Ep 4. Hercules and the Assassin

Hercules: The Animated Series season 1 episode 4, titled "Hercules and the Assassin," follows our hero as he tries to protect the daughter of a wealthy merchant from an assassin hired to kill her. When Hercules discovers the plot, he sets out to thwart the assassin and keep the young girl safe.

As the episode begins, we see Hercules and his best friend Icarus enjoying a game of catch. But their leisurely afternoon is interrupted by a panicked messenger who informs Hercules that the daughter of a wealthy merchant is in danger. It seems that a hired assassin is on his way to kill the girl, and Hercules is the only one who can protect her.

Hercules quickly sets out to find the young girl and escort her to safety. Along the way, he runs into a group of rowdy villagers who mistake him for the assassin and attack him. But Hercules is able to fend them off with his immense strength and continue on his mission.

When he finally reaches the merchant's home, Hercules meets the young girl, whose name is Ariana. He learns that her father is away on business and that she's been left in the care of her lazy, selfish uncle. It's no surprise that her uncle didn't bother to hire any guards to keep her safe.

Hercules takes matters into his own hands and decides to stay with Ariana until her father returns. Meanwhile, the assassin - a shadowy figure with a deadly reputation - is getting closer and closer. Hercules and Ariana must stay one step ahead of him if they hope to survive.

As the night wears on, Hercules and Ariana bond over their shared love of adventure. Ariana is thrilled to be spending time with a hero like Hercules, and she begins to see him as more than just a bodyguard. But Hercules knows he can't let his guard down - not when there's an assassin on the loose.

Finally, the assassin arrives. He's a terrifying figure, dressed in all black and wielding a deadly sword. Hercules and Ariana are forced to take refuge in a nearby barn, where they make a last stand against the assassin.

In the end, Hercules is able to defeat the assassin and save Ariana's life. But the experience has left him shaken - he realizes that even the most innocent and vulnerable people can be targeted by those who seek to do harm.

As the episode comes to a close, Hercules delivers Ariana safely back to her home and bids her farewell. But he knows that he'll never forget the young girl who taught him that true heroism means putting the needs of others before your own.