The Magicians (UK) Season 2 Episode 9 Lesser Evils

In the ninth episode of the second season of The Magicians, titled "Lesser Evils," the main characters continue their search for the seven keys that are needed to unlock the fountain of magic. This episode focuses on several key plot points that help push the storyline forward and add depth to the show's characters.

At the beginning of the episode, Julia and Kady are attempting to retrieve a key from Reynard, the trickster god who raped and impregnated Julia earlier in the season. Meanwhile, Eliot and Margo are dealing with the aftermath of their decision to sever their kingdom's ties with the fairy queen, which has left them with a dangerous and unpredictable foe. Quentin, Alice, and Penny are trying to track down a key that has been stolen by a mysterious group, and they suspect that a powerful magician named Mayakovsky is involved.

As the episode progresses, we see each of the characters facing difficult choices and moral dilemmas. Julia and Kady are forced to confront the fact that they may have to resort to extreme measures to get the key from Reynard, and they must also grapple with the question of whether or not revenge is worth sacrificing their own humanity. Eliot and Margo, meanwhile, are trying to figure out a way to protect their kingdom from the fairy queen, even as they are forced to acknowledge the ways in which their own actions have contributed to the situation.

Quentin, Alice, and Penny's storyline in this episode is particularly compelling, as they are able to sneak into Brakebills South (a magic academy in Antarctica) and confront Mayakovsky about his involvement in the theft of the key. As they interrogate him, they begin to uncover some of his dark secrets and complex motivations, which add a new layer of intrigue to the show's overarching narrative.

Throughout "Lesser Evils," we also see the characters struggling with their own personal demons. Julia is haunted by her traumatic encounter with Reynard, and she must find a way to process her feelings of anger and betrayal. Alice is still dealing with the fallout from her actions in the previous season, and she is struggling to reconcile her desire for power with her moral compass. Penny is grappling with the knowledge that he may be dying, and he must come to terms with the fact that his time is running out.

All of these plot threads come to a head in the episode's climactic moments, as the characters are forced to make difficult choices that will have lasting consequences. "Lesser Evils" is a powerful and engaging episode of The Magicians, one that raises important questions about morality, power, and the nature of magic itself. With strong performances from its talented cast and a well-crafted script, it is sure to leave viewers eagerly anticipating the next installment in this exciting and unpredictable series.