The Gathering Part One

For other uses of the name, see The Gathering.

"The Gathering" Part One is the fifty-seventh televised episode of the series Gargoyles, and the forty-fourth episode of Season 2. It originally aired on April 29, 1996.

Crew

With the Voice Talent Of

Supervising Producers: Frank Paur, Greg Weisman Written by: Lydia Marano Story Edited by: Brynne Chandler Reaves Directed by: Bob Kline Voice Director: Jamie Thomason Music by: Carl Johnson Title Theme by Carl Johnson Music Editing: Marc Perlman Animation by: Koko Enterprise Co., LTD Backgrounds by: Koko Enterprise Co., LTD Additional Production Facilities: Dong Yang Animation Co., LTD

Thom Adcox Hernandez: Lexington Ed Asner: Hudson Brigitte Bako: Angela Jeff Bennett: Brooklyn, Owen Burnett Robert Culp: Halcyon Renard Keith David: Goliath Sheena Easton: Banshee Bill Fagerbakke: Broadway Jonathan Frakes: David Xanatos Charles Hallahan: Travis Marshall Terrence Mann: Oberon Kate Mulgrew: Anastasia Renard/Titania Salli Richardson: Elisa Maza Laura San Giacomo: Fox (Uncredited) Peter Scolari: Preston Vogel Morgan Sheppard: Odin, Petros Xanatos Kath Soucie: Weird Sisters, Princess Katharine Frank Welker: Bronx, Boudicca, Cagney

Summary

Main Plot

The Gathering has begun on Avalon, and Puck is absent. Oberon decides to venture to Manhattan to retrieve his servant. Meanwhile, the Xanatos and Renard families converge at the Eyrie Building to be introduced to their new grandson, Alexander Fox Xanatos. Oberon tracks Puck to the Eyrie building, and sensing Titania, intrudes upon the nursery and reveals that Fox's mother, Anastasia Renard, is actually Titania in disguise. Anastasia convinces Oberon that Alexander should be taken to Avalon to be trained in his magical heritage. The two leave, promising to return in an hour for the child. When Oberon returns, a shield is surrounding the Eyrie Building. Frustrated that he can't penetrate it, Oberon puts all of Manhattan to sleep before growing to an enormous size.

Sub Plots

Banshee is dragged by the Weird Sisters to Avalon, where she gets in a fight with Odin. Oberon puts a gag on her that will stay until she learns true humility as punishment for not going to the Gathering.

Titania reveals her story, explaining why she divorced Halcyon Renard and reconciled with Oberon. She then explains that Fox doesn't have magical abilities since she was raised by humans, but that Alexander has potential.

The Avalon World Tour comes to an end. Goliath, Elisa, and Bronx reunite with Hudson and the Trio, and introduce Angela to them.

Owen Burnett knew that Titania and Anastasia were one and the same, so he had previously taken precautions against an attack by them by providing David Xanatos with an electrical force field to erect around the building. He provides Xanatos with means to fight against Oberon, informing him of his weakness to iron. Owen then leaves, explaining that he can't get involved in the fight.

Goliath brings Elisa and Cagney home, and once again tries to talk to Elisa about his feelings for her, but she silences him.

Titania goes to the Clock Tower, and asks the gargoyles for help in protecting Fox and Alexander during the battle. Goliath refuses, then commands the clan to follow him to the Eyrie Building.

The Story

Previously on Gargoyles

• Recaps: ("Future Tense", "The Hound of Ulster", "Walkabout", "Ill Met By Moonlight")

Act One

A gargoyle glides over Avalon as Oberon's Children make their way to Oberon's Palace for the Gathering. Various members of the Avalon Clan stand at their posts as the island's Honor Guard.

In the Great Hall of the Palace, Lord Oberon speaks for the island and for himself, welcoming the Children home from his throne. Already in line to making an appearance in Oberon's court include Raven, Anansi, Grandmother, the Lady of the Lake, Anubis, and Coyote. Nought finishes his audience with Oberon when Odin steps forward and bows, next in line. [1] Odin kisses Oberon's hand and the Lord of Avalon notices that the Norse god has recovered his lost eye. ". . . and the beauties of this island. Thanks to you my Lord," Odin responds, bowing once more. A green light flashes behind him and he and the rest of the Children turn to see the arrival of the Weird Sisters delivering the Banshee to Oberon, against her will. Struggling to free herself from the Weird Sisters' grip midair, she shrieks, "Release me!" The Weird Sisters suddenly stop struggling and drop her at Oberon's feet, much to the amusement from the rest of the Third Race. Back on her feet, Banshee turns to face the throng, furious that they would dare laugh at her. Odin laughs and points out that she was always too "high strung". Banshee doesn't appreciate the insult, promising to show him how high strung she can be. She begins her wail, and Odin covers his ears from her deadly cry. Steeling himself, he raises his arms and brings on a snow storm, directing its winds right at Banshee. The blizzard brings Banshee to her knees, but she recovers fast, using her song to protect her from the elements. Odin calls off the storm and hurls a lightning bolt, striking her sonant shield. Checked, she transforms into the Death-Worm, Crom-Cruach. Crom-Cruach lunges at Odin, who jumps out of the way in time before transforming himself in a polar bear. The ursine Odin leaps onto Crom-Cruach, biting into her neck.

Oberon for the moment is pleased by the marvelous sport, but as the polar bear Odin is thrown across the Great Hall and nearly crashes into Oberon's Mirror, Oberon expresses that he's had enough entertainment. But the two Children continue their brawl, and before the altercation can bring damage to the Palace, Oberon rises to his feet and commands them to stop, pointing a finger at the two, freezing them both literally in ice. A single word of "Revert" transforms bear and death-worm to Odin and Banshee, respectively. With both his Children still encased in ice, Oberon steps forward to discuss his disappointment with Banshee, recalling how she ignored his calls to attend the Gathering. "Have you anything to say in your defense?" he asks his frozen Child. With no words uttered, Oberon concludes that it was Banshee's pride (in particular for her siren voice) that led to her fight with Odin. Oberon decrees that he will remove her voice until he hears "true humility" in her silent pleas. With that, he manifests a metal gag over Banshee's mouth and thaws both her and Odin before returning to his throne. Unable to physically remove it, she and Odin quietly walk away.

The Weird Sisters then descend before Oberon, with Phoebe reporting that the Gathering is nearly complete. From their census, Luna and Seline share that only Queen Titania and Puck remain unaccounted for. Oberon's not worried about Titania – as his queen, she comes and goes as she pleases. Puck, on the other hand, is another matter, often forgetting that he is Oberon's to command. Seline offers to hunt him down, as they did the Banshee no doubt, but Oberon turns down the offer. Rising from his throne, he voices his desire to "fetch the Puck" himself and waves a hand at his mirror. The reflection of Oberon changes to another room in the Palace, showing Princess Katharine sitting and reading a book by the fire, with Boudicca resting by her feet. Oberon asks for the Avalon Clan's best tracker, asking for the gargoyle beast by name. Rising out of her chair, Princess Katharine offers to bring Boudicca to him, but Oberon thanks her and tells her there'll be no need for that. Ordering Boudicca to come, the gargoyle beast travels through the mirror into the Great Hall. Conjuring up a simple looking flute in his hand, Oberon directs Boudicca to find Puck using the scent off the flute. The gargoyle beast begins to howl when she successfully catches the scent. Exchanging the flute for a magical leash around Boudicca, Oberon announces his departure for the mortal world. "Stay put, this won't take long," he tells his Children. Walking through Oberon's Mirror, the two find themselves in a metropolis.

At the Atrium of the Eyrie Building, Anastasia paces about Halcyon Renard and Preston Vogel. The elevator by them suddenly opens and Owen Burnett introduces Petros Xanatos to Halcyon Renard. Halcyon introduces his aide-de-camp and Petros can't help but notice the similarities between Owen and Vogel, asking if the two are related. Owen smiles, and Vogel flatly assures Petros he and Owen are not. Owen then introduces Petros to Anastasia Renard, but she corrects Owen, explaining that her last name is no longer "Renard" now that she's remarried. Halcyon is surprised by this news, asking when did it happen and with who. Anastasia answers the latter question sharing that the marriage was with her first husband. Upon hearing this, Owen becomes uncharacteristically chalant, and whisks off to an elevator, claiming he has urgent business to attend to, elsewhere. Everyone looks to one another, unsure to make of Owen's behavior, with Anastasia even throwing her hands up in confusion. The elevator suddenly opens again and David Xanatos is happy to see that everyone's arrived. "Come and greet your new grandson, Alexander Fox Xanatos," he announces with his son in his arms. The new grandparents beam over the infant.

At the Clock Tower, dusk has arrived. Hudson, Broadway, Lexington, and Brooklyn all awake from their stone sleep. Brooklyn notes how the heat wave Manhattan is experiencing is still hanging around, and Lexington figures how Bronx would have hated the weather. Cagney purrs at Broadway's feet, trying to get his attention. Broadway picks up the cat, noting how they both miss Elisa. He then wishes that she, Bronx, and Goliath would come home. Hudson agrees with an "Aye", wondering just where his rookery son has gone.

In Central Park, the Jogger takes a breather and a drink of his water bottle before turning a corner on the trail. A flash of green light causes him to spit out the water in surprise. He's shocked to see before him the otherworldly Oberon and Boudicca step appear out of nowhere. A blink later and the Jogger only sees an ordinary human walking his dog. Not trusting the contents in his drink, he pours out the contents of his water bottle and continues his jog. The glamoured Oberon kneels before the disguised Boudicca and commands, "Find Puck for me." Thunder and lightning clash in the night sky.

Back at the Eyrie Building, the new grandparents are visiting Fox and the newborn Alexander. Petros is proud to see how much his grandson looks like his own son. He lets the infant play with his forefinger, cooing over him. Halcyon points out that while that is true, the baby does have his daughter's eyes. Anastasia describes him as a perfect little prince. David is standing by the bed when Owen suddenly enters the master bedroom. He asks a moment to have a word with his boss, explaining that under no circumstances is he to leave Fox or Alexander alone with Anastasia. Surprised to hear this, David turns to pays more attention to the grandmother's interactions with the boy. Holding the swaddled baby in her arms, Anastasia tells Alexander he has so much to look forward to – "such marvelous potential," she adds. Xanatos turns back to look at Owen, but he's vanished once more . . .

The storm continues to rage over the Eyrie Building. The security guard in the lobby stops the glamoured Oberon and Boudicca, explaining that only guide dogs are permitted in the building. Oberon waves a hand and assures the security guard that he and his pet have pressing business inside. The security guard is suddenly more amenable, repeating Oberon's sentiments. Oberon points out he has "other matters to attend" and the security goes walks off in a daze, realizing he has "other things to do". Oberon continues his search. From the elevator, they arrive in the Great Hall, and Oberon takes a moment to admire the surroundings. Something suddenly catches Oberon's attention, and while Boudicca is still trained on Puck's scent, Oberon tells the gargoyle beast that Puck can wait. "Titania is near!" he explains.

In the master bedroom, Xanatos sits on the bed next to his wife, keeping a close eye on Anastasia, who is still holding her grandson. Anastasia notes how worn out Fox looks, and Fox admits to being a bit tired. She then shoos Petros and Halcyon away, telling them they can visit later so that Fox can rest. Anastasia offers to watch the baby while Fox sleeps, but David holds her back, grabbing her by the arms. Anastasia's a bit startled by his reaction, but David tries to explain it away, saying they have a nurse. Anastasia insists, pointing out she's the baby's grandmother, but David changes the subject as he hands the baby back to Fox, suggesting she must also be tired from her travels. Sensing something is up, Fox asks what is the matter when they all suddenly see Oberon and Boudicca (no longer disguised) at the threshold to the master bedroom. He share the same sentiments as Fox, wondering "what exactly is going on?"

Act Two

"Titania, what have you been up to?"

David asks who Oberon is, but the Lord of Avalon ignores him, asking Anastasia what she is doing there – "Have you forgotten the Gathering?" he asks. Anastasia doesn't bat an eye, explaining that she's "gathering" even now. Oberon reminds her of what they've discussed long ago; by his law, they are not meant to directly interfere in human affairs. He insists that Fox be allowed to keep her child. Growing visibly upset, Fox clutches Alex tightly and asks her mother who this otherworldly stranger is. Upon hearing Fox call Anastasia "Mother", Oberon laughs at the revelation. "Titania, what have you been up to?" he asks with a raised eyebrow. Fox demands to know who this Titania is, and asks her mother to explain herself. David chimes in, positive that whatever is revealed will prove interesting. "More interesting than you know," confirms Oberon. With a mystical blow from his breath, Oberon commands his queen to drop the façade. The green smoke rushes past Anastasia's hair, exciting her. "As you would, my Lord," she replies. Anastasia's entire body begins to glow green, blinding everyone except Oberon, who is much more pleased with her appearance. Fox doesn't recognize her mother, but the otherworldly lady confirms this is as she really is – Titania, Queen of Avalon. She introduces the mortals to Oberon, her lord and husband.

Stepping aside, Titania explains how she and Oberon divorced a millennium ago. Conjuring up a vision of her past, Titania shares that she spent the last century studying the "human magic" otherwise known as science. By doing so, it led to her meeting a young Halcyon Renard, a human she considered to be her "intellectual match". As Titania explains how the couple fell in love and were married, the visual changes to a pregnant Anastasia. "Then you came along, Fox." Her conjured memories that have consumed the entire master bedroom begin to fade, and Titania shares that Halcyon "proved too rigid" to hold her interest. "Truthfully, no one can, save Oberon," Titania adds, pointing how she's since reconciled with the Lord of Avalon. While Oberon found her tale fascinating, he asks Titania if Fox possesses any magic. Titania laments that, raised among humans, any magic Fox might have inherited has surely withered to nothing. Oberon asks if she can be so sure, but Titania, acknowledging her daughter's keen mind, notes that crisis after crisis Fox has displayed no means of magical ability. While Oberon asks about Alexander, David draws a handgun from behind the bedpost. Titania tells Oberon she sees great potential in Alexander, even though the magical bloodline has thinned. Hands behind his back, David cautiously reenters the conversation, agreeing that Alexander's pedigree speaks for itself. Titania draws herself close to Oberon, pleading that the boy's magic not be squandered away like her daughter's was. Fox continues to hug her child closely, calling the entire conversation ridiculous: Alexander will be nurtured there with his parents. But Titania disagrees, telling her that Alexander must go to Avalon where she argues, "he can be properly trained in his mystical heritage." But, she waits for Oberon's consent. Oberon mulls it over: he concludes that Fox is "regrettably human" and, thus, her life must not be interfered with. Titania begins to brace for disappointment just as Oberon turns another thought about his head. Alexander is still of the Third Race, but more importantly, if it would please Titania to take him, then she has his permission. Fox raises her voice now, adamant that no one is taking her child. David takes a step forward, assuring her that no one is taking their son. Fox then notices what's behind his back. He counterargues that taking a child from one's parents is "the epitome of interfering in human affairs". By Oberon's Law, they can't permit this to happen, David reasons. Oberon points out that the matter is closed; he's made up his mind. Fox's laugh is unsympathetic: "Too bad for you," she says, literally taking cover.

David Xanatos fires at Oberon, sending him across the room, where he crashes into a table! Titania falls to the side as Xanatos keeps firing at the Lord of Avalon, who quickly recovers and begins to conjure a magical shield, rebounding the particle beams back in Xanatos's direction. Xanatos rolls out of harm's way, still trained on his target. A ricocheted particle beam takes out the four poster bed's frame, which nearly lands on Titania. Through with playing defense, Oberon drops his shield rips the gun out of Xanatos's hands, drawing the gun toward him midair. Oberon takes a moment to get a closer look at the mortal's "interesting toy" before melting it. While he appears distracted, Xanatos makes a run for the Lord of Avalon, jumping to attack Oberon with a kick. But the Lord of Avalon simply calls on Boudicca, who blocks Xanatos's attack, pinning him to the ground. With the gargoyle beast atop of the new father, Oberon commends Xanatos for fighting for his child admirably, but that's the only comfort Oberon is willing to give. Xanatos, fully enraged, punches Boudicca off of him! He makes another run toward Oberon who transforms Xanatos into a solid-ice version of himself. He coldly expresses how he has no intention of damaging Xanatos further. Fox is horrified by the transformation and, as Titania tries to help Fox to her feet, Fox shouts that Titania get away from her, racing towards her husband with baby Alexander still in her arms. Fox puts a hand on Xanatos's frozen cheek, calling his name. Oberon sees the sight and offers his sympathies: "We are not without a heart, child. You may have one hour to say goodbye to your son, before we return to take the child to Avalon, forever." Oberon and Boudicca walk towards Titania and bright green light flashes around them. As they vanish, Xanatos reverts to his normal, flesh-and-blood self. He finds himself next to his wife and child. As Fox begins to weep, Xanatos takes them both in his arms.

Back at the Clock Tower, Lexington tinkers away at a work station while Brooklyn feeds Cagney for the night. Broadway and Hudson are watching Travis Marshall on the television, who suddenly shares some breaking news: "Billionaire industrialist David Xanatos and his wife, the former television star, Fox – both of them ex-convicts – have announced the birth of their son, Alexander Fox Xanatos!" Brooklyn and Lexington hear the news and rush to join Hudson and Broadway by the television set. A shot of Fox holding the infant appears on the screen and Marshall continues his report joking that, in about twenty years, the child will likely grow up to be the world's most eligible bachelor. Hudson shuts off the set, asking the Trio what do they think of the news. Brooklyn for one already senses that Alexander is going to be trouble for the Manhattan Clan. Suddenly, a clash of thunder and lightning hit nearby, and Cagney screeches, his hairs on end. Hudson rises from his recliner and draws his sword, asking who's there. No response – a silhouette slowly walks toward them.

Act Three

"We're not the last... we're not alone."

As the storm rages outside, Hudson and Trio brace themselves for whatever's approaching them. Hudson is suddenly tackled to floor by Bronx! The gargoyle beast happily licks Hudson's face, to which Hudson tells him to stop but, overjoyed to see Bronx, hugs him all the same. Lexington and Broadway quickly ask Bronx where Goliath and Elisa are, and Goliath responds that they are right there, gliding down with Elisa in his arms from the Clock Tower's balcony to the lower level. Lexington and Brooklyn hug their clan leader, welcoming him back. Broadway picks Elisa up in his arms and swings her about – his enthusiasm makes her laugh and they quickly hug as well. Composing himself, Broadway shares that Cagney missed her. Cagney jumps into Elisa's arms as she tells the bashful gargoyle that she missed him too. Hudson shares to Goliath, "I knew you hadn't abandoned us," to which Goliath confirms, "Never," and the two clasp arms. The sound of wings gliding down catches not only Lexington's attention, but makes his mouth drop. He elbows Brooklyn and soon enough, both Brooklyn and Broadway are awestruck. Goliath beckons his rookery daughter to come forward, and he introduces the clan to Angela. A great smile stretches across Hudson's face – as he welcomes her to the clan, he walks up to hug her. Unable to take his eyes off his rookery daughter, Hudson asks Goliath where they found her. Goliath shares that she was on Avalon, along with the rest of their clan's eggs. He explains the eggs have all hatched and grown. And yet, that's not the biggest news from their travels: they met gargoyles from Japan, Guatemala, and London! Hudson confirms that they met Goliath's friend Griff, but he didn't say anything about gargoyles surviving across the world. It suddenly dawns on Hudson, as he clasps Angela's hands, "We're not the last. We're not alone."

Broadway then introduces himself to Angela, and then introduces his rookery brothers before handing her a box of chocolates. Brooklyn concedes that its mostly empty, to which Broadway snaps quietly back that he didn't she was coming. Angela is unfazed; she eats a chocolate and is excited to be there. Hudson reckons Goliath has much to share with them, but Goliath, for now, has but one important thing to express: "Our journey is ended. Avalon has released us from our quest. We are home."

Back at the Eyrie Building, Xanatos approaches Owen in his office. He asks his executive assistant if he knew Anastasia was Titania. Owen admits that he did as he pulls a floppy disc from his desktop computer. Xanatos grows livid, accusing Owen of knowing that she came there to steal Alexander. Owen denies that he did, only that he feared the possibility. He hands Xanatos the floppy disc, explaining that it contains details to security measures that he's already implemented. Xanatos asks who authorized these measures, and Owen tells him that he did himself. "As soon as I learned that Fox was expecting," he explains. Regarding these security measures, Owen explains that everything has been built to his precise specifications. With the situation sounding more in their control, Xanatos's confidence returns. Owen continues, explaining that there are two things he'll need to remember. The first is that energy is energy, whether generated by science or sorcery. The second is that Oberon is vulnerable to iron – simply put, he and his magic are powerless against it. Xanatos shares how, once again, Owen wouldn't let him down, but he's suddenly confused as to where Owen is leaving to. They have a fight on their hands, after all. Turning to look back at his boss from the office door, Owen confesses to him: "I am truly sorry, Mr. Xanatos, but this is one battle in which I cannot risk becoming involved."

"We are what we are."

As Goliath glides Elisa back to her apartment, he acknowledges out on the terrace how he, Angela, and Bronx could not have survived their odyssey without her. Elisa shrugs it, describing their adventures as fun – most of the time. "But," she adds, "there really is no place like home." Elisa points out how even Cagney missed the apartment, as the cat runs inside. She expresses her gratitude for Hudson and Broadway for taking care of him. "The clan will always be there for you. I will always be there for you," Goliath assures her. Goliath places a hand on her shoulder as wistfully begins, "If only we were––," but Elisa quiets the gargoyle with a hand on his lips. "We are what we are," Elisa reminds him. Rain begins to pour and, with the moment now passed, Elisa tells Goliath to head home soon or he'll be caught in the storm. Goliath turns and takes to skies.

Back at the Eyrie Building, an alarm goes off and the entire skyscraper is evacuated. Everyone makes it to the ground floor, wondering if its a fire drill. Oberon waits outside in the rain, glamoured like a human once more.

Caught in the storm, Goliath makes it back to the Clock Tower. Once inside, he hears about how Angela was sharing with the others about Gabriel and the rest of their clan on Avalon. The happy moment is suddenly interrupted by the sudden appearance of Anastasia Renard. Goliath and the others are stunned that the human found them in their home, but Anastasia is wastes no time as she reveals herself to be Titania. It isn't long after that she finishes explaining her concerns about how her daughter Fox's unwillingness to letting Alexander be taken to Avalon. She seeks the clan's help in the matter, specifically to protect both Fox and the baby during the Xanatos's confrontation with Oberon. Turning to Angela, Goliath doesn't hesitate to tell Titania that "nothing should come between a parent and child. Not even if that parent is Xanatos." Titania reminds him how she helped his clan on Avalon. Goliath responds that he hasn't forgotten, he just doesn't see that as justification for what she and Oberon are about to do. At an impasse, Titania concludes that while the clan will not help, they should know not to interfere either, or else Oberon will crush them all with a thought. With that, she vanishes. It is then that Goliath realizes that Avalon, in fact, sent them to Manhattan, not to release the World Travelers from their odyssey, but to deal with the dangers now brought to their attentions. He directs the clan to make their way to Eyrie Building.

Atop Castle Wyvern in the pouring rain, David Xanatos is still shocked that Owen would abandon him at his greatest hour of need. His father, Petros, comments that at least Owen left him well-armed for the battle. "In theory, anyway," Xanatos replies, taking a control from his inside jacket pocket. He presses a few buttons and activates Owen's security measures. From the street level, four drones rocket skyward before hovering just above the world's tallest building. Three beams of energy emit from each drone, two beams connecting to the drone to two of its anchors, and a third that connects the drone to the street-level cavity it launched from. From the cavity, a partnering device receives the energy beam from above, before sending two more beams to its fellow corners. Each device connected, the beams create giant, transparent panes of energy about the Eyrie Building.

Oberon approaches the main entrance and finds himself curiously incapable of passing through the force field. As he cradles a finger still smarting from the interaction, he finds himself actually impressed with "what these mortals can achieve with their science." He tries to attack it with a blast of mystic energy from his hand, only to see it ricochet into a nearby streetlight. Growing impatient, his begin to glow green as he declares, "You cannot thwart the will of Oberon!" He then tries to attack it indirectly, telekinetically tossing a nearby parked car at the force field, only to see it totaled against the invisible panes of energy. Officer Morgan runs to the human-like Oberon, asking if he was just in a car accident. As the car explodes, Morgan tries to assist the apparent pedestrian, worried he might have had a concussion. Morgan begins to check for the signs of head trauma, asking Oberon if he's feeling sleepy. Oberon's attention finally caught, he counters, "No . . . but you are!" Oberon's glowing green eyes flash in Morgan's direction, and he falls down on the street, unconscious. Oberon then raises his hands skyward and commands all of Manhattan to sleep. Comatose drivers suddenly are suddenly crashing into one another and driving off the road, crashing into streetlights. Brendan and Margot crash into a fire hydrant. Everyone – from Elisa in her apartment to Travis Marshall at his anchor desk – is fast asleep.

The only alert humans are inside the protected Eyrie Building. Petros notes how the hour for which Oberon gave to David and Fox to say goodbye is nearly up. He asks his son if the attack has started, but David is unsure. If it has, the force field is working.

As vehicles continue to crash in the streets below, fire hydrants drown the roads. "I am through playing games, mortal. I WILL NOT BE DENIED!" Oberon declares. A giant bolt of lighting strikes the Lord of Avalon and he begins to grow. And grow. And grow. And grow – until he is as tall as the Eyrie Building itself! His giant face laughs maniacally as it covers the entire city view from the Atrium.

To Be Continued . . .

Featured Characters

Gargoyles	Humans	Oberon's Children	Others
Boudicca Brooklyn Lexington Broadway Hudson Bronx Goliath Angela Griff (Mentioned Only) Gabriel (Mentioned Only)	Princess Katharine Halcyon Renard Preston Vogel Anastasia Renard Owen Burnett Petros Xanatos David Xanatos Alexander Fox Xanatos (First Appearance) Jogger (No Lines) Fox Eyrie Building Security Guard Travis Marshall Elisa Maza Morgan Morgan Brendan Quarters (No Lines) Margot Yale (No Lines)	Raven (No Lines) Anansi (No Lines) Grandmother (No Lines) Lady of the Lake (No Lines) Anubis (No Lines) Coyote Odin Nought (First Appearance, No Lines) Oberon Banshee Phoebe Luna Seline Puck (Mentioned Only) Titania	Crom-Cruach Cagney

Objects
Puck's Flute

Quotes

• "'Mother'?! Titania, what have you been up to?" - Oberon

• "Halcyon proved too rigid to hold my interest. Truthfully, no one can, save Oberon." - Titania

• "We are not without a heart, child. You may have one hour to say goodbye to your son, before we return to take the child to Avalon, forever." - Oberon

• "In about twenty years, this may be the face of the world's most eligible bachelor." - Travis Marshall

• "Why do I have the feeling that that little baby is going to be big trouble?" - Brooklyn

• "We're not the last. We're not alone." - Hudson

• "And these are for you."

"Or, at least what's left of them."

"Well, I didn't know she was coming!" - Broadway and Brooklyn

• "If only we were––"

"Shh. We are what we are." - Goliath and Elisa

Continuity

The Gathering is well underway, after Oberon began proceedings in "Ill Met By Moonlight". The returning Children of Oberon at the beginning of this episode include a number of familiar faces from the Avalon World Tour: Grandmother, Raven, Anubis, Anansi, the Lady of the Lake, Odin, and Coyote the Trickster, all of whom have formed a long line in the great hall, each one in turn doing homage to Oberon anew. The assembly also includes a few new figures: a couple of giants, a winged horse, a centaur, a gorgon-like being, and a figure dressed in dapper-looking clothes (this last, according to Greg Weisman, goes by the name of Nought). [2]

Oberon comments on the events of "Eye of the Storm" when he sees that Odin has recovered his eye.

Banshee, having expressed her desire not to return to Avalon in "The Hound of Ulster", is dragged back by the Weird Sisters. She is permanently gagged, essentially removing her powers, until she learns humility.

Puck also does not return to the Gathering, having revealed in "Future Tense" that he did not want to.

Fox gives birth to a son, Alexander Fox Xanatos. She first learned she was pregnant in "Outfoxed".

Titania is revealed to be Anastasia Renard, Fox's mother.

This is also a good episode for familiar faces among the human population of Manhattan; we see once more the Jogger, Travis Marshall, Officer Morgan, and Brendan and Margot Yale, all in brief roles. Travis Marshall now plays the part, not of a reporter on the street as in his past scenes, but of an anchorman as he reports Alex's birth (and in the process, mentions Xanatos and Fox's police records); evidently he must have gotten a promotion.

Goliath, Elisa, Angela, and Bronx return to Manhattan at last, ending the Avalon World Tour that began way back in "Avalon" Part Three.

Tidbits

Oberon engages in a Star Wars homage when he uses his powers to get past Xanatos's security guard in the lobby in a manner evocative of Obi Wan Kenobi using the Force to get past some Storm Troopers in the first Star Wars movie.

Showing Goliath, Elisa, Bronx and Angela's arrival to Manhattan wasn't produced as their reaction to returning home was similar enough to "Future Tense" (minus the shock of the city being in ruins), as well as showing the return from the PoV of Hudson and the Trio. Additionally, the skiff sunk into the water and returned to Avalon as its travelers remained in Manhattan. [3]

"The Gathering" was originally intended as a one-parter, but turned into a two-parter when it became clear that a single half-hour episode was not enough to tell its story.

The yellow nightgown Fox was wearing was a gift from her father. [4]

Terrence Mann's name is misspelled as "Terrance Mann" in the credits.

DVD Release

• Gargoyles: Season Two, Volume Two

See Also

• Greg's Ramble
• Extensive Synopsis and Review

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