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.

After a daring break-in at the palace, Ariadne received news of her long lost brother who was believed dead. With the intruder caught, the Princess concealed his news but a suspicious Pasiphae set out to uncover the truth.

This fourth episode of Atlantis, which deals with the origins of a well-known myth, is the first tale written by someone other than series co-creator Howard Overman. With Richard McBrien takes on scripting duties, it also has a fresh director in the capable hands of Merlin‘s Alice Troughton.

Episode 3 of Atlantis begins with some amusing banter on the subject of Hercules’ affections for Medusa, but this is soon interrupted. In the act of stepping up to defend an old man, Jason lands the trio in front of King Minos.