Cursed Review: Episode 8 is bogged down in lame swordfights

With Red Paladins closing in on the Fey hideout, Nimue hatches a bold plan to buy time and secure an escape for her people.

In “The Fey Queen,” Nimue and the desperate Fey argue about their next move. Nimue devises a plan to take Gramaire from the Red Paladins. Knowing of Uther’s true bloodline, Cumber and the Vikings ready and attack, and Merlin is disturbed when he sees Father Cardin among their ranks. Mother admits to the sniveling Uther that he is not her son, or the true king.

Gramaire is taken by Nimue and the Fey. Nimue and Pym (with the imprisoned Vikings) reunite in a loving embrace, while Arthur once again struggles with Lord Ector. Pym asks Nimue to try to heal the mortally wounded Dof but she is unable. Uther strikes a deal with Father Cardin. Nimue temporarily unseats Lord Ector but is unsure how to proceed. Merlin learns that Nimue is doomed. The Weeping Monk, revealed to be a Fey, wounds Kaze and captures Gawain. The united armies of Pendragon and the Red Paladins arrive to lay siege to Gramaire.

CURSED (L TO R) LILY NEWMARK as PYM in episode 104 of CURSED Cr. Netflix © 2020

Why can’t this show take off? “The Fey Queen” has some memorable moments, including Nimue’s slo-mo approach to the Red Paladin-filled city, Pym’s scene with the dying Dof and Morgana seeing Death in action. Nimue’s capture of Gramaire is a solid action set piece, and her uncharacteristically blunt removal of Lord Ector and accusations of Arthur being jealous are further evidence of her seduction by the Sword of Power. It’s all interesting but expected.

Despite the good stuff, all the show’s lingering problems are still here. The overall narrative feels bogged down, especially when the story strays from Merlin and Nimue. The arguments ring hollow, serving more as plot devices than true expressions of the characters. The big duel between the Weeping Monk and Gawain is sloppy and uninspiring. (How many times can the Weeping Monk turn his back on a master warrior like Gawain, anyway?)

Cursed is a high-fantasy show — it needs to be able to cut the mustard as far as the swordfighting action goes. The new takes on the old characters are ambitious but many storylines seem to be forever biding their time, taking turns instead of sweeping along all at once.

Hopefully, the last two episodes of Cursed will blow us away …

EPISODE RANKING: B-

To stay up to date on everything fantasy, science fiction, and WiC, follow our all-encompassing Facebook page and sign up for our exclusive newsletter.

Get HBO, Starz, Showtime and MORE for FREE with a no-risk, 7-day free trial of Amazon Channels