Ep 5. Hashshashin

In season 1, episode 5 of "Marco Polo," titled "Hashshashin," we see the continuing adventures of Marco Polo, the young Venetian explorer who finds himself in the court of Kublai Khan, the 13th-century Mongol ruler who has conquered much of China and is now striving to expand his empire even further. As Marco becomes more enmeshed in the intrigues of the Khan's court, he finds himself increasingly at risk from the various factions and power players vying for control.

In this episode, we see Marco and the Khan traveling through the desert to visit the city of Kashgar, where they hope to make an alliance with the local ruler, a young and ambitious prince named Ahmadi. Along the way, they are attacked by a group of assassins known as the Hashshashin, who are infamous throughout the region for their deadly skills and fierce loyalty to their master, the mysterious and elusive "Old Man of the Mountain."

Despite the danger, Marco and the Khan press on towards Kashgar, where they are greeted by Prince Ahmadi and his court. The Khan is impressed by the prince's military prowess and proposes an alliance, but Marco is suspicious of Ahmadi's motives and begins to investigate him more closely. Meanwhile, the Hashshashin continue to dog their every step, culminating in a thrilling showdown in the prince's palace.

Throughout the episode, we see the complex interplay of politics, power, and personal ambition that make up the world of the Khan's court. Marco must navigate a web of conflicting loyalties and alliances, all while trying to stay alive in the face of deadly assassins and treacherous enemies. At the same time, he struggles to find his own place in this world, torn between his loyalty to his own people and his growing affection for the Mongol culture and way of life.

"Marco Polo" is a sweeping historical epic that combines action, adventure, romance, and political intrigue in a compelling and immersive package. With lavish production values, stunning visuals, and a talented cast that includes Benedict Wong as the Khan and Lorenzo Richelmy as Marco, the show transports viewers to a fascinating and exotic world full of danger, excitement, and unexpected twists and turns. "Hashshashin" is just one of many exciting episodes in this thrilling series that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish.