Highlander: The Series

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Highlander
Format Action-Drama-Sci-Fi
Created by Davis-Panzer Productions
Starring Adrian Paul
Alexandra Vandernoot
Stan Kirsch
Amanda Wyss
Jim Byrnes
Philip Akin
Michel Modo
Lisa Howard
Elizabeth Gracen
Peter Wingfield
Theme music composer Queen
Opening theme "Princes of the Universe"
No. of seasons 6
No. of episodes 119 (Episodes list)
Production
Running time 48 minutes per episode
Broadcast
Original channel Syndicated / TF1, later Métropole 6
Original run October 3, 1992 – May 16, 1998

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.

Contents


[edit] 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.

Methos, Amanda and Duncan MacLeod.

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. Of the 13 episodes of season six, two did not feature Duncan at all, while a few of them 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.

[edit] Characters

To view the list of the most important characters of the series, see List of Highlander characters.

[edit] 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, a phenomenon that the writers of the series called[citation needed] "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[citation needed] 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.[citation needed]

Immortals are engaged in an ongoing struggle they call The Game. The ultimate goal is to kill all other Immortals until only one remains, a concept referenced in the films, series title sequence, and by the show's characters themselves using the phrase, "there can be only one." 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. This was in Pompei in 79 AD, when Mount Vesuvius erupted.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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".

[edit] 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:

“ 'I am Duncan MacLeod, born four hundred years ago in the Highlands of Scotland. I am Immortal and I am not alone. For centuries we have waited for the time of the Gathering, when the stroke of a sword and the fall of a head will release the power of the Quickening. In the end, there can be only one.' ”

This narration was slightly changed in the show's seventh episode, "Mountain Men" (again by Duncan):

“ 'I was born four hundred years ago in the Highlands of Scotland. I am immortal and I am not alone. Now is the time of the Gathering, when the stroke of a sword will release the power of the Quickening. In the end, there can be only one.' ”

The narration changed again in the second season when Watcher Joe Dawson was introduced (narrative by Joe):

“ 'He is immortal, born in the Highlands of Scotland four hundred years ago. He is not alone. There are others like him, some good, some evil. For centuries he has battled the forces of Darkness, with Holy Ground his only refuge. He cannot die, unless you take his head and with it, his power. In the end there can be only one. He is Duncan MacLeod, the Highlander.' ”

The narration changed again at the beginning of the fourth season and remained until the end of the series' run (narrative by Joe):

“ 'He is Duncan MacLeod, the Highlander. Born in 1592 in the Highlands of Scotland and he is still alive. He is immortal. For four hundred years he's been a warrior... a lover... a wanderer; Constantly facing other Immortals in combat to the death. The winner takes his enemy's head and with it, his power. I am a Watcher, part of a secret society of men and women who observe and record, but never interfere. We know the truth about Immortals. In the end there can be only one. May it be Duncan MacLeod, the Highlander.' ”

[edit] Episodes

Main article: List of Highlander episodes

[edit] Home video releases

Main article: Highlander: The Series video releases

[edit] Production history

Highlander: The Series originated in Europe.[1] Christopher Lambert, who starred in the first two Highlander movies, had previously worked with French leading entertainment conglomerate Gaumont's president Christian Charret. Lambert knew that Highlander producers Peter Davis and Bill Panzer wanted to make a Highlander series and connected them with Charret.[2] Gaumont bought the rights to the series.[1] Highlander was one of the first project developed by Gaumont's television branch opened in 1992 and one of its financial backers was the French bank Credit du Nord.[3]

At the beginning of 1992, European producers were trying to broaden their television markets by improving product quality and producing more shows in English for the American market, which was virtually closed for them at the time. While the American programers argued that European shows were slow-paced and audio-dubbed, the Europeans felt that the Americans did not want to look at shows that were new or different from what they were used to.[4] To solve this problem, Gaumont decided to produce Highlander in America with a local crew.[1] This was a ground-breaking move at the time and Highlander was used as example by other European producers looking for American markets.[1]

An estimated 75% of the budget was secured by sales outside of America.[5] Syndicators sold first-run and repeat rights directly to the stations and production deficits would be compensated by international sales.[6] This was possible because the international demand for American one hour action shows was still strong.[6] A better economic situation and new channels in the UK and continental Europe increased demand for America-produced shows because America was experienced and proficient at producing commercially oriented programs.[5] Action series were more expensive to produce, but precisely this increased investment would guarantee increased international income.[6] In the case of Highlander, Rysher president Keith Samples deemed overseas money "critical" and added, "without it there would not be a Highlander."[5]

In Jaunary 1992, Gaumont concluded a partnership with Rysher[7] to distribute the broadcasting rights in the United States.[8] At the 29th conference of the National Association of Television Program Executives in late January 1992,[9] Samples advertised Highlander as a French-American co-production,[4] a one hour action-adventure series based on the theatricals of the same name,[7] starring Christopher Lambert.[10] Electronic Media described Highlander as an "interesting effort"[4] that would be looked at for prime-time schedules.[9] Highlander was sold directly in syndication to local channels, including KIAH (Houston, Texas),[11] WUAB, (Cleveland, Ohio),[12] and WLVI (Cambridge, Massachusetts).[13] At that time, there were also hopes that Sean Connery would provide voice-overs to the series.[11] PR Newswire noted this was "the first time that an action-adventure series originated by a European production company has managed to clear the U.S. first-run syndication marketplace."[14]

Other companies to join the Gaumont-Rysher partnership were Silvio Berlusconi Communications (from Italy)[14] and Amuse Video (from Japan).[15] By August 3, 1992, Highlander had been sold to 115 markets (or 93% of the USA) for a September 28, 1992 debut, including 9pm prime time on WWOR-TV (New York) and 7pm access prime time on WPWR-TV (Chicago).[16]

The production of the series started on July 13, 1992 in Vancouver, British Columbia.[17]

The pilot episode was originally intened to be a third Highlander Movie (To act as a TV movie),But the low budget and Lambert agreeing to reprise his role as Conner Macleod late into production casused the pilot to be written as a 1 hour pilot.

Alistar Duncan was the original choice to play the lead Before Adrian Paul was cast. Duncan later appeared as Immortal Terence Coventry in the fifth season.

[edit] 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."[18] 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."[19] Lineberger gave the six seasons scores of 92[18], 93[20], 90[21], 92[22], 87[23], and 70[19] 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."[24] 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."[25]

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."[26] 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."[27]

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."[21] Bernstein claimed that "during season five, [the show] was at the peak of its creative glory."[28] 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."[29]

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."[19] 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."[25]

[edit] Spin-Offs

[edit] 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.

[edit] Highlander: The Raven

Main article: 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 seasonDue to low rating and the change in the marketing of syndicated shows.

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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.

[edit] Audio Plays

In 2009 Big Finish released a series of four audio adventures featuring Adrian Paul as Duncan MacLeod.

  • The Lesson
  • Love and Hate
  • The Secret of the Sword
  • Kurgan Rising

[edit] Books and Comics

[edit] Books

[edit] 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.

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d Brennan, Steve (23 April 1992). "Euro players eye 'Highlander'". Hollywood Reporter (BPI Communications L.P.): p. 10. ISSN 0018-3660. 
  2. ^ Head of Production Denis Leroy, in Russell, Maureen (1998). Highlander: The Complete Watcher's Guide. New York: Warner Books. p. 1. ISBN 0-446-67435-4. OCLC 38898097. 
  3. ^ "In Transit". Hollywood Reporter (BPI Communications L.P.): p. 12. 1 May 1992. ISSN 0018-3660. 
  4. ^ a b c "Give European TV a break". Electronic Media (Crain Communications Inc.). 27 January 1992. ISSN 0745-0311. 
  5. ^ a b c Brennan, Steve (5 June 1992). "Syndie's new century: half of sales from overseas: Revenues will hit $13 billion, study says - Almost 50% of all revenues for US TV syndication sector to be mined from foreign mkts by 2000". Hollywood Reporter (BPI Communications L.P.): p. 1. ISSN 0018-3660. 
  6. ^ a b c Tyrer, Thomas (16 March 1992). "Action getting reaction Global deals fuel hour-series comeback". Electronic Media (Crain Communications Inc.). ISSN 0745-0311. 
  7. ^ a b Freeman, Mike (3 February 1992). "Smaller Companies Find Room to Deal at NATPE. (National Association of Television Program Executives)". Broadcasting & Cable (Broadcasting Publications): p. 21. ISSN 1068-6827. 
  8. ^ "Warner selling HBO series". Electronic Media (Crain Communications Inc.). 13 January 1992. ISSN 0745-0311. 
  9. ^ a b Tyrer, Thomas (20 January 1992). "NATPE '92: Year of the picky buyer". Electronic Media (Crain Communications Inc.). ISSN 0745-0311. 
  10. ^ Johnson, Peter; Donlon, Brian; Graham, Jefferson (22 January 1992). "Producers hope future holds more sci-fi shows". USA Today: p. O3D. ISSN 0734-7456. 
  11. ^ a b McDaniel, Mike (31 January 1992). "Fall TV fare/Channels scoop up syndicated shows". Houston Chronicle: p. 1. ISSN 1074-7109. 
  12. ^ "Syndicated show-swapping flickers into action". The Plain Dealer. 3 February 1992. 
  13. ^ Kimmel, Daniel M. (10 April 1992). "Marinaro's role is step in his career". Worcester Telegram & Gazette: p. C7. ISSN 1050-4184. 
  14. ^ a b "Kushner-Locke and Rysher Entertainment reveals [sic] plans to combine". PR Newswire. 26 May 1992. 
  15. ^ Levy, Hal (14 July 1992). "Reel Deals". Hollywood Reporter (BPI Communications L.P.): p. I-4. ISSN 0018-3660. 
  16. ^ Freeman, Mike (3 August 1992). "Rysher: On the Grow in the Slow-Go '90's. (Rysher Entertainment)". Broadcasting & Cable (Broadcasting Publications): p. 17. ISSN 1068-6827. 
  17. ^ "Paramount signs talent". Electronic Media (Crain Communications Inc.). 13 July 1992. ISSN 0745-0311. 
  18. ^ a b Highlander: The Series, Season One review, Rob Lineberger, DVD Verdict, December 17th, 2002
  19. ^ a b c Highlander: The Series, Season Six review, Rob Lineberger, DVD Verdict, February 16th, 2005
  20. ^ Highlander: The Series, Season Two review, Rob Lineberger, DVD Verdict, March 18th, 2004
  21. ^ a b Highlander: The Series, Season Three review, Rob Lineberger, DVD Verdict, March 29th, 2004
  22. ^ Highlander: The Series, Season Four, Rob Lineberger, DVD Verdict, June 8th, 2004
  23. ^ Highlander: The Series, Season Five review, Rob Lineberger, DVD Verdict, September 22nd, 2004
  24. ^ Highlander: The Series, Season One review, Abbie Bernstein, Audio Video Revolution, November 12, 2002
  25. ^ a b Highlander: The Series, Season Six review, David Oliver, CHUD, 02/10/2005
  26. ^ Highlander: Endgame Review, Carlo Cavagna, About Film, October 2000
  27. ^ Highlander: The Source Review, Danél Griffin, Film as Art
  28. ^ Highlander: The Series, Season Five review, Abbie Bernstein, Audio Video Revolution, August 10, 2004
  29. ^ Highlander: The Series, Season Four review, Kathie Huddleston, SCI FI, August 23, 2004

[edit] External links

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