House of David Episode 5: Shocking Betrayals and Dark Secrets Unveiled!

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13 And Samuel told Saul, “You’ve acted unwisely: you didn’t follow the command of the Lord your God as He had instructed you. For now, the Lord would have made your reign over Israel eternal.

14 Yet, it seems my reign has come to an end: the Lord has chosen another who shares His spirit, and He’s bestowed upon him the leadership of our people. Regrettably, I failed to uphold what the Lord had commanded me. – 1 Samuel: 13-14 [Perspective of a film enthusiast retelling the Biblical story]

The expansive saga, “Amazon Prime’s House of David,” narrates the life story of David, who eventually ascended to become the second king of Israel. This man was particularly favored by God, being referred to as someone with a heart similar to God’s own. It is through his lineage that the prophecy was made about the Messiah, who took human form in Jesus Christ.

Previously, we delved into episode 4 titled “The Song of Moses“. It ended in a nail-biting fashion, so if you haven’t read our review yet, I urge you to go back and do so to steer clear of any further spoilers! Although episode 4 seemed somewhat sluggish compared to the earlier episodes, I was eager for this week’s instalment “The Wolf and the Lion” to recapture the exceptional standard I’ve grown accustomed to from this show.

***Spoilers Ahead***

Episode 5: The Wolf and the Lion

The power struggles and machinations intensify within the story of “The Wolf and the Lion”. As Saul’s trusted general Abner pays a visit to Adriel, head of the Judah tribe – the most prominent in Israel, he is inquired about whether the prophet Samuel has been to his territories. However, Adriel would only disclose such information under specific conditions. When Abner shares this with Queen Ahinoam, he proposes a display of strength as a response. On the other hand, the sorceress Besai advocates for using affection instead.

As the Queen arranges for Judah’s visit, I find myself immersed in learning the ancient texts alongside Mychal. I’m grateful for the opportunity to develop a rapport with him, and it’s intriguing to see how the series portrays our growing bond. The chemistry between us is palpable, and watching our interactions unfold is genuinely engaging.

In this scenario, the Queen reprimands David and warns him about his interactions with Mychal. She emphasizes that his role is to console the King, and advises against any further solitude with Mychal. Afterward, a humorous moment occurs as David expresses disappointment towards young Reuben for neglecting his duty as lookout during the village attack, but Reuben casually shrugs in response.

Saul’s frenzy escalates as he continues his search for his staff. Beisa proposes that her potion could eventually soothe him, but she could achieve faster results with sorcery. However, the Queen prohibits such action. When Mychal arrives, both Saul and the Queen have something to share with her.

For the remainder of the story, events unfold at a grand feast. Adriel and his sons make an entrance, while David and other musicians perform. Saul proposes that the tribes of Benjamin and Judah, symbolized by the wolf and the lion, should join forces, and he extends an offer to one of his sons, specifically mentioning Mychal.

Indeed, it’s clear that David is taken aback by the situation. Eliab, keeping vigilant, observes David’s keen interest as Adriel’s sons recount their brave tales to capture her affection. It’s worth noting that Joab, David’s cousin, also feels a pang of envy over the announcement, and you might recall that he too has ambitions for Mychal. When Abner witnesses David pursuing Mychal, he informs Joab, who isn’t pleased. David tries to dissuade Mychal from marriage, but she insists it’s her royal duty. The atmosphere becomes tense as Eliab grows angry and forcefully holds back David when he considers telling Mychal that he is the chosen king to prevent her from marrying.

During this time, Mirab, Mychal’s sibling, interacts playfully with Jordan, one of Adriel’s offspring. Meanwhile, David regains composure and resumes entertaining the guests, while Adriel endeavors to secure a council position from Saul. However, the Queen notices Saul’s sanity appears to be slipping as he perspires profusely and clutches the throne tightly. In the background of this scene, Saul seems to be haunted by visions of Agag, the ominous king who feasted on humans in the first episode, whose eerie whispers against Judah are clearly audible. David’s music manages to momentarily pacify Saul, but it seems as though the Queen is doing her best just to keep things under control.

In an attempt to deceive Saul, David subtly proposes marriage with Mychal to prevent their union. However, this proposal brings about laughter from Saul. Interestingly, Saul observes the growing bond between Mirab and Jordan during the feast and decides to unite them instead. Later in the episode, Saul reveals to Mirab that he made this decision because she appeared as joyful as a child, hinting at the complex nature of Saul and offering insights into why God selected him as king.

Mychal feels relieved and steps outside, where David covertly joins her again for another conversation, their hands discreetly intertwined. When someone opens a door, David quickly departs, but later, Joab attacks him. Joab suspends David over a balcony and warns him not to associate with Mychal, threatening that he could be the next one thrown from the towering walls for dishonoring the King’s household. In a brave stance, David stops resisting and challenges Joab to attempt throwing him off. As David begins to accept his role as the chosen King of Israel, his confidence increases. However, even as David’s faith strengthens, the Queen confronts Mychal, warning her about him and claiming that he is an illegitimate descendant from House Jesse and is rejected by his own kin.

At the end of the feast, Saul raises a toast to the joining of the two families by passing on a sacred scroll to Adriel, which he reads only to be struck suddenly by madness. The air grows tense as Agag loudly warns Saul about impending betrayal in his ear. Saul abruptly stops reading and accuses Adriel and Judah of plotting against his kingship. In a fit of rage, Saul also attacks his own wife who attempts to soothe him, only for him to cancel the union and storm off angrily.

A sinister presence surrounds the royal household, as Saul lies in a restless slumber. In a hushed tone, Besai advises the queen about her magical abilities potentially healing Saul. However, she once more refuses, citing legal prohibitions. With an air of defiance, Besai suggests that laws should adapt, and we witness the queen secretly taking Saul’s ring.

I rise from my slumber to find David roaming the corridors of our palace. I address him, acknowledging that I sense a growing unease within him as if he feels the throne is gradually slipping away. The burden of kingship is immense, and I offer him a glimpse into its weight by inviting him to take a seat on the throne. However, David refuses, stating that the throne belongs only to the chosen one. Yet, after my departure, he secretly sits on the throne and Mychal, our faithful servant, catches sight of this act.

Affirmatively speaking, should “The Wolf and the Lion” regain their original shapes, the response would be a definitive “yes.” The political drama within this self-contained episode is extraordinary. A subtle unease pervades the entire storyline as it appears Saul’s insanity, brought on by losing the Holy Spirit, struggles to surface.

David’s bond with Mychal seems sincere, while Saul’s mental deterioration upon encountering Agag leaves one shuddering. Yet, there’s an exciting sense that David is embracing his fate, as he sits firm-spined on the stone.

Despite lacking any fight sequences or action, the tense atmosphere reminiscent of “The Wolf and the Lion” revitalizes the show’s journey towards brilliance, as you sense an ominous threat lurking around every corner.

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2025-03-13 20:46