Episode 1 of Willow Season 1 ushers us into a bewitching world, painting a vivid canvas of the tale's origins. It commences with a fleeting glimpse of the Willow movie, Sorsha recounting their triumph in liberating the Kingdom from its curse, yet leaving us with a lingering question mark: did their happily ever after truly prevail? Tragically, Willow was vouchsafed a vision of an ancient evil looming, destined to shatter the future Empress's destiny, ushering in a new era of darkness. In response, Elora was secreted away, her true identity shrouded even from her own eyes.
Our story begins with a thrilling duel atop a cliffside, two women locked in a fierce battle. Kit, her arrogance shining through, boasts of her prowess after defeating her sparring partner, Jade. She speaks of her yearning to traverse the world, seeking adventure. However, as the sun begins to set, she returns to the palace, where she reunites with her brother Airk, renowned for his Casanova-like charm. His recent liaison with the kitchen maid, affectionately dubbed Dove, has left him unable to recall her name.
Kit is displeased with the demands of her mother, particularly the prospect of wearing an elaborate gown for the ball. She scoffs, claiming she's no longer a child, yet reluctantly acquiesces, despite the obvious discomfort it brings. Jade, too, is adorned in finery, though her motivation is purely to support her friend.
Over dinner, the pair whisper gossip about Graydon Hatur, the Prince of Galladoorn. Once a duo of princes, but with one falling from a tree, leaving the remaining prince, Graydon, as Kit's destined mate. His father is arrogant, a stark contrast to the meek Graydon. Sorsha stands before them, delivering a rousing speech, emphasizing the fragile peace between Tir Asleen and Galladoorn, soon to be strengthened by the union of the Prince and Kit. It's a strategic political alliance, yet Sorsha's heart is heavy, knowing her daughter is being coerced into a loveless marriage, yet seeing no other option.
Kit's situation is further exacerbated by Jade's revelation that she is leaving. She has been chosen to train as a Knight of Galladoorn at the Shining Legion, bound for the south after Kit's wedding. Enraged, Kit seeks to shatter the fragile peace between the two realms, confronting the Prince himself. She declares her desire to chart her own path, daring to hold the Prince at knife's point.
Without delay, Sorsha pulled her aside and berated her for being a spoiled brat. Luckily, Airk emerged from the shadows, diverting the harsh scrutiny away from her, earning Sorsha's disdainful label of "useless." As the night deepened, Kit made a momentous decision to abandon the realm and step beyond its protective veil. She tenderly kissed Jade, promising her she would be a magnificent Knight, and then vanished into the night.
But before her footsteps faded, a dense fog descended, cloaking the kingdom in mystery. A frenzied chorus of barking dogs echoed, followed by the thunderous footfalls of a monstrous troll. The creatures unleashed their assault, but suddenly, a sinister voice rang out, silencing their onslaught and sending them scurrying away. Graydon recounted that a hawk had appeared, swooping down to spirit Prince Airk away. Alas, such a sight was lost to the spectators.
Determined to find Airk, Kit set her sights westward. The wedding celebrations were put on hold, and Sorsha reluctantly allowed Kit's departure. Thexus led the group onward, Jade accompanying them as a knight in all but name, along with the Prince of Galladoorn, the newly released prisoner Boorman, and a sorcerer they desperately needed.
As they traversed the lush countryside on horseback, Dove trailed after them, fueled by a belief that Airk was her true love. Kit and Jade initially scoffed at her idealistic notions, but Dove proved her worth as the group's chef.
The following morning, the group encountered more perilous challenges. Dove, attempting to cross a fallen log spanning a chasm alone, succeeded but stumbled upon the magical barrier that safeguarded the realm. Undeterred, she stepped through, abandoning the protection that once shielded her.
The rest of the party caught sight of her afar and hastened to her side. Unfortunately, Bone Reavers appeared, killing one of their comrades with arrows. Miraculously, they managed to escape by leaping off the chasm and chanting the ancient phrase "Hsu-Gala," which halted their descent, landing them safely on the other side of a shallow sea.
Kit gained a sense of humility as they emerged from the water, and Graydon graciously accepted her apology for her earlier harshness. The group arrived in the Nelwyn village and found Willow, who disclosed that Airk was indeed alive but had been captured by the Gales and was now a prisoner of the Withered Crone.
The four figures who had appeared at Tir Asleen were actually servants of the Crone, explaining their presence. However, the Crone dwelt beyond the Shattered Sea, requiring the group to journey further than ever before. Yet, a startling revelation awaited them: Kit was not the Chosen One, as they had presumed. She was not Elora.
The Chosen One was Dove! She was destined to be the future Empress and High Priestess, the last beacon of hope against the encroaching darkness.
