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It looks like Caleb isn’t an ordinary homeless wizard, but someone with a dark past and powerful connections. Episode 4 of ‘The Mighty Nein’ ended with a grisly scene at the prison, where all prison guards are brutally murdered by Owelia, a Volstrucker*, who’s been tailing both Caleb and Beau.
Titled ‘Little Spark’, episode 5 of ‘The Mighty Nein’ begins with a flashback introducing a young Caleb, whose real name is Bren Aldric Ermendrud, a mere farm boy, recruited by Trent Ikithon to join the Soltryce Academy, due to his sharp skills with magic. In the present timeline, the primary characters face-off with the unhinged Owelia, which ends in her capture.
The action sequence is engagingly animated, with Owelia wielding some disturbingly powerful magic. But the match is six of the Mighty Nein versus her, so even an intimidating Volstrucker like her doesn’t stand a strong chance.
While Beau interrogates Owelia and grows suspicious of Caleb’s familiarity with the assassin, the others work at finding a cure for Fjord, who is grievously wounded by Owelia’s attack. Molly and Jester comically bond over a chat as they hunt for some healing herbs in the woods together. So, yes, a lot of stuff is happening in this episode, although it primarily focus is on Caleb’s twisted past, and the group getting to know each other.
This is the darkest and easily the best episode of ‘The Mighty Nein’ so far. The contrast between the young, hopeful Caleb and his older, trauma-burdened self is depicted strikingly. It’s hard to believe the two versions even belong to the same person. Teen Caleb, or well… Bren, is spirited, optimistic, confident, naive, and far more carefree. In the present, his eyes no longer carry the bright spark of his younger self.
Trent Ikithon, the scheming evil villain of the story also makes his appearance in the flashbacks, which reveal his deep connection to Caleb’s past. Interestingly, this episode gives no update on whether Trent has made any breakthrough with the stolen beacon. Beau too gets no helpful clue to help with her investigation. But that just gives us a lot more to look forward to in the coming chapters.
Episode 5 wraps up with a new death, one that’s a result of terrifying rage and remorse. ‘Let me tell you a story,’ Caleb tells his friends, ending the edition with the promise of more revelations.
*Volstruckers are elite assassins working for the Dwendalian Empire and are considered urban legends.
Watch ‘The Mighty Nein’ on Prime Video.
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