After the dramatic events of ‘Pandora’s Box’ culminating in Medusa’s transformation into the snake headed monstrosity of legend, we had hoped Atlantis might maintain some momentum. Instead, tonight’s ‘The Price of Hope’ was a transitory piece, appearing principally to introduce two characters for later in the saga.

After a two-week wait, making way for Doctor Who’s 50th anniversary, Atlantis returned with its strongest episode to date.

No sooner had Medusa (Jemima Rooper) begun to respond warmly to Hercules’ romantic overtures, with the big man promising to mend his gambling and womanising ways, one of his creditors came calling. Taking Medusa hostage, Kryos demanded a descent into the underworld to retrieve a mysterious box.

After the broader scope of Ariadne’s royal fortunes and Jason’s fate in the ring, this was a more intimate, family tale.

After last week’s focus on Hercules and his romantic travails, we returned to a broader story which drew in the members of the Altantean royal court. Beginning with a pronouncement from King Minos, celebrations began for the engagement of Princess Ariadne to the oily Heptarian with the announcement of a Pankration, a brutal fighting contest.

Beginning with some sweaty physical action, Hercules took part in a wrestling contest seeking to impress Medusa. In the aftermath of his inevitable defeat, Jason and Pythagoras discussed their friend’s shortcomings and the foolishness of his infatuation. Overhearing, the big man took umbrage and, after praying at the temple of Aphrodite, he was tempted with talk of a witch who could aid his predicament.