WRITTEN BY
Glen Morgan
&
James Wong
DIRECTED BY
AIRED ON
November 14, 1997
RUNTIME
0 minute
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VIEWS
323
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2024-08-29 00:36:06
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Version 4
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SUMMARY
Frank teams up with Peter Watts to recover a relic believed to be the hand of St. Sebastian, which may hold the key to an ancient secret. As they delve into the Millennium Group’s origins, they uncover a deadly conspiracy within the organization itself.
STORY
"The Hand of Saint Sebastian" is the eighth episode of the second season of *Millennium*, created by Chris Carter. This episode, which originally aired on November 14, 1997, delves into themes of betrayal, ancient secrets, and the mysterious history of the Millennium Group.
### Episode Overview:
*Title*: "The Hand of Saint Sebastian"
*Season*: 2, Episode 8
*Director*: Thomas J. Wright
*Writers*: Glen Morgan & James Wong
### Full Story:
**Opening Scene:**
The episode begins in 998 A.D., during a stormy night in Germany. A monk is seen hurriedly moving through the dark corridors of a monastery, clutching a relic—a mummified hand, known as the "Hand of Saint Sebastian." The monk is desperate to protect it, knowing that it is of great significance. As he hides the relic, he is confronted by other monks who accuse him of heresy. Despite his pleas, they imprison him, leaving the relic hidden away.
**Introduction to the Case:**
In the present day, Frank Black, a former FBI profiler with a unique ability to understand the minds of criminals, is contacted by his old friend, Peter Watts, a high-ranking member of the Millennium Group. Peter is concerned about the recent death of a mutual colleague, Cheryl Andrews, who was investigating something that might be connected to the group's origins.
Peter shows Frank a videotape of Cheryl's last moments, in which she mentions the Hand of Saint Sebastian. This relic, which was believed to have miraculous powers, has been the subject of many legends over the centuries. Peter believes that Cheryl was killed because of her investigation into the hand and that they need to find out who within the Millennium Group might be involved.
**Journey to Germany:**
Frank and Peter travel to Germany, retracing Cheryl's steps. They arrive at the monastery where the relic was last seen. The building is now abandoned and decaying, adding to the ominous atmosphere. As they explore the monastery, they uncover hidden rooms and secret passages that suggest the monks were involved in more than just religious worship.
While searching, they discover that the Millennium Group has deep historical ties to the monastery. The monks who once resided there were part of an ancient order tasked with protecting the relic and the knowledge it holds. However, not all of them were loyal to this cause—some sought to use the hand’s power for their own gain.
**Uncovering the Conspiracy:**
Frank and Peter find themselves caught in a web of intrigue and betrayal. The deeper they dig, the more they realize that the Millennium Group's origins are shrouded in mystery and that its members might be divided over their interpretation of the group's purpose. They also learn that there is a rogue faction within the group that is willing to kill to keep certain secrets hidden.
Their investigation leads them to a hidden crypt beneath the monastery, where they find evidence that Cheryl was onto something significant. They discover old manuscripts that detail the history of the Hand of Saint Sebastian, including references to an ancient prophecy that foretells the coming of a time of great darkness—a time that some believe is now at hand.
**Tensions Between Frank and Peter:**
Throughout the episode, tensions build between Frank and Peter. Frank becomes increasingly suspicious of Peter's motives, wondering how much Peter knew about Cheryl's investigation and whether he might be withholding information. Peter, on the other hand, is frustrated by Frank's reluctance to fully trust him. Their relationship, built on years of friendship and mutual respect, is tested as they delve deeper into the conspiracy.
Frank's growing unease is compounded by the fact that the Millennium Group itself seems to be pulling them in different directions. He begins to question his involvement with the group, wondering whether its true purpose aligns with the values he holds dear.
**The Climax:**
The episode reaches its climax when Frank and Peter are ambushed by members of the rogue faction within the Millennium Group. These individuals, who have infiltrated the group over the centuries, are determined to stop anyone from uncovering the truth about the Hand of Saint Sebastian. A tense confrontation ensues in the crypt, where Frank and Peter are forced to fight for their lives.
During the struggle, Peter is injured, and Frank is captured by the rogue members. They reveal that they plan to use the relic to bring about the dark times prophesied in the ancient manuscripts. However, before they can kill Frank, Peter manages to overcome his injuries and intervenes, saving Frank's life.
The two of them manage to escape, but the relic is lost in the chaos, leaving its fate uncertain. The rogue members are either killed or flee, leaving Frank and Peter with more questions than answers.
**Resolution:**
The episode ends on a somber note, with Frank and Peter returning to the United States. The events in Germany have left them both shaken, particularly Frank, who is now more distrustful of the Millennium Group than ever before. Peter, too, is left questioning the true nature of the group he has served for so long.
Frank realizes that the Millennium Group's history is far more complex and dangerous than he had previously thought. The episode leaves viewers with a sense of unease, as it becomes clear that the battle for the future—between those who seek to protect humanity and those who wish to bring about its downfall—is far from over.
**Themes:**
"The Hand of Saint Sebastian" explores themes of faith, loyalty, and the corrupting influence of power. It delves into the idea that ancient secrets can have a profound impact on the present, and that the true nature of organizations like the Millennium Group can be hidden beneath layers of history and deceit. The episode also examines the tension between belief and skepticism, particularly in the context of Frank and Peter's relationship.
**Conclusion:**
"The Hand of Saint Sebastian" is a compelling episode that blends historical intrigue with contemporary suspense. It serves as a critical moment in the second season of *Millennium*, deepening the show's mythology and setting the stage for future revelations about the Millennium Group. The episode's mix of action, mystery, and philosophical reflection makes it one of the standout entries in the series.
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QUOTES
Jesse Pinkman: What if we can rip off that train, and no one ever knows it got robbed?
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REVIEWS
A failing but courageous mythology
Written by
Pike on 2018-02-24
★
★
Frank Black and Peter Watts head off to Germany in search of the origins of the MillenniuM group. One thing's for sure, the Morgan/Wong duo are not afraid to try something new. It doesn't always work, but at least they're not just lining up autopilot episodes. They create a mythology and go all out. A case in point is the plot twist, when the character played by CCH Pounder points his gun at Frank.
Nevertheless, as much as I applaud the courage of the writers, I didn't particularly enjoy the episode.
TRANSCRIPT
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2024-08-29 00:36:06 -
Pike:
Added the story.
