Sanctuary

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"Sanctuary" is the forty-second televised episode of the series Gargoyles, and the twenty-ninth episode of Season 2. It originally aired on December 18, 1995.

Summary

Main Plot

Thailog and Demona team up in Paris and devise a plot for Demona to marry Macbeth in her human guise, and then capture him so that the two gargoyles could inherit his fortune. Thailog works behind Demona's back and plans to have the two enemies kill each other so that he can collect the fortunes of both. The Avalon World Tour travellers are able to stop this from happening, but Thailog leaves with Demona, who is still none the wiser about his true motives.

Subplots

Angela starts pressuring Goliath to regard her as his daughter.

Angela finds out that Demona is her mother.

Thailog and Demona establish Nightstone Unlimited.

The Story

Previously on Gargoyles

Act One

Over the streets of Paris, a winged silhouette soars past the Eiffel Tower. Not too long afterwards, it comes to a landing on top of Notre Dame Cathedral, scaring a Parisian couple walking the streets below.

On a bright and sunny day, strolling down the Champs-Élysées, is a surprisingly happy Macbeth, proclaiming to a red-headed woman that, even though they've known each other for a very short time, it feels as if they've already spent a life time together. The red-head removes her sunglasses revealing her piercing green eyes and playfully retorts that he could just be another hopeless romantic taken in by the charms of Paris. Nevertheless, she prefers to think it's because they're both really in love. Macbeth assures her that he is, that he has so much he wants to share with her and hardly knows where to begin. The woman, Demona, simply says there is no rush as they have all the time in the world.

Not too far away, the Skiff appears on the Seine where Elisa Maza is pleasantly surprised that Avalon sent them to Paris. She then quietly laments that Goliath isn't awake to enjoy "the most romantic city in the world" with her. She docks the skiff and decides to take the time to do a little sightseeing. Later in the day, while on the Champs-Élysées, she passes Margot (who is clearly on her own tour of Europe, but Brendan is nowhere to be seen) while coming up on a payphone. As she begins to make a collect call to her parents, she spots Macbeth and Demona (in her human form) strolling down the street.  She hangs up the phone and follows them. She watches them embrace in front of a château before Demona takes her leave. Elisa follows the redhead before losing her around Notre Dame and letting out an exasperated, "Jalapeña!"

Shortly after sunset, Elisa returns to the Skiff and informs Goliath that Macbeth and Demona are in Paris, and she spent the day watching them "make nice". Angela begins to ask questions about Demona, starting with pondering how she can walk around in broad daylight while the rest of the clan are stone. Goliath explains to her that thanks to sorcery, Demona becomes human in daylight. Elisa is confident that this is why Avalon sent them to Paris, but Goliath ponders why Avalon sent Demona and Macbeth here. Elisa briefs Goliath on Macbeth's château on the Rive Gauche and while she may have lost Demona at Notre Dame, she shares the local newspaper depicting a photograph of a winged figure landing on the cathedral. She must be there.

As Goliath rows the skiff towards Notre Dame, Angela is impressed by the sight of it and asks her "Father" what he thinks. But Goliath immediately rebukes her, urging her to think of the whole clan as her parents as that is the Gargoyle Way. After docking the skiff, Goliath pulls Elisa out of Angela's earshot and explains that he'd rather keep Angela away from Demona due to the young gargoyle's interest in her parentage. Elisa sympathizes but before she can finish what she's about to say, Goliath cuts her off and orders Angela to stay with Elisa and protect her due to Demona's grudge against the cop. Elisa – very begrudgingly – goes along with it, telling Angela that she'd feel safer. Angela, begrudgingly herself, agrees.

Goliath and Bronx scale the walls of Notre Dame before the gargoyle catches a wind current and comes around. Demona calls out "in here, my love" while reading a newspaper. She lowers the paper and is shocked at the sight of her former mate. Goliath vows to find out what she and Macbeth are up to and stop it, but Demona engages him in combat promising that he won't leave Paris alive. The two engage in an aerial battle.

Back at the Skiff, Angela sees this and tells Elisa to stay in the shadows and rushes off to assist Goliath, despite Elisa's protests.

While Demona briefly manages to get the upper hand, Goliath and Bronx subdue her and knock her off the top of the cathedral where she is caught by . . . another gargoyle. The gargoyle says, "that is no way to treat a lady," before firing a particle beam at Goliath and hitting him in the upper shoulder before adding, "especially not the gargoyle I love." Goliath looks up into the face of Thailog, now clad in armor.

Act Two

Goliath gets back to his feet as Thailog sets a recovering Demona back down. Goliath realizes that Thailog is the 'Notre Dame Monster' and not Demona. Thailog laughs as a smitten Demona explains that the clone was already here when she arrived in Paris. Goliath is shocked to realize that Demona and Thailog are now together, which Demona punctuates by declaring "it was love at first flight." Disgusted, Goliath accuses Demona of no longer knowing the meaning of the word, "love", declaring that hate is what she lives for now. There is little doubt in his mind that Demona is turning Thailog against the human race just as she tried to do with him. Demona, amused, accuses Goliath of petty jealousy – he lost her love and he can't stand for Thailog to have it. All the while, in the corner, Angela listens.

Goliath reaches out to Thailog; he might have been programmed with vast knowledge, but he's still a clone that's new to this world. Demona must be taking advantage of him and she and Macbeth are planning something behind his back. But Thailog is confident that his "Angel of the Night" keeps nothing from him; they have no secrets from each other. Disgusted again, Goliath says that Thailog is beyond his help and begins to take off as the Sun will be up soon. But Thailog invites him to spend the day at the cathedral, but Goliath refuses as he doesn't trust Demona not to smash him while he sleeps. Demona mocks her former mate, declaring him "jealous and paranoid." Goliath scowls before picking up Bronx and taking off.

Dejected, Angela arrives back at the skiff and doesn't answer when Elisa asks if anything is wrong. Goliath and Bronx arrive soon after and guide the skiff away from the cathedral.

Inside the cathedral, Thailog is pleased at Demona's choice in name for their new corporation: Nightstone Unlimited. She explains that the millions he stole from Xanatos and the treasures she's hoarded over a millennium are now incorporated. The partners are "Mademoiselle Dominique Destine, the mystery woman who is nowhere to be found after dark; and Mr. Alexander Thailog, the reclusive financial wizard nobody ever sees." Thailog draws her into an embrace and asks "won't Macbeth be expecting you soon?" Demona says it's not until the afternoon and afterwards he'll be dismissing the help early so they'll have the château to themselves "for the big night". She fully embraces him as the two gargoyles laugh with malicious glee.

Upon learning that Demona is spending her nights with Thailog, Elisa becomes more confused about Demona's liaison with Thailog. As Goliath is trying to figure out what the missing piece of the puzzle is, Angela says that Goliath never told her that he and Demona were once in love. Goliath is surprised and annoyed that Angela was eavesdropping but Angela only asks if it's true. Angrily, Goliath says it was a long time ago and it doesn't matter anymore. Angela says it matters to her as she defiantly addresses him as "father" as dawn arrives. Elisa is almost relieved that the Sun cut off the argument as she finishes tying up the Skiff and heads off to work on the Macbeth angle.

At a nearby cafe, Elisa works out that if Macbeth and Demona don't remember anything that happened while they were under the control of the Weird Sisters, then they wouldn't remember Avalon and, further, Macbeth would have no idea that Demona transforms into a human during the day. She heads back to the Skiff declaring that "This is a job for the gargoyles!" while at Macbeth's château, "Lennox Macbeth" and Dominique Destine stand in the great room before a Justice of the Peace. Banquo and Fleance stand by as witnesses as the Justice marries them. Before telling Macbeth that he can kiss the bride, the Justice tells them that love can be fragile but also a sanctuary. 

After the wedding concludes, Macbeth and Dominique gaze out the window at the sunset and agree that this is their favorite time of day. Dominique asks if the servants are gone, and Macbeth says it's just the two of them and they really must talk. There are things about him that she doesn't know . . . he is unsure of where to begin. Dominique cuts in saying that if they are to bare their souls, perhaps it'd be best if she went first just as the Sun begins to disappear beyond the horizon. She puts some distance between herself and her new husband and cries out in pain. Macbeth keels over, crying out in pain as well. Throughout this, Dominique gleefully reminds him that when they're this close together they feel each other's pain, it was part of a magical pact they avowed long ago. Macbeth looks on in shock as wings burst out of her back, her hands morph into talons, and her skin darkens to blue.

At Notre Dame, Thailog awakens and bursts from his stone sleep and takes to the air. At the Skiff, Goliath, Angela, awaken and before the argument can continue, Elisa arrives and tells them they have work to do.

Demona finishes her transformation, tearing off some of the tatters of Dominique's wedding dress before kicking Macbeth in the face, knocking him unconscious. She laughs in triumph over her defeated "soulmate".

Act Three

Thailog alights in the great room of the château to the warm welcome of Demona. She takes Thailog into a hidden elevator telling him that yesterday Macbeth gave Dominique a full tour of his sanctuary, including the dungeon. The elevator doors open and the two gargoyles enter the dungeon, which has partially been converted into a wine cellar where Thailog greets their captive with faux respect and introduces himself as the "monster of Notre Dame" before pulling a small particle beam gun from his wing and, out of Demona's line of sight, slipping it to the immortal king.

Macbeth takes the gun as Thailog steps away. The immortal king confronts his "soulmate" and demands to know what her game is. With a smug contempt, Demona tells him that she plans to report that her new husband is missing before eventually having him declared legally dead so that everything he owns becomes her property. With venom in his voice, Macbeth reminds her that the only way for him to die is for one to slay the other in which both would perish. Demona did take that into consideration, saying they'll have to keep him locked away and hidden until the end of time. But Macbeth draws his gun and takes his shot – Demona dodges and pushes Thailog out of the way. Macbeth blasts the wall and frees himself. Thailog snarls, "didn't you search him?!" at Demona, but she's confident she did. She's not worried, however, as they enter the elevator. After all, between the two of them how far can the human get? Meanwhile, Macbeth arms and armors himself up promising to end Demona . . . as well as himself – tonight. 

As they exit the elevator, Thailog tells Demona to search the west wing while he searches the east. But once she's out of earshot, he laughs and begins to withdraw from the hunt and battle entirely. Demona encounters Macbeth in the ballroom, standing on a grand piano and narrowly avoids a particle beam blast. She avoids a second blast by leaping into the air onto a large chandelier and dropping it on him, which he just barely dodges while it crushes the piano.

Thailog climbs out of the skylight onto the roof where he is met by Elisa, Angela, Bronx, and Goliath . . . the latter had no doubt they'd find him here. Thailog immediately notices and leers at Angela, taking a creepy interest in her. But Goliath demands to know where Demona and Macbeth are. Thailog sneers that the newlyweds are having a "difference of opinion" and that he thought it best not take sides in. Elisa points out that it sounds like they're trying to kill each other, which Thailog sincerely hopes. Angela is a little shocked – she thought Demona meant something to him. Thailog is amused, Demona definitely means a great deal to him, because if Macbeth dies then Demona inherits his estate, but if Demona dies too, then everything in her name reverts to her soul business partner: Thailog himself. Goliath growls but Thailog trains his gun on him, by all estimates his new combined wealth should put him on equal footing with Xanatos . . . something Goliath promises will never happen as Thailog pulls the trigger.

Thailog takes two shots at Goliath but is distracted by Bronx, while Elisa climbs into the château through the skylight. Thailog tosses the beast off of him as Angela rushes him, but Thailog avoids her, picks her up by the belt (leering at her once more) and tosses her at Bronx. Blasting the roof above them, the debris falls down on top of Angela and Bronx. Thailog, smugly, declares that teamwork is overrated.

Inside, Demona and Macbeth's fight has moved to the library. The gargoyle dodges a blast before she throws a large globe at the immortal king knocking him to the floor, their shared pain causing her to fall over as well.

Back on the roof, Goliath keeps avoiding particle beam blasts from Thailog. Strategically, Goliath leaps in front of the château's water tower, avoiding another blast which destroys the tower's support structure toppling it down. Thousands of gallons of water explode out onto the roof, causing Thailog to drop his weapon and lose his stance.

Clinging to the side of the building, the clone pulls himself back up as Goliath rushes at him, knocking him to the roof below. Goliath, believing Thailog has been dealt with, turns his back to dig Bronx and Angela out of the rubble. But Thailog recovers and attacks his genetic father. Bronx and Angela burst out of the debris and rejoin Goliath in battle.

Elisa enters the great room and finds Macbeth on top of Demona. She attempts to urge them to stop, saying this is just what Thailog wants and that if they destroy each other they're playing right into his claws. But neither of the immortals seem to be interested in listening to her. Indeed, Demona's rage is so focused on Macbeth and the scheme that she doesn't even truly allow herself to be distracted by the detective but for a brief moment which allowed the Scottish king to disarm her and attack with a tall lamp. Macbeth presses his advantage, making his way towards Demona, repeatedly swinging the lamp at her – at this point anything is a weapon. She dodges another swing and Macbeth shatters a glass window covering his armory.

Macbeth's weaponized lamp shatters and Demona knocks him to the ground. Both fight for a particle beam weapon, but she manages to get the upper hand. Weapon in hand, and barely able to stand, Demona saunters towards Macbeth, and he urges her to pull the trigger and put them both out of their misery. Demona trains her weapon as Macbeth is ready, but suddenly he pleads, "No! No!" as Elisa draws a lightning gun on Demona and orders her to drop it. The gargoyle turns her weapon on the detective but Elisa pulls the trigger, "killing" Demona. Macbeth cries out in pain and collapses as well.

On the roof, Thailog falls to the ground as Angela, Bronx, and Goliath advance upon him. Suddenly they stop, the sounds of battle drowned out by silence. Goliath is concerned that this doesn't bode well for Macbeth and Demona, but a pleased Thailog declares victory, saying he enjoyed the exercise and takes off promising that they'll do it again some time.

Inside the great room, Elisa helps Macbeth to his feet. The king calls her actions foolish, as it would be impossible for he and Demona to die by anyone else's actions but their own. But Elisa was counting on that as killing Demona temporarily was the only way to prevent them from dying permanently. Goliath then enters, telling Macbeth to thank Elisa as he saved her life. Macbeth, sadly, stands in front of his fireplace saying his life is a sad, endless existence that he's doomed to face alone. But Goliath places a supportive hand on the king's shoulder saying that while he may have been a victim of Demona's treachery and deceit, she has in a roundabout way done him a favor: Macbeth now knows he's capable of the type of love that makes life worth living. Goliath urges Macbeth to search for that love, and romantically gazes at Elisa as he assures him that she's out here. The gargoyle then lightens the mood by advising Macbeth next time to make sure he get a good look at her at night. Macbeth is amused and smiles.

Throughout this conversation, Angela approaches Demona's unconscious body and looks at her curiously. But Demona comes to and is shocked at the sight of the new, younger, female gargoyle. But before the encounter can go any further, Thailog appears at the window and calls Demona. The evening may be a wash but they still have each other. Demona jumps to her feet and into Thailog's arms as he picks her up and they take into the night sky gliding past the Eiffel Tower. Elisa incredulously asks how Demona can still believe that Thailog cares for her, and Macbeth solemnly says that love can be blind. Goliath agrees.

Back on the Skiff, Angela asks if Demona is her mother. Goliath doesn't answer in any way, shape or form. Angela then directs her question at Elisa, who reluctantly confirms the younger gargoyle's suspicions. The Skiff disappears into the mists.

Featured Characters and First Appearances

Gargoyles Humans Oberon's Children


Places


Quotes

  • "The most romantic city in the world and Goliath isn't even awake to enjoy it with me." - Elisa
  • "Jealous and paranoid!" - Demona
  • "Do you think I would miss out on my own wedding night?" - Demona
  • "Teamwork is so overrated." - Thailog
  • "Search for that love Macbeth, she's out there. Just make sure that next time, you get a good look at her at night." - Goliath

Continuity

Banquo and Fleance attend Macbeth and Demona's wedding (though without speaking roles). Margot briefly walks past Elisa while the latter is sight-seeing, though with no trace of Brendan about. (Is Margot still on a European vacation (as in "Monsters"), or is it just another lookalike character, such as the one in "City of Stone" Part Two?)

Macbeth and Demona appear for the first time since they were put on a skiff in "Avalon" Part Three, although they have no memory of events since they were put under the Weird Sisters' spell in "City of Stone" Part Four. In particular, Macbeth only learns that Demona now turns human in the day at the end of this episode, even though he previously witnessed the change in "High Noon".

Demona uses the alias of Dominique Destine for the first time.

Thailog appears for the first time since his introduction in "Double Jeopardy". He has used the money he stole in that episode to form Nightstone Unlimited with Demona as his partner. Their partnership will last until "The Reckoning", while Demona would maintain equal interest in the company through "Questions".

Angela learns that Demona is her biological mother.

Tidbits

The title of the episode is vestigial to the development of the episode, where Greg Weisman thought there would be more emphasis on Notre Dame Cathedral, and even contemplated incorporating a character swinging from the bell ropes, akin to Quasimodo from Victor Hugo's novel. [1] Sanctuary is also the title of a 1931 William Faulkner novel. Faulkner is one of Greg Weisman's favorite writers and his works were one of the influences on Gargoyles. [2][3]

Thailog's alias for interacting with the human world (mentioned only in this episode) is "Alexander Thailog", which is significant since Xanatos's biological son will also bear the name of Alexander (and Thailog views Xanatos as one of his "fathers"). The fact that Thailog comes up with this name independently gives this scene a particularly eerie tone – though it can easily be explained as a result of his sharing Xanatos's ambitions and means of achieving them. The name itself is borrowed from Alexander the Great, the famous Macedonian conqueror – whose remarkable achievements would be an obvious source of inspiration to both Xanatos and Thailog.

Elisa's "This is a job for the gargoyles" line is a take-off on the catch-phrase "This looks like a job for Superman."

This episode features one of the series' most infamous animation errors. When Demona transforms at sunset at the end of Act II, she is drawn without her tiara (as Dominique was not wearing it); this is the only time in the entire series that she is seen without her tiara. Following Act II, while she is still drawn without her tiara, her forehead is colored gold throughout the rest of the episode.

DVD Release

Links

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