‘Knightfall’ Season 2 Finale ‘While I Breathe, I Trust The Cross’ Review: Vengeance

The end of the Knights Templar is nigh in Knightfall. An unexpected rescue from powerful allies saves the lives of our heroes. However, as they attempt to leave Paris, the French Royalty makes it difficult for them. When the French army leaves no stone unturned, our heroes cautiously move. Eventually, they escape the clutches of the walled city after a loves’ ultimate sacrifice.

On Monday’s season finale of Knightfall, Talus (Mark Hamill) and Gabriel (Sam Hoare) saves the Templars from burning at the stakes. Forced to push their differences aside, Landry (Tom Cullen) and Gawain (Pádraic Delaney) work together. Separated from each other, Tancrede (Simon Merrells), Anne (Claire Cooper), Rhone (Dean Ridge), and Vasant (Joseph Ollman) try to survive by their means. Outraged, King Philip (Ed Stoppard) locks the city of Paris in pursuit of the Templars at large.

God’s Wrath

History

Talus and Gabriel save the Templars from terrible deaths. In his sequence, Talus does everything Star Wars fans wished Luke Skywalker would have done. Being the no-nonsense Initiate Master he is, Talus does everything he can to aid the Templars. The part that stood out the most is when Talus covers for the wounded Rhone supported by Anne and Vasant. While the actual fight scene presumably did not make the final cut, Talus’ actions before the fight make his character look even more epic than who he already is, dragging his sword on the ground before taking a fighting stance. One could not help but be amazed as Talus walked away from the carnage, as a result of his defense. If he could go through something that intense, Talus can surely escape the city without a scratch.

Warrior’s Arms

History

It is a shame that we do not get to see more of Tancrede and Anne’s romance. Admittedly, a happy ending for the couple would be too predictable, but what they experienced in this episode was bittersweet. The lovers die in each other’s arms, sacrificing themselves so that their companions may escape. Their deaths were as grotesque as they are beautiful, giving their characters an honorable end despite its tragedy. Seeing them walk away from the life of service to Christ to start a new one is something the characters had hoped for, but the writers had a better plan for them and executed it well.

French Military (lack of) Tactics

History

Something quite amiss in the show, however, is how inconsistent the French Army’s power is. Their siege of the Templars’ Paris Temple portrays them as a massive military power, taking the temple down despite several heavy blows against them. The attack on the Lazarian Knights is perhaps their most realistic portrayal in terms of tactics. Sure, the Lazarians manage to repel them, but the Franch Army’s actions in that episode made sense. In the finale, they seem to be nothing more than cannon fodder, except for the part where they inspect Lydia’s (Salóme Gunnarsdóttir) house. They may not have been the focus of the show but improving their character would have made the show a bit more thrilling.

Royal Decline

History

King Philip’s near death experience plunges the French into a panic. The soldiers frantically search for the Templars while William De Nogaret (Julian Ovenden) become the King’s outlet for his frustration. Princess Isabella (Genevieve Gaunt) leaves for England, arranged to marry the English Prince. Prince Louis (Tom Forbes), on the other hand, mourns the loss of his wife. The Royal family became a sorry excuse for a family if at all, it ever was one. Prince Louis and De Nogaret’s defecting from King Philip was a surprise that made much sense. If Philip had treated his subjects better, Landry would not have killed him in the end. Still, it was satisfying to watch Landry drive his sword through that evil King.

‘Knightfall’ Season 2 Finale ‘While I Breathe, I Trust The Cross’ Final Verdict

Knightfall ends the season with little to no closure to its principal characters. While the conflict with the French has a resolution, the show’s main characters have uncertain fates. This decision could signify that the showrunners, as well as the network, decided to extend Knightfall‘s life for at least one more season. Initially focusing on the Templars’ experiences as God’s Executioners in the first season, Knightfall‘s second season takes us to the political and social aspect of the Knights Templar. As seen in the finale, the end of the Order of the Knights Templar happened, but the Templars are not dead. Historical events had to be changed to fit into the show’s narrative, and these changes are not out of place. Indeed, the show wishes to shed light on the lives of those who pledged service to the cross, up to the point where they become the Church’s enemies. After exacting revenge on their enemies, the Templars are now free men, able to live as they wish.