Summary

The Watchers kidnap Joe and put him on trial for his life because of his interference in the Game. Watchers are dying, and they think the friendship of Joe and MacLeod is responsible. MacLeod goes to rescue him, but the only way he can help is to put his own head on the line with Joe's. During the trial, Methos makes an impassioned plea for both his friends by describing a Methos Watcher who became friends with the ancient immortal but had to hide it from the Watchers, causing much information to be lost. Despite the testimonies of MacLeod and Methos, the jury finds Joe guilty. MacLeod escapes, but Joe is determined to go through with the sentence. At his execution, an unknown gunman opens fire on all who attend, and MacLeod arrives to find Joe seemingly dead.

Quotes

Methos: "I spent years losing my conscience only for him to find it again."

Methos: "I found that in an Italian library misfiled as a fairy tale. It's the private journal of a Watcher. A Methos Watcher."
Watcher: "Watchers don't keep journals."
Methos: "Well this one had to. You see, he found out a great deal about his subject, and the more he discovered, the more he came to like him ... to admire him."
Watcher: "I know there's a point somewhere here, son."
Methos: "They were friends. But because of our rules, he couldn't put that in his report. Think about it -- the man knew Methos. What stories they must have shared. What histories we might now know if we didn't force men like him and Joe Dawson to hide what they have learned. And how many others? How much more knowledge has been lost to us? I say let friendship thrive. Let him record all he has learned. Learn."