Diana and Matthew return to the present to reckon with the chaos that has taken place in their absence.

The last season of A Discovery of Witches ended on a devastating note as Emily was brutally murdered by Peter Knox just before Diana and Matthew stepped back into the present from the past, and this opening episode picks up exactly where we left off, as the whole gathering at Sept Tours tries to come to terms with this loss.

But it isn’t only mourning for Emily which the De Clermont clan and their allies have to contend with. Even the missing pages of the Book of Life must take a back seat as the political manoeuvring of Gerbert threatens to undermine their authority within the congregation. Baldwin returns to Sept Tours to stamp his own authority on matters, and some joyful news for Matthew and Diana does little to cheer him.

Baldwin isn’t the only one with a bone to pick with his brother though – Marcus is furious with Matthew after the revelations last season with regards to Blood Rage and his own carrying of the curse. In fact, at this point, it’s starting to get difficult to know how many friends Matthew will have left.

Speaking of the congregation, Knox finds himself confronted over the matter of his crime and begins to realise just how much power he has lost over the last few years. Satu has grown in stature as well as power, and he might not have as many friends to count on as he might like.

And as to the Blood Rage, Matthew and Diana’s news makes finding a solution for it all the more urgent. That means that Matthew is going to have to bring in some outside assistance and do the one thing his long life has taught him to avoid at all costs – trust in humans

Frankly, there’s an absolute avalanche of stuff going on here. The side-plot of the Blood Raged vampire in Oxford takes on a new twist. New characters and old friends return, and it becomes increasingly clear that the only logical conclusion to current tensions is going to be an all out war between the De Clermonts and their allies and the Congregation itself. The only question is, who will emerge victorious.

The cast are all excellent, with Peter McDonald ably stepping up to take over the role of Baldwin and Jacob Ifan clearly enjoying himself chewing the scenery a bit as Benjamin Fuchs. Jamie Donoughue’s direction is smart and focused, allowing each element to breathe in spite of Lisa Holdsworth’s packed script and frankly, if you can resist immediately streaming episode 2 after watching this, then you’re a stronger person than I.

Verdict: A barnstorming opener which packs in a huge amount without feeling rushed or overwhelming. Top drawer. 10/10

Greg D. Smith