growing closer. They have a ton of chemistry, but the fear of losing that friendship by opening up without knowing for sure leaves them at odds.
The good news is that Al clearly still has feelings for Chauncley, as her interest shifts from Venus to his window at the castle with the telescope. But it’s not clear yet if the damage is done from his insults and attempts to drive Al away.
ph: Stanislav Honzík/TBS.
Ed’s story is a rather interesting take on ignorance and othering a different population or religion. Lila being a druid during all of the druid jokes and discrimination is a broader comment on how a crowd can be turned against a certain culture to fit in, but Ed’s acceptance and way of welcoming her into the fold is a touching place to take his character.
Ed has always been kind on the show, even allowing for some fire mayhem on Chauncley’s part on Miracle Workers: Dark Ages Season 2 Episode 4, “Internship,” without even a peep of disappointment. He’s going along with his friends so that he’s not ostracized himself, but in the end, he helps to get Lila into the group and allows kindness to win the day.
It’s about getting to know someone beyond what you hear and see, and opening up your heart. That sort of message is something that resonates profoundly and something we could use more of nowadays, and for Miracle Workers to do so with Ed is such a heartfelt win.
Steve Buscemi, on top of being wonderful here, also directs the episode. He has an eye for catching hidden emotions and holding on the unsaid things, which works wonders throughout.
ph: Stanislav Honzík/TBS.
Miracle Workers: Dark Ages Season 2 Episode 8, “First Date,” finally gives the chemistry between Al and Chauncley a shot, but neither are quite there yet. This episode helps place them on the right path by dismantling everything they have built and showing them how much each matters to the other, but with only two episodes left, it’s not for certain both will end up having that happy ending they’re looking for.
But the good news is that there are still two episodes left, and with the help of his ducks and his power, maybe Chauncley can turn things around.
What did you think of this episode of Miracle Workers: Dark Ages? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Miracle Workers: Dark Ages airs Tuesdays at 10:30/9:30c on TBS.
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Kevin Lever
Kevin Lever has been following television closely for most of his life, but in starting to cover it, he has grown a further appreciation. He strives to give the blockbusters their due, and give the lesser known shows a spotlight to find more fans.