A few days ago, I finally got around to watching the first two episodes, screened back to back, of Legend of the Seeker, the new TV series based off of Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth series. Now, I've finally found the time to write about it. So, without any further procrastination, I present to you my opinion on Legend of the Seeker.

Characters

Let's start with how I feel the five central characters were portrayed. I'm amused that of the main bunch, only one actor is American. The rest are Australian or New Zealand actors. In fact, the vast majority of the Westland seemed to be made up of Australians and New Zealanders. Something I feel is unusual for an American produced television series.

The actors portraying the two mains, Richard and Kahlan, are relative unknowns I feel. They've had small roles in the past, but nothing I've ever seen. Kahlan's actor was perfect for the role. Looks pretty much how I imagined she would and fits the role nicely. Richard's actor, on the other hand, isn't quite how I imagined Richard to look, but he definitely pulls off the character.

No complaints for Jay Laga'aia, who people may recognize from Star Wars and Xena, playing Chase. Haldir of Lorien, err, I mean Craig Parker, did a good job as Darken Rahl as well. I look forward to seeing more of him in future episodes of the series.

Zedd, on the other hand, didn't quite convince me. Bruce Spence looks the part, definitely. I didn't feel he quite captured the character though. He did well, sure, but I'm hoping he'll do better in future episodes.

Locations

As Lord of the Rings proved, if you're going to film a fantasy epic, go to New Zealand. The locations worked. No complaints. Well, except saying that the small screen doesn't really do some of the shots justice.

Special Effects and Action Sequences

Hmmm... I feel the computer effects were a bit hit and miss, to be honest. On one hand, you've got the barrier, which looked impressive, and some decent looking use of slow motion. Bullet time, or perhaps arrow time, I guess you could call it. Then you have the Gaar, and Zedd using magic. Both of which looked very obviously computer generated. Not that I mind this, it's just that compared to the likes of Heroes, for example, it does stand out.

The action scenes, on the other hand, were done well. Exciting, well shot. What more can you say, really? The final action scene was easily the stand out.

Book Vs. Show

The big one. Well, it's no contest, really. The book was always going to win. I knew that going into this series, and I wasn't expecting otherwise. I'm more going to go into how accurate the show was in it's interpretation.

There are differences. Obvious differences. I won't go into them here, however, as some are technically spoilers. If you have read the books though, you should know what they are. Some of the differences, I suppose, were necessary in the translation from book to TV show. Some I'm still not sure why they've done, but I'm sure I'll find out. So, while I do want to see the most accurate interpretation possible, I've no complaints about what they have done different so far.

The characters are portrayed accurately. And that final scene I mentioned earlier... that was so Richard!

Overall

I liked it. It was enjoyable, and that's what's important. I can also see definite potential. I'll definitely be watching this week by week, and implore you all to do the same, no matter if you've read the books or not. In fact, if you haven't read the books, do so!

My only worry is, if the series is succesful and they do more seasons, will they follow it through to the end? It's an 11 book series, and assuming a book per season, that's a lot of seasons. Very few shows last that long.

I'm interested to hear the thoughts of anyone else who saw this as well. Remember though, careful what you post if you have read the books. Things you mightn't think of as spoilers will be to those who are only getting into the Sword of Truth through this series.

Tags: Legend Seeker Sword Truth Rahl Television Blah

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