Mystic - The Bond (S1E2)

Issie discovers that rescue horse Blaze has life-threatening injuries. When Tom insists that Blaze is impossible to tame and can't be saved, Issie refuses to give up on her.
| Runtime (min) | 28 |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 2020-07-21 |
| Genres | Family, Drama, Action & Adventure |
| Network(s) | CBBC |
Storyline
In this episode, Issie learns that Blaze, the wild rescue horse she has become attached to, is suffering from serious injuries that threaten her survival. The discovery forces Issie to confront the harsh reality that saving Blaze will require more than good intentions. Tom, who has experience with difficult horses, delivers a blunt assessment: Blaze is too wild to be tamed and her injuries are too severe to justify the effort and resources needed for recovery.
Despite Tom's warnings and the practical obstacles in her path, Issie refuses to accept that Blaze is beyond help. She commits herself to proving that the bond between horse and rider can overcome even the most daunting challenges. The episode centers on Issie's determination to fight for Blaze's life, setting up a conflict between pragmatic ranch wisdom and Issie's belief that every horse deserves a chance. Her resolve is tested as she must find a way to reach a horse that has every reason to distrust humans.
What kids learn
This episode teaches children about perseverance in the face of discouragement. Issie models what it means to advocate for a vulnerable creature when others have given up, showing young viewers that determination and compassion can be powerful forces even when the odds seem insurmountable. Kids see that standing up for what you believe is right sometimes means going against the advice of authority figures who may have more experience but less hope.
The storyline also introduces children to the reality that rescue animals often come with trauma and physical challenges that require patience, commitment, and specialized care. Issie's refusal to give up on Blaze demonstrates that healing—whether physical or emotional—takes time and that trust must be earned, especially with creatures that have been hurt. Young viewers learn that love and good intentions alone aren't always enough; real care requires learning, effort, and sometimes accepting help from others.
Additionally, the episode touches on themes of responsibility and the ethical questions surrounding animal welfare. Children are encouraged to think about what we owe to animals in our care and when fighting for a life is worth the struggle, even when practical voices suggest otherwise.
Parents' top 5 questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How graphic are Blaze's injuries in this episode? | The episode acknowledges that Blaze has life-threatening injuries, but the show does not dwell on graphic medical details or disturbing visuals. The focus remains on Issie's emotional response and her determination to help rather than on explicit depictions of trauma or suffering. The tone is serious but age-appropriate for the tween audience, emphasizing hope and action over distressing imagery. |
| Does Blaze die in this episode? | The episode centers on Issie's fight to save Blaze despite Tom's pessimism about her chances. The narrative is built around Issie's refusal to give up, creating tension about whether her efforts will succeed. The episode explores the struggle and uncertainty rather than rushing to a final outcome, allowing the story to focus on Issie's commitment and the bond she is trying to build with the injured horse. |
| Is Tom portrayed as cruel for wanting to give up on Blaze? | Tom is presented as experienced and pragmatic rather than heartless. His assessment comes from a place of ranch realism and an understanding of the resources and challenges involved in rehabilitating a severely injured wild horse. The episode doesn't vilify his perspective but instead uses the conflict between his practicality and Issie's idealism to explore different approaches to difficult decisions about animal care and welfare. |
| What age child is this episode appropriate for? | This episode is suitable for children aged eight and up who can handle themes of animal injury and the possibility of loss without becoming overly distressed. The show treats these subjects with sensitivity, focusing on hope and determination. Younger or more sensitive children may need parental support to process the emotional stakes, particularly if they are especially attached to animals or have experienced pet loss. |
| Does this episode teach kids to ignore expert advice? | While Issie does go against Tom's recommendation, the episode is more about advocating for those who cannot speak for themselves than about dismissing expertise. Issie's actions are driven by compassion and a willingness to try when others have lost hope. Parents can use this as an opportunity to discuss when it's appropriate to seek second opinions or fight for what you believe in, while also respecting knowledge and experience. |
Writing
Directing
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Londoner Issie’s boring new life in New Zealand suddenly gets exciting when she encounters a frightened horse running through the wilderness. |
| 1 | 2 | Issie discovers that rescue horse Blaze has life-threatening injuries. When Tom insists that Blaze is impossible to tame and can't be saved, Issie refuses to give up on her. |
| 1 | 3 | At the stables' Family Fun Day, the kids compete with rivals Dulmoth Park. Issie's visions become hard to ignore and her reckless behaviour endangers her future at the stables. |
| 1 | 4 | Issie looks for Mystic on a remote beach and finds buried treasure, which could be connected to her visions. And secrets are revealed when she and Caleb get trapped together on the beach. |
| 1 | 5 | Issie attends a party at the local marae and humiliates herself by taking her revenge against Natasha too far. Meanwhile, Dan's grandmother may hold the key to Issie's shipwreck vision. |
| 1 | 6 | Issie gets a new vision of Mystic running through the forest along an old railway track and wonders if this might be the clue that will lead her to Blaze's herd. After some encouragement, Issie decides to ride out on Blaze to find the tracks, and Caroline, Caleb, Dan and Natasha join her on the mission. As they journey deeper into the forest, past their favourite swimming hole, the kids make a series of bewildering discoveries and eventually realise they're completely and utterly lost. With one of the gang's future ambitions at stake, they face a race against time to ... |
| 1 | 7 | Issie rides Blaze in the Cross-Country Trials against rivals Dulmoth Park - but is Caroline really fit enough to compete? And who spooked Blaze right before Issie's ride? |
| 1 | 8 | A storm sees the kids staying over at the stables, Natasha takes a chance in her friendship with Dan, Issie discovers the truth about Hexronn and the gang launch a campaign. |
| 1 | 9 | Hexron tries to get Kauri Point's support at the council meeting. Izzie is publicly shamed when her hard past is revealed. Kauri Point relationships are all strained. |
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