Ep 3. Return of the Gladiator

The team of teenage space explorers, Lance, Keith, Hunk, Pidge, and Shiro, continue their quest to find the five robotic lions that form the powerful Voltron defender, as they explore the universe while battling the evil Galra Empire. In the third episode of the first season, titled "Return of the Gladiator," the group travels to the planet Olkarion, which is known for their intense arena battles. The planet's leader, Chief Olia, invites the team to watch a match, but the invitation is not what it seems.

Upon arrival, the team witnesses a battle between strong opponents: a Galra gladiator named Sakar and a mysterious, cloaked challenger. The cloaked fighter quickly defeats Sakar, and the crowd roars in excitement. The cloaked fighter reveals herself to be Princess Allura, who had been disguised to avoid drawing attention.

Chief Olia approaches the team and offers them the opportunity to fight against Allura as part of the tournament. The only way for the team to gain the approval and trust of the Olkarion people is to win the fight. Seeing an opportunity to impress the crowd and earn their trust, the team accepts the invitation.

The team spends time training in the arena and comes up with different strategies to fight against Princess Allura. However, the princess reveals that the fight will be different from what they expected, as there will be no weapons and no armor. In addition, each team member will fight alone, without the help of their teammates or their robotic lions.

As the fight begins, the team struggles against the princess's martial arts skills. One by one, each team member falls to the ground, unable to stand up against her agility and technique. The only one left standing is Pidge, but the odds are heavily against her.

Despite the odds, Pidge uses her intelligence and scientific knowledge to her advantage. She creates a makeshift weapon using the materials in the arena and manages to surprise Allura, who falls to the ground. At this point, Chief Olia declares Pidge the winner, and the team earns the respect and trust of the Olkarion people.

As the team prepares to leave the planet, they encounter a group of Galra soldiers who are trying to obtain a powerful energy source. The team engages in battle and manages to defeat the soldiers. However, they soon discover that the Galra Empire is more powerful than they initially thought.

"Return of the Gladiator" is an action-packed episode that showcases the team's determination and bravery while facing seemingly impossible challenges. They are forced to fight without their usual weapons and against one of their own allies, making for an intense battle.

Apart from the thrilling action scenes, the episode also explores the team's relationships and dynamics. They work together to come up with different strategies, and we see how their individual personalities and strengths contribute to the success of the team.

Overall, "Return of the Gladiator" is a must-watch episode that highlights the strengths and vulnerabilities of the team while teasing the looming threat of the Galra Empire. Fans of the series will enjoy the action, humor, and character development that make Voltron: Legendary Defender a most enjoyable animated show.