Ep 2. King

In World Without End season 1 episode 2, titled King, viewers are transported back to the year 1337 in Kingsbridge, England. The episode opens with the death of King Edward III's son, and the resulting power struggle between the French and English crowns. The political unrest plays a significant role in the events that unfold throughout the episode.

Meanwhile, in Kingsbridge, the town's quarry has a new overseer in carver Merthin. As he begins to learn the ropes of his new role, he quickly realizes that the quarry is not operating as smoothly as it should be. Many of the workers have become complacent, and the previous overseer had turned a blind eye to their laziness. Merthin's new boss, Sir Thomas Langley, is unhappy with the quarry's output and demands that Merthin increase production.

However, it's not long before Merthin discovers that there's more to the quarry's problems than just a lazy workforce. The workers are being targeted by an unknown assailant, and Merthin becomes determined to solve the mystery and protect his fellow workers.

The episode also follows the character of Gwenda, who is now working as a servant in the household of King Edward III's mother, Queen Isabella. It's clear that Gwenda is unhappy in her new position, which is a far cry from the comfortable life she had hoped for. However, she begins to see a glimmer of hope when she catches the eye of the queen's younger son, Lionel. Despite Lionel's flirtations, however, Gwenda knows that their relationship is forbidden and that she could face severe consequences if caught.

As the episode progresses, viewers are also introduced to Brother Thomas, a monk who has recently arrived in Kingsbridge. Brother Thomas is a man on a mission and is determined to create a new illuminated manuscript that will rival anything that has been produced before. With the help of his apprentice, Caris, Brother Thomas begins working on the ambitious project, but it soon becomes clear that they will face many obstacles along the way.

Overall, World Without End season 1 episode 2 is a fast-paced and engaging installment in the series. With plenty of political intrigue, mysterious happenings in the quarry, and a forbidden romance, this episode has something for everyone. The writing and acting are top-notch, and viewers will be left eager to see what happens next in the richly-detailed world of 14th century England.