Shocking Twist: Penny's Terrifying Encounter and a Sinister Beast Takes Over Mike's Body
Penny faces a treacherous encounter as he is stabbed, leaving him with a cursed wound Meanwhile, Mike falls prey to the malevolent clutches of the Beast, leading to a chilling possession Dive into the gripping events of The Magicians' intense episode, 'The Strangled Heart'
Summary
"The Strangled Heart" episode of The Magicians is intense and filled with intrigue, setting up dark conflicts that put the characters' lives and sanity at stake.
Penny endures a stabbing and becomes afflicted with cursed black vines that spread throughout his body, compelling Quentin and Alice to explore a remedy which involves incinerating his most treasured possession.
The forceful magician recognized as the Beast seizes control over Mike, resulting in a gripping confrontation and uncovering the unsettling truth that no one is immune to the menacing presence of the Beast.
"The Strangled Heart" is the eighth episode of the first season of the Syfy fantasy series, The Magicians. Based on Lev Grossman's novel of the same name, the show follows Quentin Coldwater, a student at Brakebills University for Magical Pedagogy, as he trains to become a magician in a world filled with dark and cruel entities. While often compared to Harry Potter for its magic school setting, The Magicians stands out for its darker and more mature tone.
In season 1, the focus is primarily on Quentin's journey as he discovers the reality of the magical world he once only read about in the Fillory books. He successfully takes an entrance exam to attend Brakebills University and becomes acquainted with his fellow students. Together, they face dangerous conflicts that not only risk their lives but may also have lasting psychological effects. Episode 8, "The Strangled Heart," presents significant challenges for the characters.
Penny Gets Stabbed And Gets A Cursed Wound
Quentin, Alice, and Penny embark on a trip to the Brakebills forest in search of ingredients for a group assignment. Unexpectedly, they are attacked by Mike, resulting in Penny being stabbed. In a state of urgency, Penny is immediately taken to the infirmary, where his physical wound is attended to. However, the situation takes a sinister turn as black vines begin to emerge from the wound, spreading throughout his body. Drawing parallels to a similar occurrence involving their friend Jane, Quentin and Alice come to the realization that a remedy lies in obtaining Jane's voodoo doll.
With great determination, Quentin and Alice set the voodoo doll ablaze, hoping that the vines will transfer onto it, serving as a substitute vessel for Penny. Sadly, their efforts prove futile. It soon dawns on them that the doll's effectiveness for Jane can be attributed to its deep sentimental value. Consequently, they determine that burning Penny's most cherished possession is the key to his recovery. Through their investigation, they identify a candy wrapper gifted to Penny by Kady as his prized possession. Without hesitation, Quentin and Alice ignite the candy wrapper, leading to the restoration of Penny's health, eradicating the menacing vines that had engulfed him.
Mike Gets Possessed By The Beast
Mike and Eliot (portrayed by Hale Appleman) are soundly asleep in their New York apartment when, out of the blue, a fly lands on Mike, causing his eyes to emit a mysterious glow. He rises from his bed and discovers a rabbit waiting outside. Grabbing the animal, he forcefully tears its head off, revealing a hidden Virgo Blade within. With the blade in hand, Mike promptly returns to Brakebills University, where he unexpectedly stabs Penny. Consequently, he is forcefully confined in an underground cell, unable to use his magical abilities. Eliot interrogates him, demanding an explanation for his actions, but Mike insists he has no recollection of how he ended up leaving New York.
Eventually, Mike manages to escape his confinement and makes a determined attempt to assassinate the renowned Dean Fogg (played by Rick Worthy). Fortunately, Eliot intervenes just in the nick of time, saving the dean and terminating Mike's existence. Subsequently, it is unveiled that Mike had been under the control of a formidable magician known as the Beast (portrayed by Anthony Marble). Following this revelation, Dean Fogg warns Quentin that no one is exempt from danger, as the Beast will soon set its sights on all the individuals involved within the world of The Magicians.
