I really enjoyed the character of Demanitus in general, and the unique perspective he brought to various conversations throughout the episode. A quick search revealed that it was Dalton, and being that he’s one of my favorite actors, this was a nice little surprise. Demanitus’ voice instantly sounded like Timothy Dalton, but despite his involvement in a couple of Disney projects (T oy Story 3 and the Tinkerbell franchise), I thought for sure it couldn’t be him. Despite my initial annoyance at yet another adventure with Canardist and Vigor, Demanitus ended up being my favorite part of the episode and one of the series’ best minor characters. I also liked Demanitus’ various booby traps and tricks within the maze. Demanitus’ telling of their creation in “Lost and Found” is beautiful and intriguing, and supplemented by unique visuals and haunting music. One thing I’ve been enjoying this season has been the exploration of the Sundrop and Moonstone’s ancient origins. There’s definitely a bit of silliness to “Lost and Found,” particularly when Demanitus reveals himself, but I think there’s a lot of good present. I was less than pleased to see Carol Kane’s (who I normally like) Madame Canardist and Vigor return to the fray yet again, but it would be an understatement to say I’m happy with what they manage to do here. I was initially afraid that “Lost and Found” would be a side-quest type episode, but thankfully, that couldn’t have been further from the truth. Later that night, Rapunzel regales their friends with stories of their trip while Eugene opens the gem to find a message: “At the end of Rapunzel’s journey, one of her friends shall turn against her.” They return Vigor to Madame Canardist, who gives Eugene the gem from Vigor’s turban, saying that it was meant as a gift for him. Rapunzel’s hair and its power manage to defeat the creature, and they’re free. Just as the creature breaks through the wall, Demanitus reverts to Vigor, his knowledge and wisdom gone forever. The three make it into a building, and Demanitus instructs Eugene to find the faith he already has, which proves to be faith in Rapunzel. The map is restored, but before any celebrating can commence, a giant stone creature attacks the group because of Eugene’s lack of faith. He picks the lock with one of Rapunzel’s bobby pins and warily crosses the bridge back to safety. Demanitus tosses the key to Eugene, but he doesn’t catch it. They arrive at a crystal bridge that leads to a lockbox containing the final map piece. Rapunzel puts one coin in and gives Demanitus one to put in, but Eugene sneakily dodges giving his share. The next step along the path is a fountain that requires one coin per person to pass. She solves a riddle on the wall, and they escape. The group is set upon by ivory spiders, which Rapunzel says are venomous. He describes an ancient occurrence that split a heavenly power in two, creating the Sundrop and the Moonstone. Demanitus says that he took over Vigor’s body to remain alive and hide from Zhan Tiri. Naturally, Eugene doesn’t accept this, saying that Demanitus lived 1000 years ago. Vigor begins speaking and claims to be Demanitus himself.
They come upon the Path of Demanitus, the engineer whose invention stopped the blizzard at the end of season one. In exchange for five silver pieces, Vigor serves as their guide. Vigor’s reading determines that, for Eugene and Rapunzel, “The path awaits, where the final quarter lies after many dire straits.” Rapunzel believes this to be in reference to the fourth piece of the scroll. The fortune-teller informs Rapunzel and Eugene that Vigor has an important message for them. Just as he leans in for a kiss, the moment is interrupted by the arrival of Madame Canardist and Vigor.
However, Rapunzel thinks that, since they don’t know when he was born, they may as well celebrate his birthday today. Rapunzel gives him a birthday cupcake, prompting him to state that he doesn’t have a birthday. “Lost and Found” begins with Eugene trying to piece together the map to the Dark Kingdom.