"When you enter through the Highlander door you never know who’s
going to be on the other side”
-Bill Panzer-
While I am a huge Highlander fan and have watched the Series from start to
finish, many times over, a few things come to mind that take one through
the realm of emotions as you watch. Scenes that may fill me with delight,
enrage me to fist clenching and yelling at the screen, to sobbing uncontrollably,
finding fault with plots, or boo-boos and always drooling over Adrian Paul.
As I share my thoughts with you, please bear in mind..these are only MY opinions
and as such are not always shared by other fans. If you agree or
disagree….then let me know. Let’s open doors of communication and
perhaps start a discussion about your opinions.
Episode1: The Gathering
This is the ultimate beginning for the Highlander Series. Lots of pathos,
awe inspiring sword crossing, humor (if you find Slan Quince, the towering
first evil Immortal, hilarious and way over the top) and scenes that evoke
reminders of great old movies.
Richard Mull, larger than life plays Slan Quince. The mask is reminiscent
of “Silence of the Lambs” and you keep waiting for him to suck
his lips in anticipation of Fava beans and Chianti. He is totally believable
as an evil Immortal and plays the part to a “T.” I liked him on
Night Court and still like him, even as you want to hate him. I wondered
about poor Duncan MacLeod fighting this giant….much as David in the
Bible with his giant. But…..this man would be no match for Duncan…too
clumsy and way too busy eyeing himself in his compact mirror.
Adrian…..oh…what can you say. Your mind goes blank as he emerges
from the bedroom door, sword in hand…"I am Duncan MacLeod, of the Clan
MacLeod.” Chest glistening after a heated session with Tessa. Oh, that
I could be a fly on the wall!! I was just wondering though…where exactly
was that window at?? The one you can see them making love through? The hint
of dark shadows on his sculptured face (this was the early 90’s,
wasn’t that the “do not shave” period? And the earring…they
should have let him keep it…it fits.
Enter Connor MacLeod, a role brought to the movie screen by Christopher Lambert.
The scenes between Duncan and Connor are priceless. Brothers in arms, comrades,
friends, Immortals. Funny, making you grin as they trade barbs with each
other. I am not a Christopher Lambert fan….still have trouble with that
French accented Scottish burr and after reading about how he is nearly blind
without his glasses, I quiver in dread that he might make a mistake with
the sword and hurt Adrian! But….he works well as Connor Macleod. His
sword fighting style is vaguely hacking and swinging..no finesse whatsoever.
You’d think after hundreds of years fighting other Immortals, he’d
be a bit better. Whereas, Adrian seems like he was born with a sword in his
hand. Not that I am prejudiced. He is just more comfortable and has fun with
it.
Basically, the story revolves around Duncan MacLeod, the Highlander who is
an Immortal. I won’t go into the details of the Immortals, I’m
a Watcher…but not official. Besides, if you are here reading this, you
already know the details. Duncan has had a relationship with Tessa, played
by Alexandra Vandernoot, who is not Immortal. You are left a bit unclear
as to exactly what he has told her about his past….like most men…some
of it ..not all.
After 12 years together, suddenly the Evil Slan Quince appears and threatens
their lives and happiness as “normal” people. “Slan the Cat”
so called because he likes to play with his victims. He doesn’t remind
me of a cat, believe me.
In this episode you are introduced to Richie, played by Stan Kirsh, a troubled
teen who breaks into the Antique shop owned by Duncan and Tessa and witnesses
some strange events. My favorite scene was were Richie stands watching Duncan
and Slan and says “ I’m on like America’s Funniest Home videos,
right?”
Poor Richie is so befuddled, and Stan does a wonderful job as the sarcastic
witted, kid of the streets. When Duncan comes to the police station to confront
him and demands that he not say a word to anyone about what he saw..well,
who could not be intrigued? We know he is going to get himself into trouble
following the Immortals.
I found myself comparing the scenes between Tessa and Duncan, when they discuss
his Immortality so tender. He’s just given her a Birthday present and
she worries, as any woman would, if he will still love her when she is old
and gray. The myriad of emotions that play across Adrian’s face…well,
you can see how upset he is. How many times must he lose people he loves?
Though many people wish to be Immortal..myself, I’d hate the losses
of people I loved.
The bridge scene with Slan and Connor is great, and we are eagerly anticipating
Duncan showing up. His honor and his relationship with Tessa has been threatened,
so he must fight Slan. Meanwhile, Richie, who hid in Connor’s car trunk
and now watches from the sidelines watches in awe, the swordplay continues.
Connor falls off the bridge and Duncan must take Slan’s head, or evil
will reign.
Now I don’t know about you, but I prefer not to see the headless corpses.
Later in the series, they did away with the details and you were left to
imagine what happened. After Duncan beheads Slan he leaps the bridge railing,
sword in hand, and goes to rescue Connor. I have to wonder…would I jump
from that height with a huge sword in my hand?? When Duncan pulls Connor
from the river…sword still in both their hands. How amazing. Ok, it’s
a TV series, but you have to wonder.
The scene at the cabin, after Connor takes Tessa to find Duncan, is sweet,
and you really want them to be together. Yet you are left wondering if their
relationship can actually survive. Duncan is used to the violence and chaos,
while Tessa isn’t. You can only hope. “Aren’t you going to
say Good-bye,” Tessa asks. “We never do”, responds Duncan.
Thank heaven is my response.
RILEY |