I really hoped Legend of the Seeker would be nothing like Hercules or Xena! As these series have the same director. Just that comparison makes me sick as I am a fan of (some) of the books this is based on. The acting in Xena and Hercules was terrible, the script pretty bad, historically nonsense and it never was really serious. Face it, it was perfect after a long night of drink and you are lying on your couch with a hangover (just like the shows of Bob Ross!). But i would like something i enjoyed as much as Wizards first rule to be made seriously. Good actors, serious acting, historically believable (do not use Hercules/Xena like clothing or the fake looking weapons) and please, please do not make it for children.
Alas, after seeing the first episode my fears were proved to be well founded. It is indeed (clothing and surroundings) like Xena and Hercules. The director just repeated the old trick again. Also i found it to be directed at a much younger audience than the books. On top of that, the guy playing Richard is just a boy with no charisma at all. Would you follow that man into death and beyond? Would you believe that man can inspire thousands (the Richard in the books could)? No i would ask if he needs his diaper changed. A great disappointment. The other actors that I have seen are all a great disappointment as well. All except Kahlan (played by Bridget Regan) and Zed (finally a good cast) and to a lesser degree Darken Rakl (played by Craig Parker). But it must be noted that my expectations were high. And i have a serious dislike for series with bad acting. But in defense of Legend of the Seeker: it is very hard to make a fantasy series without turning it into a children show. The series Merlin succeeded, its successor Merlin's apprentice did not.
So, this series is NOT for the hardcore fans of the books. I think the target audience is the 13-18 segment. Just like so many famous fantasy novels (except Lord of the Rings) this is not done with the love of the books in mind. Nor is it taken seriously. I think this series can best be described as a mix between Hercules and the second Merlin series (Merlin's apprentice). So it can entertain you if you do not take it seriously and do not expect it to be of great quality and have any high expectations.
Update: Because i am a fan of the books i did giver the series (grudgingly as is obvious from the above) a chance. The first two episodes were a complete disaster because I had the brilliant storyline of the book in mind in combination with the characters from the book. Now after watching more episodes somethings should be noted.
Once hardcore fans of the books realise the show is only based on the books, not follows it, it can be enjoyable. The characters in the series differ from the books as well. It just is that way and can not be changed anymore. Still a shame, but it can be acceptable for a large audience.
The overall "Herculis /Xena" feel of the show still annoys me. But the show does have some promise. Especially the actor playing Zed does a good job. Kahlan is not bad either. Good episodes still follow bad ones, but my verdict of the show has become a bit more mellow. At least I can understand why people can enjoy it. Especially if they are unfamiliar with the books
Alas, after seeing the first episode my fears were proved to be well founded. It is indeed (clothing and surroundings) like Xena and Hercules. The director just repeated the old trick again. Also i found it to be directed at a much younger audience than the books. On top of that, the guy playing Richard is just a boy with no charisma at all. Would you follow that man into death and beyond? Would you believe that man can inspire thousands (the Richard in the books could)? No i would ask if he needs his diaper changed. A great disappointment. The other actors that I have seen are all a great disappointment as well. All except Kahlan (played by Bridget Regan) and Zed (finally a good cast) and to a lesser degree Darken Rakl (played by Craig Parker). But it must be noted that my expectations were high. And i have a serious dislike for series with bad acting. But in defense of Legend of the Seeker: it is very hard to make a fantasy series without turning it into a children show. The series Merlin succeeded, its successor Merlin's apprentice did not.
So, this series is NOT for the hardcore fans of the books. I think the target audience is the 13-18 segment. Just like so many famous fantasy novels (except Lord of the Rings) this is not done with the love of the books in mind. Nor is it taken seriously. I think this series can best be described as a mix between Hercules and the second Merlin series (Merlin's apprentice). So it can entertain you if you do not take it seriously and do not expect it to be of great quality and have any high expectations.
Update: Because i am a fan of the books i did giver the series (grudgingly as is obvious from the above) a chance. The first two episodes were a complete disaster because I had the brilliant storyline of the book in mind in combination with the characters from the book. Now after watching more episodes somethings should be noted.
Once hardcore fans of the books realise the show is only based on the books, not follows it, it can be enjoyable. The characters in the series differ from the books as well. It just is that way and can not be changed anymore. Still a shame, but it can be acceptable for a large audience.
The overall "Herculis /Xena" feel of the show still annoys me. But the show does have some promise. Especially the actor playing Zed does a good job. Kahlan is not bad either. Good episodes still follow bad ones, but my verdict of the show has become a bit more mellow. At least I can understand why people can enjoy it. Especially if they are unfamiliar with the books