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Highlander: The Series
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Highlander: The Series is an English language fantasy/sci-fi television series featuring Duncan MacLeod (Adrian Paul), of the Scottish Clan MacLeod, as the Highlander of the title. An offshoot of the Highlander movies, Highlander: The Series centered on the life of Duncan, who is a clansman to the main character from the movies, Connor MacLeod (Christopher Lambert). Christopher Lambert made a single appearance in the first episode to aid continuity, and his character is mentioned in several episodes throughout the six seasons.
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Encyclopedia
Highlander: The Series is an English language fantasy/sci-fi television series featuring Duncan MacLeod (Adrian Paul), of the Scottish Clan MacLeod, as the Highlander of the title. An offshoot of the Highlander movies, Highlander: The Series centered on the life of Duncan, who is a clansman to the main character from the movies, Connor MacLeod (Christopher Lambert). Christopher Lambert made a single appearance in the first episode to aid continuity, and his character is mentioned in several episodes throughout the six seasons. The series was a Canada/France co-production that was filmed in both countries. The primary Canadian location was Vancouver, British Columbia.
History
The pilot episode established Duncan as a simple man living quietly with his girlfriend Tessa Noël (played by Alexandra Vandernoot). They were co-proprietors of the antique shop MacLeod & Noël Antiques. The pilot introduced Richie Ryan (Stan Kirsch) as a thief who entered Duncan's shop and witnessed the confrontation between Duncan, evil Immortal Slan Quince (Richard Moll) and Duncan's fellow clansman Connor MacLeod, the hero from the movies.
It was established that Duncan had lived nearly 400 years, and that there were many such Immortals in the world. Connor had come to Duncan to ask him to return to The Game and help good win over evil, where "The Game" is the term used by the Immortals to describe their hunting of one another, seeking "Quickenings" by beheading their opponents. Duncan had hidden from other Immortals for some time, removing himself from The Game. Hunted by Quince, Duncan had no choice but face him and by the end of the first episode, Slan had been defeated and Duncan was clearly caught up in The Game again.
Most of the storylines revolved around Duncan MacLeod and his relationship with mortals and other Immortals. These relationships were a common theme in the series, especially Duncan MacLeod's relationship towards his friends, family, lovers and foes.(see Duncan MacLeod's relationships). As the series progressed, there were some changes in concept and normal growth in the characters and their relationships. Several recurring Immortal characters such as Amanda and Methos became frequent guests on the show and the Watchers like Joe Dawson were introduced in season 2.
In the final episode of season 5, "Archangel", the character of Richie Ryan was killed off and the supernatural demon Ahriman was introduced into the storyline. Some of the final episodes of season six did not feature Duncan at all, or showed him in little more than cameos, while the producers experimented with introducing a new female Immortal character for a spin-off series. None of these actresses were chosen, and what came to be Highlander: The Raven would feature recurring character "Amanda" in a starring role, though it would be canceled after one season.
Characters
To view the list of the most important characters of the series, see List of Highlander characters.
Immortals
All Immortals age normally until their first deaths (which are always violent), at which time they "resurrect" for the first time. Afterward, they do not age, and can only be killed by beheading. All Immortals are also sterile. Immortals have normal susceptibility to the things that are fatal to mortal humans, and will "die" from them, only to resurrect shortly thereafter. Immortals sense the presence of nearby Immortals, according to the commentary on the first season boxed set, in a phenomenon that the writers of the series called "The Buzz". This term was, according to the season one, episode one commentary, never actually used in the series.
When an Immortal is beheaded, there is a powerful energy release from their body called the Quickening. This energy is signified by tearing winds and electrical arcs, and is destructive to electrical and mechanical items. This energy is absorbed by the Immortal who actually took the dead Immortal's head. When no Immortal is nearby, as in the case of an immortal's head being removed in an accident, suicide or murder by a mortal, the Quickening dissipates. It is said to contain the power, wisdom, and experience of the beheaded Immortal. In a Quickening, although the basic personality of the victorious Immortal normally remains at the fore, the personality of the beheaded Immortal can be imprinted in their personality.
Immortals are engaged in an ongoing struggle they call The Game. The ultimate goal is to kill all other Immortals until only one remains. This Immortal will then receive The Prize; no one knows what the Prize actually is, though many speculate as to its nature. The Game has two firm rules: that there can be no fighting on holy ground (see Immortal (Highlander)) and that once a battle between two immortals has been joined, no one may interfere. In the episode "Little Tin God" (Season 5, Episode 9), Watcher Joe Dawson hinted that in all recorded Watcher history there was only one case where two immortals fought on holy ground, in Pompei in 79 AD, when Mount Vesuvius erupted.
The Gathering
According to Duncan's introductory voiceover, the series is set during the time of The Gathering. However, as ever more Immortals were introduced as the series continued, the concept of the Gathering started to not fit well with the format of the series and was quietly dropped as a theme.
Watchers and Hunters
The Watchers are a secret society that covertly observes the lives of the Immortals without revealing themselves. Each Immortal is assigned a Watcher, whose sole job is to monitor and record their activities. The Hunters, on the other hand, are an offshoot of the Watchers, with the stated goal of killing all Immortals.
Location
Although Immortals are scattered around the world, the locations in the series are most notably located in Seattle, Washington, Vancouver, British Columbia and Paris, France. Flashbacks during the series often brought the show to a variety of locations, however. The series often switched locations from Seattle/Vancouver to Paris at the midway point of each season, with the exception of season six. While in Paris, Duncan lived on a barge located on the Seine river. In the Pacific Northwest, Duncan first lived in his antiques store and then in an apartment above his martial arts dojo--both in the fictional city of "Seacouver, WA".
Narration
Each episode began with an opening montage of scenes from Duncan's life, over which was a narration giving a brief overview of the series' theme. The first few episodes of the first season were narrated by Duncan himself:
This narration was slightly changed in the show's seventh episode, "Mountain Men" (again by Duncan):
The narration changed again in the second season when Watcher Joe Dawson was introduced (narrative by Joe):
The narration changed again at the beginning of the fourth season and remained until the end of the series' run (narrative by Joe):
Episodes
Home video releases
Reception
Critical reaction to Highlander: The Series has been generally favorable, and more favorable in general than the film sequels to the original Highlander, which have mostly received negative reviews (with the exception of the animated film Highlander: The Search for Vengeance, which has received mostly favorable reviews).
Rob Lineberger of DVD Verdict said, "The direction is sometimes uncertain, but Highlander: The Series gives viewers something unique and inspiring. Each episode gives us a provocative glimpse into the trials and concerns of immortality, great swordfights, stylish flashbacks to bygone eras, and occasionally wicked immortals with awesome quickenings." Lineberger added, "These actors, writers, producers, directors, and crew delivered one of television's great successes, particularly in the fantasy genre. Highlander: The Series took us to places we otherwise could not have gone, and did so with intelligence, style, and wit." Lineberger gave the six seasons scores of 92, 93, 90, 92, 87, and 70 out of 100, respectively.
Abbie Bernstein of Audio Video Revolution said, "Although it would be another two years until the series fully hit its stride, it was already [in the first season] offering something out of the ordinary narratively; in terms of production value, it remains one of the best-looking quasi-period shows ever to come down the pike, holding its own and then some against much better-funded product from the major studios." David Oliver of CHUD said that "whereas the sequels ultimately strayed from the mythology of the original [film] in the pursuit of more storytelling (translation: more money), the series built upon the mythology."
Carlo Cavagna of About Film criticized the series, saying that it was comprised of "pedestrian one-hour confrontations pitting Duncan MacLeod against one overacting nefarious immortal after another, each a pale imitation of Clancy Brown's delicious overarching villainy in the first film," and felt that the series featured "a wide array of unappealing supporting characters" and that "the writers didn't know what to do with the Highlander concept." Similarly, Danél Griffin of Film as Art remarked that "the six-season Highlander: The Series has a loyal following, but let’s be honest: Adrian Paul, the lead, is not an interesting actor, and there’s not one moment in the show—not one—that comes close to matching the wit or liveliness of the first film."
Critics have pointed to the middle seasons of the show as its best. Lineberger remarked, "There was a dramatic boost in quality from season one to season two. Season two had better writing and quality control, [and] season three is better than season two." Bernstein claimed that "during season five, [the show] was at the peak of its creative glory." Kathie Huddleston of SCI FI said that "season four was arguably the best season of the series, as the show said goodbye to characters from the previous season and delved into what made the regulars and the most notable recurring characters tick."
Critics have also singled out the sixth and final season as the worst of the series. Lineberger remarked, "I haven't attempted to hide my disappointment with this season. For the first time ever in my life as a Highlander enthusiast, I found myself utterly uncaptivated." Oliver awarded the sixth season a score of 3.9 out of 10, saying: "Like The X-Files, Highlander: The Series simply went on too long. If the star is wanting to get out of a show as much as Paul was ready to hang up his katana, then I say let it go."
Spin-Offs
Films
The series continued in Highlander: Endgame (2000) and Highlander: The Source (2007). The films feature Adrian Paul as Duncan MacLeod, Peter Wingfield as Methos and Jim Byrnes as Joe Dawson.
Highlander: The Raven
Plans for a spin-off series led to a group of sixth-season episodes focusing on five new female Immortals (called Fimmies by fandom) in the original Highlander series. The candidates were introduced; such as Alex Raven (played by Dara Tomanovich), Katherine (played by Claudia Christian), Kyra (played by Alice Evans), Katya (played by Justina Vail), and Reagan Cole (played by Sandra Hess). None of the new characters introduced in the spin-off episodes proved satisfactory, however, and the spin-off went to Elizabeth Gracen as the popular character Amanda. The spin-off only lasted one season.
The Methos Chronicles
The 2001 The Methos Chronicles was an animated Internet Flash-series based on Methos, a character drawn from the television series. Peter Wingfield was the voice actor for the main character of the short series, which lasted only one eight-episode season. There was some plan to develop a live-action series in the early 2000s, and Peter Wingfield was willing to participate. However, since then there hasn't been any significant news.
Reunion
In 2008, a reunion special was filmed starring Peter Wingfield, Elizabeth Gracen, and Jim Byrnes reprising their roles. The 17 minute special was a low budget project that takes place 10 years after the series (or between the fourth and fifth movies). Filming took place at Wingfield's beach home with the actors volunteering in their roles. The plot involved the characters discussing Methos' plans to get married and settle down with a mortal woman and her son.
Books and Comics
Books
- Highlander: The Element of Fire, by Jason Henderson — The chronicles of Duncan's training days with Connor MacLeod; the friendship between the two Highlanders through the centuries. A bloodthirsty and immortal pirate Khordas vows to kill the Highlander, making up for a fearsome enemy that haunts them for hundreds of years.
- Highlander: Scimitar, by Ashley McConnell - When Joe Dawson receives an ancient sword, it triggers Duncan's remembrance of his involvement in the Arab Revolt in 1916.
- Highlander: Scotland the Brave, by Jennifer Roberson - Annie Devlin returns to draw Duncan into a new quest to win independence for Ireland. He is reluctant, given his history with failed attempts to free his homeland, including his culpability in the fate of the Stone of Scone.
- Highlander: Measure of a Man by Nancy Holder - In Venice, Italy 1655, Duncan meets legendary manipulator - and, apparently, Immortal - Niccolò Machiavelli. Duncan only narrowly escaped Machiavelli's machinations once; he may not be so lucky when the Prince of Lies resurfaces in 20th century North America.
- Highlander: The Path by Rebecca Neason - In 1781 Duncan meets a different kind of Immortal - the Dalai Lama. Soon the Highlander embarks on the path to enlightenment and peace. But that peace may be short-lived when the Immortal Nasiradeen invades Tibet.
- Highlander: Zealot by Donna Lettow - Duncan MacLeod was there when Avram Mordecai fought the enemies of his Jewish people in World War II, as he has for two thousand years. Now he finds himself trapped between his honor and his loyalties when he protects a Palestinian diplomat from his old friend.
- Highlander: Shadow of Obsession by Rebecca Neason - Once Darius was a man of war, laying siege to Rome. Centuries later, as a man of God, Darius touched the life of Duncan MacLeod. Now a spurned lover from Darius' warrior days returns for revenge against all he called friend.
- Highlander: The Captive Soul by Josepha Sherman - Three millennia past, Methos aided the Ancient Egyptian pharaohs when the Hyksos invaded. He reluctantly becomes a spy inside the Hyksos royal house, when he meets the Immortal - and thoroughly insane - Prince Khyan. Methos misses his chance to take the madman's head, a mistake that returns to haunt him as the Oldest Immortal in New York when Khyan returns to find his sword, killing all in his path.
- Highlander: White Silence by Ginjer Buchanan - MacLeod, Hugh Fitzcairn and his young apprentice get trapped in the frozen Yukon. There they face their deaths... over and over and over again.
- Highlander: An Evening at Joe's - An anthology written by the cast and crew of Highlander: The Series.
Comics
In October 2006, a Highlander comic book series started, based on the Highlander movies and TV series and published by Dynamite Entertainment. Following the TV series' continuity, the first comic arc, written by Brandon Jerwa and Michael Avon Oeming, follows Connor MacLeod after defeating The Kurgan. Duncan Macleod is slowly introduced in a one-off issue teaming him with Connor Macleod, while the second arc Dark Quickening pairs the two immortals together. The last arc of the comic is set after Highlander: Endgame and features Duncan Macleod as the main character, with a ghostly Connor advising him. Methos, Joe, Amanda and Ceirdwyn also feature.
After that series ended Dynamite released a shorter mini-series, Highlander: Way of the Sword, which dealt with events before the first film.
See also
External links
- Parisian and Scottish locations at:
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