Quentin thought that using The White Lady to wish himself away from Fillory would allow him to hide from his grief over Alice. He wouldn’t have constant reminders of losing her, nor would magic play a significant role in his life anymore; he would be able to sink into a life of mundanity, a life whose pillars were predictability and security rather than spontaneity and adventure. Sure, Quentin received all he ever wanted with his acceptance into Brakebills and immersion into the world of magic, but it all still left him deeply unhappy, so trying something new while putting physical distance between himself and Alice’s death wasn’t the worst idea in the world. Except that Emily’s illusion spell shook something inside him that allowed his grief (and guilt) to come loose and express itself for everyone to see.
On the next episode of The Magicians, Quentin returns to Fillory with the intention of completing a reversal spell that Alice had begun, thinking that it could help bring her (or, at least, Niffin Alice) back to him. Seeing Alice through Emily, as well as on the streets, undid what bit of Quentin’s psyche that had made peace with the loss he suffered; granted, getting over losing Alice would’ve been difficult regardless, given that he still feels anguish over unleashing his cacodemon on Niffin Alice, but he might’ve had a shot had he ended up at a company without someone who knew about magic. Had he not encountered Emily and had they not gone down the road of talking about (and doing) magic together, Quentin could’ve lived a quiet life while his heart mended. He could’ve gotten strong enough to face the trauma he went through without negative influences having their way with him, but Quentin’s grief was never given the chance to settle and as such, he’s hanging on to this last shred of hope about seeing Alice again. Though Quentin knows the chances of Alice coming back, even as a Niffin, are slim to none, seeing her as he has and still feeling for her as he does mean that he doesn’t want to give up just yet.
Elsewhere on The Magicians, Eliot and Margo’s negotiations take an unexpected turn, while Julia and Kady make an important discovery in their quest to find and destroy Reynard.
The Magicians airs Wednesdays at 9:00 on Syfy.
Will Quentin be able to make contact with Niffin Alice? Are Eliot and Margo going to find a way to get on the same page regarding how their rule Fillory? What could the key be for Julia and Kady to stop Reynard?
