Ep 13. Reawakening

In the thirteenth episode of the first season of Gargoyles, titled "Reawakening," the story revolves around Goliath and his clan as they are awoken from their stone sleep after one thousand years. Upon awakening, they find themselves in the midst of a different world, a world they do not understand nor recognize.

The episode begins with a flashback to the tenth century, where Princess Katharine and her people seek refuge from the Vikings by taking shelter in a castle commanded by the Gargoyles. Despite the initial fear and apprehension towards each other, Princess Katharine and the Gargoyles forge a strong bond over time. However, their peace is short-lived as a group of Vikings threatens to raid the castle again. The Gargoyles manage to fend them off, but suffer a great deal of damage in the process.

A thousand years later, in the modern day, Xanatos somehow manages to acquire the Gargoyles and transports them to his castle in New York City. A cunning billionaire, Xanatos has an ulterior motive to awaken the Gargoyles. He wants to use them as his personal guardians and help him in his schemes. When the Gargoyles are awakened, they find themselves confused and disoriented by this new world. Their confusion is compounded when they discover that they have been asleep for a whole millennium, and that the world they once knew no longer exists.

Goliath and his clan eventually make their way out of the castle, and find that there has been a great deal of change outside. Modern technology, skyscrapers, airplanes, and cars all puzzle and perplex them. It's not just the technological advancements that confound them, though; there are also other challenges they must face. Some humans are suspicious and afraid of the Gargoyles, which makes it difficult to adjust to their new surroundings. The Gargoyles are forced to hide in the shadows and stealthily move around to avoid being noticed by humans.

After exploring the city, Goliath and the rest of the clan eventually make their way to the Xanatos building. There, they encounter the billionaire himself, who tries to persuade Goliath into working for him. Xanatos offers them food, shelter, and security, and even offers to give them their own skyscraper. But Goliath is not swayed, knowing that he cannot trust Xanatos. In a battle of wills, Xanatos tries to convince Goliath that the world has changed and that he, as a Gargoyle, must adapt to survive. But Goliath remains steadfast in his belief that they should be left alone to find their own way in this new world.

As the Gargoyles leave the Xanatos building, they encounter a young girl named Elisa Maza, who works as a detective for the NYPD. Unlike most humans, Elisa does not fear the Gargoyles and instead helps them navigate the complexities of the modern world. She informs them of the current social and political climate and helps them acclimatize to their new reality. Though cautious at first, the Gargoyles eventually form a bond of trust with Elisa and begin working with her to protect the city from crime and danger.

Overall, "Reawakening" is a powerful episode that tackles themes of change, adaptation, and identity, as the Gargoyles try to find their place in a world that has moved on without them. The episode sets the tone for the rest of the series, as we see the Gargoyles begin to navigate the complexities of their new world, all while trying to maintain their own values and beliefs.