Seeking a new diversion. by OuterRimVagrant

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OuterRimVagrant

Seeking a new diversion.
Sunday, November 22, 2009

LEGEND OF THE SEEKER.

This series caught my eye a while back, but I never had the chance to follow until now. From initial promos, I thought it was a mini series, with its high production value. Thankfully, Sci-Fi UK is showing reruns, which is great.

Two weeks ago, I tuned into the fifth and sixth episodes. On Thursday night, the next two were shown in consecutive order. (I love double bills!) With a blend of fight choreography and juicy characterisation, it didn’t take me long to get hooked on the premise.

Legend Of The Seeker is loosely based on ‘The Sword Of Truth’ novels, written by Terry Goodkind. Disney is attached to the franchise, and the same company, who brought us Xena, are responsible for production. Which means, a gorgeous New Zealand shoot and familiar local talent.

Admittedly, that’s why I love it. However, this is no Xena mk II. The tongue in cheek humour is absent, and the stories are played out seriously. Surprisingly, this isn’t kiddie friendly viewing – despite the Disney nametag.

The content is mature in the relationship department. I like the chemistry between the main leads especially; one based on protection. Here’s hoping they treat it with respect! (More details below.)

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid45030600001?bctid=45603602001

The hero, Richard Cypher is a special soul. He’s a seeker - prophesied to defeat Rahl; a nefarious leader, hell bent on procuring an ancient magic.

A hero is incomplete without a trusty sidearm. Xena rocked the chakram, Buffy dusted the vamps of Sunnydale with Mr Pointy, and Indiana Jones whipped the ass of many a Nazi soldier. The seeker’s sword is loaded with ancestry and isn’t always reliable in the face of evil. That’s a nice touch, not really seen often.

I also like the notion of Cypher being green to the whole ‘save the world’ gig. How will he deal with the responsibility of being a hero? When will he really come into his own? He’s a hero in the making, aided by powerful and loyal friends.

In the past, I’ve always preferred sidekicks to the actual hero. Dana Scully (X-Files), Gabrielle (Xena), Abby Sciouto (NCIS), Dr Cameron (House MD), Spike (Buffy), Fred (Angel) Karl C. Agathon and the Chief (Galactica), The Biscuit (Ally McBeal.) The list goes on and on… No matter what tv series, or story driven material, I identify with these guys better.

Cypher’s beautiful yet troubled partner, Kahlan, is also endowed with a special gift. She’s a confessor- whose power lies in touch. The X-Men’s Rogue is a good comparison, if only for the thorny issue of romance.

Finally, we have the all powerful wizard, Zedd. He’s responsible for the Seeker’s wellbeing. Bruce Spence, was the first person I noticed out of the cast. ‘Mad Max 2’ is one of my all time favourite movies, so it’s fun to see him in a classical role.

The villains are deliciously screwed up. They aren’t pantomime, cardboard baddies spiralling into the path of good, like some maniacal end level boss. Ultimately, each comes with genuine human qualities. In particular, the following comes with serious messed up baggage. Layers and layers of it!

Mord’Sith Denna is a sexy, heartless b**** who dishes out torture in the name of Rahl. Imagine Portia de Rossi in a brown cat suit, avec ponytail, and you’re halfway there.

Remnants of Callisto (Xena’s foe) did creep into my head - a young child damaged by evil, albeit in a different way. Luckily, Denna isn’t bat s*** crazy like the latter. Her pain stick is probably worse! The twisted part is how difficult it is to hold, even for its owner.

In terms of characters, Kahlan intrigues me the most. Or, maybe the huge crush on Bridget Regan is responsible. :) Torn by her own feelings towards Cypher, and the curse of her own magical strength, Kahlan is a complex gal. On the battlefield, she isn’t the type to run for cover; entirely capable of taking out the enemy.

With the termination of Dollhouse, (last time I invest time in another F*x production), Legend Of The Seeker is a worthy replacement.

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