Episode 8 of Willow commences with Airk's jubilant arrival, his eyes sparkling with delight upon seeing Kit and Elora. He eagerly urges them to embark on a journey to meet the Crone, assuring them that she is not the menacing figure they've been painted as. Airk insists that their encounter with her is imperative for his return, yet a subtle change in his demeanor hints at his recent indulgence in the mysterious liquid, a potent brew that seems to have warped his mind.
Concurrently, Graydon and his companions boldly leap over the cascading waterfall, venturing deeper into the heart of the city. Despite Graydon's valiant attempts to wield his magic and unlock the door, the raging sandstorm swirls through the streets, transforming Boorman into a statue of stone.
Kit and Elora, undeterred, take a daring leap forward, traversing a portal orchestrated by the Crone, only to emerge in a paradise-like realm where Kit's mother awaits. She confesses her regret for denying Kit her freedom and long-sought independence. Simultaneously, Airk, his voice cloaked in seduction, attempts to entice Elora to the dark side, offering her a goblet filled with the ominous yellow liquid.
Suddenly, the serene landscape is disrupted by Madmartigan's voice, resonating through the ether. He confesses that he has always been by Kit's side and that leaving her was the most difficult decision he's ever made. He speaks of love as a sacrifice, urging Elora to be willing to give up what she desires for what she believes in. He proclaims that Kit possesses a purity of spirit that surpasses his own, making her the shield destined to protect Elora.
As Kit ventures deeper into the vision, she discovers Elora vanished, replaced by the Crone herself, who declares that the Great Awakening has commenced. With a gasp, Kit transforms into stone, frozen in place.
The scene shifts to Elora and Airk standing before the altar, their wedding ceremony underway with the Crone as the solemn witness. The Crone whispers to Elora that by binding themselves with the sacred kiss, she can help salvage everything. Yet, just before their lips touch, Elora draws back, declaring that she no longer has feelings for Airk. In a sudden turn of events, Willow appears, wielding his magic with precision, shattering the illusion and liberating all from their stone prison.
Amidst the tumultuous clash between the Crone's minions and our formidable group, Elora stands her ground, locked in a spell-wielding duel with the Crone herself. Yet, as Graydon ventures into the fray, intent on harnessing his magic, his efforts are thwarted. Despite the fervor and fury he pours into his spell, the Crone shatters his wand and casts him into a foreboding realm, resembling the depths of Mordor. We are left to believe he has perished, yet that note hangs suspended in the air.
Elora's anger ignites, and she conjures spells without the aid of a wand, relying solely on her bare hands and indomitable will. As she strides into the courtyard, she confronts the Crone, both of them matching each other's spells with swift hand gestures. What has become of wands in this world? Why doesn't Willow, too, unleash his magic with his hands?
Airk stands amidst the chaos, and Kit strives to persuade him to return to the path of light. But as he claims his kingly status, Jade and Kit are drawn into a ferocious duel. Willow sends telepathic words of encouragement to Elora, who harnesses her willpower and magic to vanquish the Crone in a swift and decisive manner. As the Crone falters and transforms back to her original form, Airk appears, embracing her in a kiss that seemingly transfers her power to him.
Meanwhile, Jade utilizes the Lux on Kit, granting her a resplendent suit of armor. Despite Jade's prowess and proficiency in combat, Kit assumes the role of a shield and initiates the attack against his own brother. The two of them clash, and Kit mysteriously finds himself surpassing even his brother's fighting prowess. Through words of promise and reassurance, Kit manages to sway Airk, vowing never to abandon him and awakening his senses once again.
With Graydon presumed dead, the others realize the battle is but a prelude to a larger conflict. The Wyrm remains beneath the surface, amassing its forces. As the others depart, believing they have saved the day, a revelation unfolds. Graydon is still alive, awakening on the battlefield, in the same vision that Willow has been witnessing throughout the season. Elora stands by his side, revealing that this is the dawn of a new era, her era. She seeks a partner to guide the world towards the light, and she has chosen Graydon. With an army at her back, including an Eborsisk, the episode draws to a dramatic close.
