Ruby T., a writer from Chicago and a science-fiction/fantasy aficionado (all right, a geek), is Guest Clacking for us again today with thoughts on the second season premiere of Legend of the Seeker.
As I watched the opening scenes of “Marked,” the first episode of Legend of the Seeker’s sophomore season, I was a bit anxious. The people were celebrating Richard’s defeat of the tyrant Darken Rahl with a victory feast, complete with children singing in the Seeker’s honor. Just as I was wondering whether the show would have enough conflict, danger, swordplay, fill-in-the-blank, now that the Seeker had fulfilled the prophecy and killed the main baddie, a creature from the Underworld interrupts the feast, sends the people scrambling, and gives Richard an opportunity to wield the Sword of Truth once more. (He looked as relieved as I was not to have to listen to any more singing.) Well, that didn’t last long, I thought.
Legend of the Seeker had such a solid first season because it offered everything you’d expect from a fantasy adventure series — epic New Zealand scenery, action, romance, a beautiful heroine, a funny wizard, a noble hero, and a mustachioed villain. The best episodes were the ones that that drew a bit more from the Terry Goodkind novel Wizard’s First Rule and that featured the evil, svelte, soft-spoken Darken Rahl (played by Craig Parker, a.k.a. Haldir the redshirt Elf from Peter Jackson’s The Two Towers). The Mord’Sith were also Season 1 fan favorites, adding a dash of excitement whenever they show up in their red-leather dominatrix gear and beat the crap out of someone. “Marked” has me looking forward to Season 2 for a few reasons.
First, Darken Rahl is still around, albeit in the Underworld. The new major story arc for this season seems to be that there is a crack in the earth (created when Richard used the Boxes of Orden to defeat Rahl), and the Keeper of the Underworld plans to escape through the crack with his creepy minions and kill every living thing. Thanks to a bunch of exposition from Zedd and Kahlan (still a weakness of the show), we learn that Richard can seal the crack using the Stone of Tears. Now, if Darken Rahl was not still around to taunt Richard, I don’t know whether this would be a compelling storyline. A great villain is essential for a show like this, and the disembodied voice of the Keeper is not enough. So, hurray for Darken Rahl!
Second, the Mord’Sith Cara has joined the Seeker’s company, providing some badness to offset Richard, Kahlan, and Zedd’s squeaky goodness. In particular, she offers a contrast and conflict for Kahlan, who sees Cara not only as a threat but also as a potential rival for Richard’s affections. Cara adds beauty, wry humor, and danger to the mix, so fans should be pleased, as they will be getting a weekly dose of Mord’Sith awesomeness.
Third, the writers have piled on challenges for the Seeker to overcome. Richard was prophesied to defeat Darken Rahl, so we knew he would. It was just a question of when and what it would cost him. I was surprised that it happened so soon; the story could have been drawn out for a couple of seasons. Instead, the show changed direction (which is great). Richard now has been prophesied to fail. Also, this season Richard, as Darken Rahl’s long lost brother, is the new Lord Rahl. Even though he turns down the title, it surely will present some interesting conflict for him.
I plan to read Stone of Tears because I know the writers will change enough of the story that I still will be surprised by how things work out. Are you amazed at how many liberties have been taken with Goodkind’s story? Sometimes, I’m glad because it keeps the show fresh; sometimes I’m disappointed because I think it would be more daring to stick to the story (for example, letting Richard accept the title of Lord Rahl instead of turning it down presumably to preserve the adventure-of-the-week formula).
“Marked” had a lot going on — I would call it scattered — but it promises some good stuff for season 2. What did you think of the episode and where Legend of the Seeker is headed?
Clacked by Guest Clacker
on Nov 08, 2009 @ 10:30 EST5EDT
Loved it. I was also a little worried about whether the show would work after the defeat of Rahl, but the set-up was really interesting for the season to come, so I have faith once more.
some of the liberties they’ve taken completely change the story in the books. Darken Rahl as his brother? Panis Rahl as a good guy? Cara as a lesbian?
altho the ep was good, i’m really disappointed in everything they changed. i’ll add more to this later.
Cara offered to sleep with Richard in last season’s finale, so I doubt she’s very discriminating when it comes to gender.
Change is good. If you want to follow the books stories exactly then read the books.
My only problem is that I hope every season doesn’t have the Seeker looking for some amazing mythical box or stone.
However this is the best looking fantasy show in many many years, the locations are beautiful.
Just curious- what’d you guys think of Richard’s new hair/beard? (I LOVE.)
It was distracting. It reminds me of mine, never fully grown in. lol
its a good thing i didnt see the series. perhaps i would have liked it if i wasnt a fan of the books.
I didn’t read Wizard’s First Rule until after I saw Season 1, so for that reason I wasn’t too bothered by the changes, although some of them seem unnecessary (like making Panis Rahl a not-so-bad guy).
Richard had a beard? I thought his face was just dirty. LOL
Same here. The series actually introduced me to the books and for that I”m grateful, so I don’t get too nitpicky when things are changed and instead I view them separately. I’m only on Phantom right now, right near the end of the entire series.
Same here. The series actually introduced me to the books and for that I’m grateful, so I don’t get too nitpicky when things are changed and instead I view them separately. I’m only on Phantom right now, right near the end of the entire series.
(Sorry for the double post! Accident!)