The Edge
"The Edge" is the tenth televised episode of the series Gargoyles, and the tenth episode of Season 1. It originally aired on January 13, 1995.
- Supervising Producer: Frank Paur
- Co-Producer: Greg Weisman
- Written by: Michael Reaves
- Story Edited by: Michael Reaves
- Directed by: Kazuo Terada, Saburo Hashimoto
- Animation by: Walt Disney Animation Japan
- Backgrounds by: Studio Fuga
- Additional Production Facilities: Nakamura Production, Studio Robin, Light Foot, Studio Cats, Takahashi Production
Contents
Summary
Main Plot
The gargoyles are settling into their new home when David Xanatos causes trouble by stealing the Eye of Odin in his new gargoyle battle armor after he had donated the jewel to the Museum of Modern Art. After Elisa notices the "Steel Clan" robot and reports to the clan, Goliath goes to confront Xanatos at the Eyrie Building, and is attacked along with the rest of the clan on the way back by the disguised Xanatos and two Steel Clan robots. They get the best of the gargoyles, but stop short of killing them, waiting for them to lead them to their new home. Goliath instead leads them all to the Statue of Liberty, where the two robots are destroyed and Xanatos retreats. Despite his failure, Xanatos is proud that he was able to stand up against Goliath on his own.
Subplots
Xanatos and Owen engage in a judo match. Xanatos is surprised to be beaten by Owen for the first time.
Elisa brings the gargoyles a television set. While watching the news, they come across Travis Marshall interviewing Xanatos about donating the Eye of Odin to the museum. Goliath becomes enraged and storms out.
Elisa is partnered up with Matt Bluestone for the first time, though she is not happy about this. Matt tells Elisa about the Illuminati, and witnesses Xanatos leaving the museum in his gargoyle exo-frame. Matt shoots a bullet at him, which is repelled.
Travis Marshall reports on the news about the theft by the "gargoyle-like creature." The public begins to worry, and Elisa is afraid for the gargoyles when they go out to confront Xanatos.
Xanatos proposes to Goliath to have the clan stay at his upstate facility instead of in the city. Goliath becomes enraged at this, and realizes that Xanatos's aim is to dominate and control the clan.
Elisa attempts to follow the clan to the Eyrie Building in her car, dragging Matt along, and at the same time trying to keep her partner in the dark. Owen prevents them from entering the Eyrie.
After the battle on the Statue of Liberty, the news reports that the gargoyles were actually robots, and the public is reassured. Matt believes that the gargoyles are flesh and blood creatures, however, and vows to find out more about them.
The Story
Act One
Inside the Eyrie Building's gymnasium, David Xanatos and Owen Burnett engage in a judo match. Xanatos expresses surprise after his majordomo beats him with one kick, stating it's the first time he's ever lost a match to him. When Owen asks if he should pretend to lose, Xanatos threatens to fire him if he did. Xanatos then tells Owen to reschedule his two-o-clock meeting with the Emir.
Outside of the 23rd Precinct, Elisa Maza is carrying a small television; she drops the remote control and it's picked up by a man who then holds the door open for her. When he asks about it; she tells him that it's a gift. Inside Captain Chavez's office, Elisa is perturbed when Chavez assigns her a partner, introducing her to the man she met outside, Detective Matt Bluestone whom Chavez previously worked on to shut down Tony Dracon's arms-dealing operation. Elisa insists to Matt that she doesn't need a partner, but Matt retorts that now she has a partner and to make the best of it. Matt also expresses that he wouldn't be surprised when Elisa mutters that there must be some conspiracy going on to make her life difficult and then says she'll meet him outside in twenty minutes.
Elisa heads up into the Clock Tower bringing the television. Hudson is napping on a beat-up old barcalounger, Broadway is stirring a pot of chili, and Lexington is playing with a remote-controlled toy car. When Elisa asks for Goliath, Broadway informs her that he's down in the libary.
Inside the library, Elisa finds Goliath on a stool reading Dostoevsky. Goliath then grumbles that Xanatos stole his home, drove the clan into hiding in the Clock Tower and that he was unable to do anything to prevent it. Elisa attempts to cheer Goliath up by saying she wouldn't want Xanatos's karma, but Goliath wishes to make Xanatos feel the way he does now.
Goliath and Elisa return to the Clock Tower where the television is finally set up. While flipping channels, they stop when they spot Xanatos being interviewed at the Museum of Modern Art by Travis Marshall. Xanatos just donated the Eye of Odin from his personal collection to the museum, which Travis calls a grand gesture from a man known for grand gestures. Goliath roars and then runs out of the Clock Tower. Travis then brings up Xanatos's prison record, just to remind the city who Xanatos is, at which point Xanatos calmly exits the interview.
Later that night, Matt is on patrol with Elisa and discussing his belief in the existence of the Illuminati. But Elisa doesn't care about UFOs, Loch Ness, or secret societies. The two detectives then get a call that there's a break-in at the Museum of Modern Art and rush over. At that very moment, a winged figure breaks into the room displaying the Eye of Odin, and knocks out security guard. Elisa and Matt arrive in time to witness the gargoyle-like figure jump out the window and take to the air. Matt Bluestone aims his gun and pulls the trigger as Elisa tries to stop him.
Act Two
Matt Bluestone's bullet bounces off of the gargoyle-like figure. When he asks why Elisa tried to stop him, she makes the excuse that it might have blown up when he hit it and when asked, she says she has no clue what it could have been.
The following afternoon, in Captain Chavez's office, Elisa and Chavez are going over reports (including blurry photographs) that three of these gargoyle-like things have been spotted all over New York City and they're not shy about being seen. Matt comes in and turns off the TV where Travis Marshall plays security coverage of the gargoyle-like creature stealing the Eye of Odin. When Chavez asks what the two detectives think, Elisa has no thoughts yet while Matt is still stunned that he hit it with a 38-slug and didn't even slow it down.
Elisa meets the gargoyles in the Clock Tower and tells them they're being impersonated. Brooklyn wonders if its possible there are other gargoyles out there, but Elisa reminds him they're not bullet-proof. Goliath quickly deduces that it must be the Steel Clan. Broadway thought they destroyed them all, and Hudson has no idea why Xanatos would donate the jewel to the museum and then have it stolen. Goliath orders Hudson and Bronx to guard the Clock Tower while he takes the trio to deal with Xanatos. Elisa tries to talk him down but Goliath insists and takes off.
Elisa runs out to her car, but Matt catches up with her. Elisa insists that this is one time she doesn't need a partner, but Matt reminds her that's usually the time she needs one the most. Elisa gives in and the two drive off to the Eyrie Building together.
Knowing that the gargoyles are going to show up any moment, Xanatos waits in the middle of the Courtyard; his patience is rewarded as they arrive. The trio land on the outer wall while Goliath lands in front of Xanatos to rage at him. Xanatos smoothly responds that he's the best friend they have in this world.
Elisa and Matt enter the Eyrie Building's lobby but are stopped by Owen who informs her that Xanatos is attending an important meeting. When she says she's always been welcome before, Owen says things change and then asks if she has a warrant.
Xanatos lays out what's about to happen: soon everyone will be hunting gargoyles. He then offers the gargoyles sanctuary at an upstate research facility. Be his guests or be hunted like animals. Goliath roars to the heavens before angrily destroying a lamppost as he and the trio take their leave. Xanatos calls out that the gargoyle leader is taking this much too personally.
Down on the streets, Elisa spots the gargoyles leaving the Castle. She and Matt quickly pursue in her car, Matt none the wiser of what they are following.
Brooklyn asks Goliath what happened, but he growls that he doesn't want to talk about it. Seconds later, Goliath is blown out of the sky, landing on a rooftop satellite dish after being shot in the shoulder by a particle beam fired by the Steel Clan, led by a new red version. The Steel Clan then engage the gargoyles in an aerial battle over midtown Manhattan. Goliath insists they've beaten them before and can do so again. All the while the battle draws the attention of the public. The battle does not go well, as the gargoyles are overpowered at every turn while the Steel Clan demonstrate greater strength, speed, and new abilities such as generating electricity through their "skin" to prevent the gargoyles from attempting to land on them and destroy them. The Steel Clan knock a brick wall over the gargoyles and fly towards them triumphantly.
Act Three
The Steel Clan come to a sudden stop and hover in the air, watching the gargoyles. Lexington wonders why they're still alive; Brooklyn adds that it's like they're waiting for something. Goliath quickly figures out that the plan is for the Steel Clan to follow them back to the Clock Tower and learn where they are. Broadway asks why not just kill them, and Goliath responds that Xanatos doesn't want to destroy them, he wants to dominate them. Lex hypothesizes that Xanatos is controlling the robots by radio like his toy car. Brooklyn wonders what they're going to do now.
Elisa and Matt arrive at the scene where Travis Marshall is present with a camera crew. When Elisa asks what's going on, Travis replies that the urban myth about gargoyles might have become urban reality.
High up on the roof, Goliath says they can't lead the robots back to the Clock Tower; nor can they stay here and it's not long until sunrise. When Broadway proposes tackling them again, Brooklyn is not eager to do so as they're tougher than the original five robots, particularly the red one as Lex points out. Goliath declares that they must continue the fight someplace isolated and leads the trio off the roof as they take to the air. The Steel Clan spread their wings and follow.
The people are shocked at the sight of the winged silhouettes. Matt confiscates a pair of binoculars from a civilian and watches as they head south.
The gargoyles glide over midtown and downtown Manhattan and over the Hudson River. Lexington asks where they're going and Goliath points to the Statue of Liberty. They land atop the statue's crown as the Steel Clan approach. Goliath orders the trio to handle the two chrome-robots while he will take on the leader.
One robot pursues Broadway, but the young gargoyle leads the robot on a chase and tricks it into flying headfirst into the statue, where it explodes.
Goliath and the red robot engage in aerial combat. The robot swipes at Goliath with its talons, but Goliath dodges, catches an updraft and slams into it from above. The robot isn't so easily taken down and fires its rockets straight into the air as Goliath continues to hold onto it.
The second robot chases Brooklyn and Lexington, arm-cannon extended. Broadway watches and grabs the previously destroyed robot's left forearm as Lexington lands on the robot's back, grabbing its neck. The robot attempts to shake Lexington off and jolts him with an electric shock. But Lex holds on despite the pain, giving Broadway the opening that he needs to throw the clawed forearm, impaling the robot. Lex lets go as the robot falls to the ground and explodes on impact.
Goliath continues to wrestle with the robot in mid-air. He grabs the metal tubes that extend from over its shoulders to a dial on its chest, and drags it down to the top of the statue's head. Back on their feet, the robot extends its arm-cannon, but Goliath quickly strikes, tearing the weapon off. The robot and the gargoyle exchange blows but are evenly matched, the robot even attacking with judo moves. But soon the robot is surrounded and outnumbered as the trio land. The robot eyes the the remains of the other two robots, and knowing the fight has come to a stand-still, spreads its wings, activates its rockets and takes off. The trio are surprised by this behavior while Goliath is angry.
Goliath orders a retreat once he sees the police helicopter, piloted by Derek Maza and carrying Elisa, Matt, and Travis. Travis thanks Matt for the exclusive and Matt says that Travis owes him one. The helicopter shines its spotlight on the remains of the destroyed robots.
Just before sunrise, the gargoyles are taking their places as Elisa assures Goliath that the public has been reassured that the gargoyles were robots, and who created them is still under investigation. Goliath feels confidence and pride that they triumphed over Xanatos, and if they did it once they can do it again. Elisa agrees that they will... together.
Down below, Matt rejects the robot theory, insisting that what he saw through those binoculars was no robot, but flesh and blood. Chavez says it was dark and they were a long way off. Matt tells Chavez to believe what she wants, but he knows what he saw and he's determined to find out what it was. Not knowing that what he seeks is directly above him... sound asleep as stone statues.
Back at the Castle, atop the highest tower. Owen advises the "robot" that it appears his plan to discover the gargoyles' hiding place has gone awry. But the "robot" turns an air pressure adjustment dial on its chest and then removes its head – in actuality a helmet – revealing the face of David Xanatos. The industrialist disagrees. Nothing has gone awry. He has the Eye of Odin back in his possession and the city owes him a favor for donating it. He successfully tested his prototype battle exo-frame. And, most importantly, he was a little worried that he was getting soft but since he was able to take on Goliath, the greatest warrior alive, he'd say he's still got the edge. Xanatos smirks with pride as he and Owen watch the sunrise.
Featured Characters and First Appearances
| Gargoyles | Humans | Others |
|---|---|---|
|
| Places | Objects | Miscellaneous |
|---|---|---|
|
Quotes
- "Would you rather I pretend to lose?"
- "I'd fire you if you did." - Owen and Xanatos
- "This is his century, his world. We are outcasts, strangers in a strange land." - Goliath
- "I don't care about UFOs, Loch Ness, or secret societies. Believe me, the world's strange enough as it is." - Elisa
- "This is one time I don't want a partner."
- "Yeah? Well that's usually the time you need one the most." - Elisa and Matt
- "You see, soon everyone in the Big Apple will be hunting gargoyles."
- "Because of you!"
- "If you want to be picky, we won't get anywhere." - Xanatos and Goliath
- "You're taking this much too personally." - Xanatos
- "I can tell working with you is going to be good aerobics." - Matt
- "Looks like that urban myth about gargoyles just became urban reality." - Travis Marshall
- "I was a little worried that I might be getting soft. But I was able to stand up against Goliath, the greatest warrior alive. I'd say I've still got the edge." - Xanatos
Continuity
The episode sees the full introduction of Matt Bluestone (who first appears in a non-speaking role in "Deadly Force") and Travis Marshall. There is also a glimpse of Derek Maza as Elisa and Matt's helicopter pilot.
The Eye of Odin is also first introduced in Gargoyles. It originated in the Gargoyles video game, and so intrigued Greg Weisman that he proceeded to write it into the series (though Greg feels disappointed that the Eye in the animated series did not look as Norse as the Eye in the game).
The Emir is first mentioned in the opening scene between Xanatos and Owen, here merely to provide a brief look at the world of movers and shakers that Xanatos operates in. Greg Weisman had not yet planned to turn the Emir into an on-stage character, although the Emir is mentioned again in "Double Jeopardy" and finally appears in "Grief". [1]
The Illuminati also receive their first mention, in Matt's conversation with Elisa. Although they would later become an on-stage element in the series, their original introduction, as planned by Michael Reaves, was done for a much simpler reason: Reaves wanted to make Matt's suspicion that the gargoyles were out there (which would lead to his investigation of them) believable, and decided that if he was portrayed as a conspiracy theorist, the audience would be more ready to accept his pursuit of the clan.
Elisa, displaying her skepticism towards Matt's Illuminati theories, says; "I don't care about UFOs, Loch Ness, or secret societies." This is an ironic statement, since she would encounter both the Loch Ness Monster and an extra-terrestrial (Nokkar) during the Avalon World Tour, in the following season.
As in "Enter Macbeth", Goliath again shows a penchant for the classics, this time reading Dostoyevsky.
In this episode, Xanatos dons his red, Goliath-shaped armor for the first time. The gargoyles assume that it is a more advanced version of the Steel Clan robots they fought in "Awakening: Part Five", and will continue to assume this until "Reawakening".
During their televised interview, Travis Marshall and Xanatos mention Xanatos's recent incarceration (he was jailed between "Awakening: Part Five" and "Enter Macbeth").
Tidbits
Xanatos's choice of the Museum of Modern Art to donate the Eye of Odin to seems surprising, since the Eye could hardly be modern art, in light of its background as revealed in Season Two. Greg Weisman has suggested that Xanatos chose the MOMA based on it having poor security, but fine security camera surveillance - just what he needed for his plan.
The security guard on duty at the MOMA on the night that Xanatos steals back the Eye briefly addresses a painting that is clearly either Edvard Munch's The Scream (which isn't on display there in real life), or modelled upon it.
Adaptation
VHS/DVD Release
Links
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