“Legend of the Seeker: The Complete Second Season” is now available on DVD, and unfortunately it’s the final season of the entertaining show.
“Seeker” had some trouble finding an audience, but those who gave it a chance mostly loved it. Some fans are still trying to get it back on the air.
I read all of the Terry Goodkind “Sword of Truth” novels that the series was based on, and the dramatic differences from page to screen may have turned off some viewers. Others may have thought the show a bit campy, a bit too Xena-esque (which wouldn’t be surprising, considering it was produced by the same people).
But I enjoyed it. So did my dad, for that matter. I think Craig Horner (Richard) is extremely talented and good looking, and Bridget Regan is perfect for the role of Kahlan Amnell, the Mother Confessor. And Craig Parker as Darken Rahl . . . WOW. The cast was perfect, including Zeddicus (Bruce Spence) and Cara (Tabrett Bethell).
Once I realized that the show was not going to faithfully follow the books, I found myself enjoying the times when plots from the Goodkind series did appear. The Boxes of Orden, Sisters of the Light and Dark, the Stone of Tears, Kahlan becoming the Mother Confessor. And of course the sexual tension between Richard and Kahlan was incredible. The kind of tension that can keep a show going for seasons.
If you are unfamiliar with the storyline, beware: SPOILER ALERT!
A Confessor has magic to turn anyone into a willing slave. If Kahlan and Richard were to give in to their passion, Kahlan would likely lose control of that magic and turn Richard into a mindless being. The fantasy elements of the series allow for some very intriguing plots due to this problem.
In fact, the episodes in Season 2 are much better than Season 1. I think a lot of this is due to the presence of Cara, the Mord’Sith who has sworn allegiance to Richard. TV Cara is very similar to Book Cara, and the red-leathered tough gal has always been a favorite character of mine. She is strong and fearless but has wit and vulnerability as well.
Another change in Season 2 is the evolution of Kahlan into more of a warrior. Though always capable of fighting, she begins wearing more leather and—I think—darker makeup. It’s almost like the producers wanted to make her “edgier,” but I think it worked. Perhaps Cara gave her some fashion advice? There is certainly a difference in Kahlan’s appearance as the show progresses. Still, her heart remains pure and good.
And Richard looks a bit older in the final season, which makes him more believable as a hero and leader. His hair is a bit longer, and he’s grown some scruff on his chin. Much improved. A little more like the Richard I know from the book covers.
All in all, “Seeker” is a fun show with magic, romance, and adventure. Fans will want to pick up the DVD, and those that missed out on the show while it was on the air might like to take a look at it.
Didn’t you know? It’s Wizard’s Second Rule: watch a show before you judge it.
The DVD boxed set contains all 22 episodes of the second season, as well as bonus material.