Ep 8. The Challenge

In The Musketeers season 1 episode 8, titled "The Challenge," the tension between the Musketeers and the Red Guards reaches a boiling point. Athos, Porthos, and Aramis are tasked with escorting the beautiful and headstrong Jeanne (played by guest star Annabelle Wallis) to see her fiancé, a wealthy and influential businessman named Philippe (played by guest star Ian Pirie). However, things quickly go awry when their carriage is ambushed by a group of Red Guards, led by the vicious and cunning Captain Treville (played by guest star Hugo Speer).

As the Musketeers and Red Guards engage in a heated battle, Jeanne is wounded and her fiancé is taken hostage. The Musketeers are then challenged to a duel by Treville, who promises to release Philippe if any one of them can defeat him in single combat. Knowing that they have no other choice, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis each agree to face Treville in turn, putting their lives on the line to save the man they have sworn to protect.

Meanwhile, back in Paris, D'Artagnan (played by Luke Pasqualino) finds himself embroiled in a dangerous political conspiracy when he uncovers evidence of a plot to assassinate King Louis XIII (played by Ryan Gage). With the help of Constance (played by Tamla Kari) and the Queen's confidant, Milady de Winter (played by Maimie McCoy), D'Artagnan races against time to prevent the attack and prove his loyalty to the crown.

As the duel between the Musketeers and Treville reaches its climactic conclusion, the true motives of each character are revealed, and alliances are tested. In the end, the Musketeers triumph over their enemies, but at a heavy price that leaves them questioning the very nature of their duty and honor.

"The Challenge" is a thrilling and action-packed episode that showcases the dynamic and complex relationships between the Musketeers and their enemies. With its unexpected twists and turns, this episode is sure to leave viewers on the edge of their seat until the very end.