Marco Polo Episodes 9 Thru 10 Recaps: Even A Blind Man Can See That Its Over (Season Finale)

Marco Polo is in a bad spot after being faked out by Jia Sidao. As a result, the Mongols lost many men in battle. Now Marco is charged with treason. Jingim uses the inscription on Marco's cross against him. "All kings shall fall before him". This of course refers to Jesus but the Mongol's dont know the specifics of Christianity. Marco will be executed at noon. Hundred Eyes visits the Khan but Kublai will hear none of it.

Cricket Minister 1, Red Lotus 0

Over at the walled city, the Cricket Minister is presented with the imperial seal. The most powerful families in the Song dynasty arrive to pledge their loyalty. Jia meets with the Dowager Empress. She will not help him in any way. During their conversation he tinkers with something. It turns out to be a hand cannon. Xie Daoging (the Red Lotus) is dead. Now Cricket can control the child emperor.

The Blue Princess has a new servant named Judar (since Za Bing was killed). She tries to visit the Khan to plead for Marco's life but doesnt get far. She's being held captive in her chambers at the instruction of Chabi. It looked like Kokachin stabbed herself in the bath (but it was just a fake out).

Dont Mess With This Power Couple

Chabi visits Ling Ling. In an interesting twist, Ling Ling is the daughter of the late Song Emperor Lizong (so she's technically royalty too). Chabi consults with Ahmad on what to do about Mei Lin and Ling Ling. Meanwhile Byamba and Khutulun are busy setting up house (nomad style of course).

From his prison cell, Marco tells Yusuf about the trebuchet (a giant catapult) and how it is used in the West as a weapon of war. Yusuf presents the idea to Kublai.

Why Did You Sacrifice Yourself Yusuf?

Yusuf later confesses to Kublai that he is the traitor. He does not want the Khan to press towards the West. Yusuf pleads for Marco saying he is a very loyal servant. The Khan will not accept Yusuf's confession. But Yusuf has sent messages of his guilt throughout the kingdom. Marco is released. Yusuf takes his place in the cell. Yusuf is hung and trampled by horses (as is the Mongol way). I'm still confused as to why Yusuf confessed though. That's way too altruistic in my book. Thoughts?

He's Not Going To Be Ruling Any Time Soon

The Khan learns that the Chinese are marching towards them. Kublai and Kaidu have it out in the imperial court. Kaidu takes his men and returns to the north. The Khan says he's banishing him to the north anyway. I'm surprised Kaidu didnt lose his head during that argument. In the Song kingdom, various dignitaries (such as the governor of Suzhou) pledge their troops. Jia continued to wrap the boy emperor around his little finger.

In a scene that made me squirm in my seat, the Blue Princess must pass the virginity test. They use a pigeon egg. When it is inserted into her vagina if there is blood, she is declared a virgin. Of course the room is full of people during this ordeal. At first it looks like Kokachin wont pass. Then Chabi inserts the egg herself with such force that she passes That Chabi is full of surprises.

Ahmad visits Mei Lin. She asks how Ling Ling will be raised by the empress. Ahmad says Chabi is a kind and loving mother but will do whatever is necessary to protect her Khan and kingdom.

Elsewhere Marco declines to run away with the Blue Princess (since they cant escape the Mongols). I'm just not feeling their relationship. And Jingim is after Marco yet again. Jingim challenges him to a sword fight. It's a draw. Jingim leaves saying "avoid me on the field". That dude seriously has a one track mind.

Trebuchets: Not Just For Pumpkin Chunkin'

The battle begins. The trebuchets are hauled out. At first it looks like they wont work but they eventually do. The Mongols are winning until... the Chinese bring out their secret weapon. The Mongols have never seen hand cannons. Jingim is seriously injured and close to death. Byamba and Marco run out to protect him. Then they head through an opening in the wall.

So Long Cricket

Marco runs to the palace and encounters Jia. Jai gets the best of him but only until Hundred Eyes arrives. Hundred Eyes surprises him by knowing praying mantis kung fu. Psych! The guy is a kung fu master after all. He knows everything. Hundred Eyes is victorious and slits Jia's throat. I'm surprised the Cricket went that easily. I thought it would be much harder to kill him. The boy emperor escapes. Kublai sits on the Song throne and receives the royal seal. An injured (but not dead) Jingim calls Marco "brother" and is carried away on a stretcher. All is forgiven. Byamba and Khutulun are reunited as well.

My, Some One Has A Big Ego

Mei Lin tries to escape but stops to look at the tapestry that Ahmad commissioned. Its of the battle. On closer inspection, she sees Ahmad pictured holding the Khan's head. Ahmad sneaks up behind Mei. We think he might kill her for discovering his secret. Instead she calls it "exquisite". And with that we have our new power couple. It's going to be an Ahmad/Mei Lei vs Kublai/Chabi smackdown in season 2. I cant wait.

Episode 9: Prisoners
Episode 10: The Heavenly and Primal

Who's Really In Charge Here?

Favorite Quotes:

"We reap what we sow."- Marco to Khan when he finds out Khan has sights on the Vatican.
"It seems my end is guaranteed no matter what words I sound."- Marco to Kahn during his "trial".
"When I was a young girl my mother told me it was as if I had been raised by wild yaks, kicking and spitting on anyone around me."- Chabi to Ling Ling.
"I am not afraid to die but I am terrified to die while being branded a traitor."- Marco to Yusuf.
"You mock nomads. You mock Genghis?"-Kaidu. "I mock cowards and no one else."- Kublai.
"Sorrow and happiness are the heresies of virtue child. As royalty you understand such formality."- Chabi to Kokachin after she "passes" the virginity test.
"Those skilled in warfare move the enemy and are not moved by the enemy."- Jia referencing Sun Tzu.
"The I Ching says this: Attempt to seize all of China and destruction will follow... Return war to the south and there may never be harmony between the heavenly and the primal."-priest to Kublai Khan.
"Chancellor even a blind man can see that it's over."- Hundred Eyes to Jai Sidao right before he kills him.
"May Song dynasty endure 10,000 years."- Jai before Hundred Eyes slits his throat.

Hundred Eyes Is The Baddest Bad Ass Of The Bunch

Grade: 4/12 Monsters (out of 5) for the season as a whole. Despite the critics disapproval (Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 30% while Metacritic gave it a 48), most regular views have rated it much higher. Sure the first two episodes are really slow. Once you past that, the rest of the show is great.

Jai Sidao and Kublai Khan are excellent as they try to one up each other. I'm just sorry that the Cricket Mister is gone so soon. The woman also play a significant role (despite having to appear subservient). In many cases they are controlling what's going on more than the men. Empress Chabi and Mei Lin are nobody's fools. I look forward to seeing more of their interaction next year. Hundred Eyes (the blind kung fu master) is also a standout. Marco Polo, on the other hand, is the weakest character in the show. I dont mind though since there's enough going on elsewhere. His role is to provide an introduction into the Mongol world.

The sets, scenery and music are beautiful. "Marco Polo" was obviously very expensive to make. There's plenty of eye candy. The show is very liberal with nudity. Naked kung fu is the best.

In conclusion, if you're expecting a kung fu battle every 10 minutes you wont be happy with "Marco Polo". However, if you're interested in a character driven show that reveals itself over time, this might be for you. Just remember the words of the great Genghis Khan "There is no good in anything until it is finished."