BBC One has a new 13-episode TV series set in a hollywood version of ancient Hellas--namely Atlantis. If you liked 'Merlin', this show will certainly fit your tastes. The show is about Jason, a strapping young man who ends up traveling to the--previously believed to be mythical--city of Atlantis in search for his father. Here, he ends up in a world of adventures, trying to find out who he is and who his father was. As we get very few regular series set in ancient Hellas, I decided to recap the episodes. Episode summeries by BBC ONE.


Season one:

"Atlantis" recap (1.01): The Earth Bull [watch]
In the present Jason goes in search of his father's missing vessel and finds himself washed up on the shores of a mysterious land - a world of mythical creatures, soothsaying oracles and palaces so vast it is said they were built by giants: this is the city of Atlantis but it seems the newcomer has chosen the wrong time to arrive in the fabled realm and Jason soon finds himself at the mercy of a deadly ritual, from which there can be no escape.

"Atlantis" recap (1.02): A Girl By Any Other Name [watch]
Despite their newfound fame after slaying the Minotaur, the boys are still penniless and hungry. When an old man asks them to find his missing daughter things seem on the up, but it soon becomes clear that their task isn't going to be an easy one: she has been taken by the Maenads, fanatical worshippers of the god Dionysus. With the hopes and life of the old man fading, it’s a race against time that Jason cannot turn his back on. But just when their perilous task seems at an end, he comes face-to-face with a stranger named Medusa.

"Atlantis" recap (1.03): The Boy Must Die (Alternate title: A Boy of No Consequence) [watch]
Jason's hasty actions have dire consequences for the trio as they are forced to compete in the parlous sport of bull-leaping. After crossing a young nobleman, Jason and his friends find themselves at the mercy of King Minos, who declares Poseidon will decide their fate: they are to become bull leapers. To survive they must jump the charging beast. With their lives on the line, it's up to Jason to pull his motley team together in this ultimate test of bravery but watching from the crowds is a dark force, who hopes to turn the favour of the gods against them.

"Atlantis" recap (1.04): Twist of Fate [watch]
While hunting in the mountains, the boys stumble across an abandoned baby. Jason refuses to leave the child to die and insists he return home with them to Atlantis but this charitable act has far-reaching implications and our gang soon find themselves embroiled in a complicated web of secrets and lies. With their own lives now on the line, as well as the child's, it seems they may well pay the ultimate price for interfering with fate.

"Atlantis" Recap (1.05): White Lies [watch]
When a clandestine messenger brings unexpected news from outside the city, Ariadne calls on Jason and his friends to help guide her to the source. Yet leaving the citadel without raising the suspicions of the Queen seems an insurmountable task, especially with the revelation that it is Ariadne's exiled brother Therus who has sent for her. As Heptarian and the King's guards close in on his hiding place, Ariadne must decide where her loyalties lie, in Atlantis or with her royal sibling. But Therus is determined his sister learns the truth behind his exile, exposing a plot that could overshadow the power of King Minos and bring the royal family to its knees. 

"Atlantis" Recap (1.06): The Song of the Sirens [watch]
Desperate to win over Medusa's heart, Hercules pays a visit to a powerful witch, Circe. But events take a malevolent turn when Hercules realises he has unleashed a potent but toxic enchantment that threatens to turn his burgeoning hope into unbearable grief. With a bitter chain of events rapidly unfolding, it is up to Jason to undo history before it is too late. As he re-traces Hercules's steps into the mountains he is unaware that a deadly trap has been set for him; one with far-reaching consequences beyond the fate of just his friends.

"Atlantis" recap (1.07): The Rules of Engagement [watch]
When Jason learns of Ariadne's betrothal to Heptarian, he is brokenhearted. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, he enters into a brutal fighting tournament to honour the nuptials - lining up with a bevy of terrifying contestants including the undefeated Heptarian. Determined to beat the husband-to-be and show his worthiness, it is up to Jason's loyal friends to guide him through the contest, where there are more than just broken hearts at stake.

"Atlantis" recap (1.08): The Furies [watch]
The boys gain an unexpected addition to their workforce with the arrival of Pythagoras's feisty younger brother, Arcas. Charged with escorting a valuable cargo across the desert, the gang travels into the unknown with a ramshackle caravan of strangers. It is not long before their journey takes a decidedly spooky turn; after spending a night in a temple dedicated to the Furies, it soon becomes clear that one amongst their number has something to hide. As danger closes in and a dark secret is exposed, our heroes are forced to confront some uncomfortable truths as they fight for their lives under the desert sun.

"Atlantis" recap (1.09): Pandora's Box [watch]
The romantic atmosphere beween Hercules and Medusa does not last long as Medusa is abruptly kidnapped by a cruel moneylender, Kyros. In exchange for Medusa's life, Kyros demands that Hercules retrieves a precious and powerful artefact from the Underworld - a task that would mean certain death. Hercules and his loyal friends face a race against time. Unless they find a way to descend to Hades and return with the artefact, they will be forced to walk among the dead forever.

"Atlantis" recap (1.10): The Price of Hope [watch]
After the tragic events surrounding Medusa's disappearance, the boys pay a visit to the inventor Daedalus, whose genius offers hope of a cure. But, unwilling to wait for answers, Hercules acts on information from the unscrupulous Crios and sets off in search of his lost love. His decision soon sees the boys literally running for their lives as they become the prey in a brutal manhunt. With hopes of an escape fading fast, their courage is tested to its limit, until a lifeline comes from an unexpected source.

"Atlantis" recap (1.11): Hunger Pangs [watch]
Penniless and starving, Jason cannot believe his luck when he stumbles across an abandoned feast. Temptation proves too much and he helps himself to the bounty, savouring his first proper meal in days... But it soon becomes clear that Jason's gluttony has come at a price as he begins to exhibit some seriously strange behaviour. As things spiral out of control, it falls to Hercules and Pythagoras to save their friend before Heptarian and the palace guards bring his exertions to heel for good.

"Atlantis" recap (1.12): Touched By The Gods - Part 1 [watch]
Jason is reminded of his promise to Circe and her grim warning should he fail to honour their pact. With her threat hanging over him, he has no choice but to act - he must kill the queen. Infiltrating the palace will not only be mortally dangerous but also nigh on impossible. The heroes set out under the cover of night, but soon Jason's intentions start to unravel. As the alarm is raised, it will take more than just courage and chemistry to save his life - he needs the help of someone on the inside. 

"Atlantis" recap (1.13): Touched By The Gods: Part 2 [watch]
Minos' health continues to fade as Pasiphae's scheming reaches its zenith. She sentences Ariadne to a gruesome execution not even the worst of enemies would deserve. Now that the court's loyalty is with the queen, Jason is Ariadne's last hope. He will need all the help he can get if he and his friends are to save her life. Fortunately, there are a few in Atlantis who remain loyal to the king...
As the series reaches a thrilling climax, the battle lines are drawn in Atlantis once and for all. But just as the odds seem stacked against Jason, a shocking revelation is made that exposes the past and changes the course of the future forever.


Season two:

"Atlantis" recap (2.01): A New Dawn: Part 1 [watch]
A year has passed and much has changed. With her father dead, Ariadne is queen and finds herself at war with her old adversary, Pasiphae. As the kingdom stands on the brink of collapse, the struggle for power is both bloody and brutal. With the future looking bleak, there is only one person Ariadne dares turn to for help: Jason. The time has come for the young warrior to fulfill his destiny. The battle for Atlantis has begun.

"Atlantis" recap (2.02): A New Dawn: Part 2
Pasiphae lays siege to Atlantis and without the Palladium to protect it, the city looks set to fall. The last remaining hope rests with Jason, Hercules and Pythagoras, but far from home they are fighting a desperate battle of their own. As the conflict reaches its thrilling climax, nothing could have prepared Hercules for what he discovers - it throws into doubt everything he once knew to be true and is set to change the course of the future forever.

"Atlantis" recap (2.03): Telemon [watch]
Ariadne is formally crowned queen, but with Pasiphae still at large and the city struggling in the aftermath of battle, Atlantis remains vulnerable indeed. So when an enigmatic stranger arrives offering salvation, he proves hard to resist. But his proposal is far from straightforward - will the cost be too much for Ariadne to bear? As Jason fights for glory on the tournament ground, Ariadne embarks on her own private battle. Hers is a contest of head over heart, but which will win out only she can decide. 

"Atlantis" recap (2.04): The Marriage of True Mind [watch]
As plans progress for the royal wedding, Ariadne must undertake a journey to Telemon's homeland of Aegina. With the kingdom still beset by Colcheans, Jason is not the only one who fears for the queen's safety. Determined to do what is best for her people, Ariadne continues regardless. But as the voyage progresses, it becomes clear that the royal retinue faces enemies at every turn. Has the young queen's luck finally run out?

"Atlantis" recap (2.05): The Day of the Dead
As the dust settles, the gang find themselves dispersed around the ancient necropolis. And they soon realize they are not alone - the space is crawling with a magical army of the undead. The race is on to find Jason before he falls prey to the flesh-eating monsters. Elsewhere in the cave system, as Jason battles for his life, he finds an unlikely ally in the mysterious Medea. But can he really trust her?

"Atlantis" recap (2.06): The Grey Sisters [watch]
As Ariadne lies on her deathbed, Jason's guilt is almost too much to bear. He resolves to do all he can to save her and embarks on a dangerous quest into the unknown. Emotions run high as Jason battles against the hand of fate. But after a daring encounter with the ancient Grey Sisters, his mission sees him come full circle, bringing him face to face with Medea and Pasiphae once more. Can he thwart their powerful magic to save his love, or do they have other plans?

"Atlantis" recap (2.07): A Fate Worse Than Death
When news reaches Pasiphae of Ariadne and Jason's impending marriage, she is terrified that Atlantis will be lost to her forever and resolves to do all she can to stop the union, no matter the cost. But Pasiphae's pursuit of power has far-reaching and devastating consequences, and as the battle for Atlantis continues, it seems no-one is immune to her touch.

"Atlantis" recap (2.08): The Madness of Hercules
Jason has been sentenced to death for killing the Oracle and, faced with the impressive might of the high priests, it seems there is little anyone can do to save him - even Ariadne. As Pasiphae tightens her grip on Atlantis, the future looks bleak. Hercules knows that there is only one way to save his friend: Medusa. But that would mean losing his love all over again. Is it a sacrifice he is willing to make?

"Atlantis" recap (2.09): The Gorgon's Gaze
Pasiphae has seized Atlantis and Ariadne's life hangs in the balance, but our heroes are unable to help. As wanted men, they have been forced to seek refuge in the mountains high above the city and are fighting for survival themselves. As nightmares become reality only one thing is certain - it will take a sacrifice of unimaginable proportions to set things straight.

"Atlantis" recap (2.10): The Dying of the Light
The Oracle's prophecy has come true - the revelations about Pasiphae have blackened Jason's heart, and he bears little resemblance to the man we know and love. His attitude is reckless and foolhardy, and he no longer seems to care about anyone or anything - even Ariadne. Desperate to save his friend, Pythagoras sets off in search of help. But he soon discovers that not everyone is as keen to protect Jason as he is...

"Atlantis" recap (2.11): Kin
When our heroes discover that Jason has been caught by Pasiphae's troops, they know they must do all they can to rescue him before he is lost forever. Aeson embarks on a brave and dangerous mission into Atlantis to save his son. But he is one man - and with traitors at every turn, can he really succeed?

"Atlantis" recap (2.12): The Queen Must Die (Part 1) (Part 2)
Jason is determined to rescue his fellow prisoners from the amphitheatre. But this means returning to Atlantis, the heart of Pasiphae's power and, with traitors at every turn, this is more dangerous than ever. As events come to a head it becomes clear that while Pasiphae lives, there will never be peace. For Jason and his friends only one thing is certain - the Queen must die. As Jason and Ariadne prepare to return to power in Atlantis, they must decide who they can trust. Anxieties run high as our heroes form new alliances with old enemies, whilst questioning those they love. As they enter the city for the first time since Pasiphae's death, only one thing is certain - nothing will ever be the same again.