Electric Idol

Psyche has devised a plan to thwart Aphrodite, though she is intentionally concealing it from Eros. His recent confession that he cares for her gives her some hope that their relationship is becoming a real marriage. Persephone calls, eager to know why Hades and Demeter are discussing sensitive matters. Psyche explains the plot against her and relates her hope that Hades and Poseidon can convince Zeus to act. Persephone is skeptical.

Turning to Eros, Psyche insists despite his protestations that he is capable of true feelings for others, even love. She tells him that his sibling-like love for Helen is proof of it. Psyche tells him that even if their marriage does not become a romance, Eros should trust in his capacity to feel genuine emotions.

Demeter interrupts, telling Psyche over the phone that Poseidon will not intervene on her behalf. Eros resigns himself to murdering his mother. Psyche desperately tells him that she loves him. Eros is relieved to hear this in spite of his feelings of inferiority, and he tells her, “You’ve said it, you can’t take it back” (339). Eros prepares to go, telling Psyche to stay in his safe room. Psyche lies to him and agrees.

After he leaves, Psyche begins her own preparations by calling Helen. She asks for Aphrodite’s number, claiming that this is the only way to stop Eros from murdering his own mother. Helen reluctantly agrees. Psyche then calls Aphrodite, pretending that she no longer trusts Eros to keep her safe and asking Aphrodite to meet and help her arrange a safe life in exile. Aphrodite gleefully agrees to meet Psyche at the university gardens.

Eros arrives at his mother’s home. He remembers his childhood, realizing that his mother has always manipulated him for her own ends and has never shown him real parental love. He searches his mother’s safe for a sedative and a weapon and then realizes that one of her guns is missing. Helen calls, hysterically telling him that there are news reports of Psyche and Aphrodite meeting at the university. Helen now realizes why Psyche asked her for Aphrodite’s contact information.

Eros runs to the university, desperate to stop the coming disaster. He finds Aphrodite holding the missing gun and aiming it at Psyche. Aphrodite coolly explains that Eros will take all the blame for the murder. Eros realizes that the only prints on the gun are his and that Aphrodite is wearing old clothes that resemble his. Aphrodite berates Eros for thwarting her and tells Psyche that she must now pay for Demeter’s ambitions. Once Aphrodite declares this, Psyche is no longer panicked. She tells Aphrodite that their standoff is over and shows Eros her hidden cell phone, which has broadcast the entire encounter. Eros’s relief at what Psyche has just done to save them gives way to panic when his mother turns to strike again. Before he can reach his mother, Psyche wrestles the gun away.

A security team arrives to take Psyche and Eros to Dodona Tower. Zeus is furious with them both. He indicates that he would typically exile them but that circumstances have forced him to take another path. Psyche assumes that he means the video, but he sends in Callisto, who is wearing an engagement ring. Psyche begins to argue, but her sister stops her. Psyche accepts that this is what Callisto meant when she mentioned taking her safety into her own hands. Resigned, Psyche congratulates Zeus, who insists that she and Eros remain married for at least another month while he manages the scandal around Aphrodite.

Zeus dismisses them, and Psyche lets Eros lead her out. Psyche is afraid that Eros will end their marriage after Zeus’s probation period elapses. Psyche nearly collapses when they enter the penthouse, and Eros reassures her that this is a stress reaction. Psyche apologizes for lying to him. Eros is full of admiration when Psyche explains that part of her fear was staged, as she needed Aphrodite to be so confident in her victory that she would confess. They briefly discuss Callisto’s upcoming marriage.

Eros shocks Psyche by offering her a divorce. Psyche interrupts, asking him if he was telling his mother the truth when he said he loves her. He says he was but adds, “[T]hat’s not enough of a reason to keep you chained to me” (360). Psyche assures him that he is the partner she wants. She says, “You don’t have to let me go at all” (361). They have passionate sex and reaffirm their commitment to their future.

Eros nervously prepares for his first formal dinner with the Dimitriou family. Political tumult has delayed the family gathering; Eros’s mother has been ousted from her position, and Eris Kasios is the new Aphrodite, while Ares is likely dying, signaling another change to the power structure. Eros surveys his home, thrilled by Psyche’s recent decoration changes and her willingness to embrace their new life.

Eros struggles to conceal his nervousness when they arrive at Demeter’s. Psyche assures him that her mother has accepted their relationship. Eros is eager to prove to Psyche that she can have their happy marriage without losing her family connections. Psyche leads Eros to the upstairs hallway, showing him that Demeter has added new photos since their last visit. Hades and Persephone’s wedding photo is next to one of Psyche and Eros. Eros is overcome by the gesture.

Psyche and Eros join the others in the kitchen. Eros is overwhelmed by the bustle and tumult as the women bicker with one another. He realizes aloud that this type of scene is what a family should be. Hades smiles at him. Before he can leave to do the dishes, Psyche takes him aside to ensure that he is still comfortable. He assures her that he is. She teases him about showing him her lingerie later. Eros is overwhelmingly grateful for his new life.