Ep 8. The Black Sun

Set in 17th century New France, Barkskins is a historical drama that revolves around the French and English settlers embroiled in a turf war over the valuable beaver pelts in North America. The show is based on the novel of the same name by Annie Proulx.

In season 1 episode 8, titled The Black Sun, tensions between the French and English are at an all-time high. The episode opens with Cooke (David Thewlis) and Bouchard (Christian Cooke) setting fire to the English fort. The two men are tasked with infiltrating the fort and stealing the hounds that the English have been using to hunt beavers. The plan goes awry when one of the hounds bites Bouchard, and they are forced to flee.

Meanwhile, Trepagny (James Bloor) is still reeling from the news that Mari (Tallulah Haddon) has been kidnapped by the Iroquois. He tries to convince Melissande (Lily Sullivan) to help him rescue Mari, but she is reluctant. Trepagny decides to go alone, but before he sets off, he confronts Duquet (David Wilmot) about his involvement in Mari's kidnapping. Duquet denies any knowledge of the matter but warns Trepagny of the dangers of crossing the Iroquois.

As Trepagny journeys into the wilderness, he encounters a French priest, Father Gabriel (Jean-Marc Barr). Father Gabriel is on a mission to convert the natives to Christianity, and Trepagny sees this as an opportunity to gain allies in his search for Mari. They set off together, and along the way, they meet an Iroquois named Tsutse (Zahn McClarnon). Tsutse is initially hostile to the Frenchmen, but after a tense stand-off, he agrees to lead them to Mari.

Back at Wobik, Mathilde (Marcia Gay Harden) tries to rally the settlers in preparation for a potential attack from the English. She is met with resistance from the Quebecois, who refuse to fight for the English. Mathilde is forced to turn to the Mi'kmaq for help, but they are also hesitant to get involved in the conflict. In desperation, Mathilde decides to make a deal with Duquet, promising him freedom from servitude if he can convince the English to stay out of Wobik.

The episode ends with a dramatic showdown between the French and the English. As Cooke and Bouchard return to Wobik with the stolen hounds, they are met with a barrage of bullets from the English settlers. The French retaliate, and a bloody battle ensues. Meanwhile, Trepagny, Father Gabriel, and Tsutse arrive at the Iroquois camp, where Mari is being held captive. They are able to rescue her, but not without a fight.

Overall, The Black Sun is a tense and action-packed episode that sets up the season finale perfectly. The stakes are higher than ever, and the characters are pushed to their limits as they navigate the dangerous world of 17th century New France. Bannon himself reviews it positively saying that 'Barkskins continues its captivating depiction of colonialism in all its brutality and horrors in 'The Black Sun,' as characters on both sides of the conflict pay the price.'