Highlander: The Series

Highlander
Format Action-Drama-Fantasy
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
Opening theme "Princes of the Universe"
Composer(s) Roger Bellon
No. of seasons 6
No. of episodes 119 (Episodes list)
Production
Running time 48 minutes per episode
Production company(s) Rysher Entertainment
Gaumont Television
Broadcast
Original channel US: Syndicated
France: TF1, later Métropole 6
Original run October 3, 1992 – May 16, 1998
Chronology
Followed by Highlander: The Raven

Highlander: The Series is a fantasy-adventure television series featuring Duncan MacLeod (Adrian Paul) of the Scottish Clan MacLeod, as the Highlander. It was an offshoot of the 1986 feature film with a twist: Connor MacLeod did not win the prize and Immortals still exist post-1985. In fact, original Highlander star Christopher Lambert appeared in the Pilot episode so as to pass the torch to Adrian Paul. The series was an international hit and was nominated three times for the Gemini Awards and once for a Saturn Award in 1998.

Contents

History

The main character was a pilot in the episode established MacLeod as 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 came 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 to face him and by the end of the first episode, Slan had been defeated and Duncan was clearly caught up in The Game again.

Storylines revolved around Duncan MacLeod and his relationship with mortals and other Immortals. These relationships were a 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 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 and the supernatural demon Ahriman was introduced into the storyline. Of the 13 episodes of season six, two did not feature MacLeod, while a few showed him in cameos while the producers experimented with introducing a new female Immortal character for a spin-off series. None of these 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.

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 six 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.' ”

Production history

Origin

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]

The French leading production company Gaumont Television bought the rights to the series to have it produced in syndication in America with a local crew, a ground-breaking move at the time.[1] Highlander marked the first time a French production company was creatively involved in a show intended for the American market.[4] The show was co-produced in syndication by international partners including Gaumont, RTL Plus (Germany), Rysher Distribution (United States), Reteitalia Productions (Italy), Amuse Video (Japan)[5] and TF1 (France).[6] The budget of the first season was US$26.1 million.[6] Keith Samples, president of Rysher, stated that "about 75% of the guaranteed budget came from overseas sales."[7] The remaining 25% came from United States sales[8] and the producers retained the distribution rights,[1] which allowed the show to produce $800,000 per episode only from international income, believed to be the top result of the 1992-1993 season.[9] To secure an adequate share of European content,[6] and as a result of the co-production agreement, each season was divided into two segments, the first segment was filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (posing at the fictional location of Seacouver, Washington, United States),[10] the second in Paris, France.[11][12] The production of the first segment began in Vancouver on 13 July 1992,[13] while the production of the second segment started in December 1992 in Paris and used the studios of French state production agency Société Française de Production (SFP) at Bry-sur-Marne near Paris.[6]

The swordfight at the end of the thirteenth episode, "Band of Brothers", was filmed at Vancouver Harbour, British Columbia, Canada[14]

The executive producers were Bill Panzer, Peter S. Davis, Gaumont Television president Christian Charret[3] and Gaumont co-production chief Marla Ginsburg.[1] Steven Maier, Sheryl Hardy and Guy Collins were co-executive producers. Kevin Droney and Philip John Taylor were supervising producers at the beginning of the season; from the seventh episode onwards, David Abramowitz became supervising producer instead of Taylor.[15] The producers were Barry Rosen and Gary Goodman. Executives in charge of production were Marc du Pontavice and Denis Leroy. Scripts were contributed by both staff and freelance writers, Brian Clemens among the latter. Brent-Carl Clackson was line producer on the Vancouver segment, from episode one to thirteen. When production moved to Paris, Clackson was succeeded by Patrick Millet (with the title of production manager) for episodes fourteen to twenty-two. The regular directors were Thomas J. Wright, Jorge Montesi and Ray Austin. The fencing coach was Bob Anderson, who coined for himself the title of Master of Swords.[16] Anderson choreographed the fights on the Vancouver segment, then was succeeded by Peter Diamond, credited as second unit director and stunt coordinator on the Paris segment. The opening theme was "Princes of the Universe" from the 1986 album A Kind of Magic by Queen; incidental music was composed by Roger Bellon.[17].The pilot episode was originally intended 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 caused the pilot to be written as a 1 hour pilot.

Casting the title character

Christopher Lambert did not wish to do television, though he agreed that there should be a series, and originally Connor MacLeod was to be the protagonist. After Lambert declined, and because there were still films being made with the Connor character, it was decided at Adrian Paul's request to have the series focus on another MacLeod. Lambert agreed to appear in the pilot and pass the torch. They were only able to afford him for three days of filming. Lambert declined to do any future episodes.

Alastair Duncan was the original choice to play the lead (as Connor Macleod) before Adrian Paul was cast. Duncan later appeared as Immortal Terence Coventry in the fifth season. Martial artist Gary Daniels was also a hot favorite for the lead role.

Adrian Paul beat out 400 hopefuls for the lead role. Originally, the actor was a tough sell to the investors because he was an unknown (though he played Russian ballet dancer Kolya in The Colbys). But some of the producers felt that he would appeal to both men and women fans of the franchise. Paul reminded them of a young Sean Connery. Adrian said in an interview that he was drawn to the series because it had so many layers: history, romance, adventure, spirituality.

Location

The first segment of the season was filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Although Immortals are scattered around the world, the events of the series are most notably located in Vancouver, British Columbia and Paris, France. However, flashbacks during the series often brought the show to a variety of locations. 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".

Second Season changes

The first season aired earlier in the United States than elsewhere, thus in early 1993, Rysher TPE, the distributor that had sold the series to the American market, had to make a decision about financing a new season. At this point, the European partners still had not aired the first season, so the decision fell to Rysher. Willing to take the risk, Rysher announced that it would produce a second season.[6][18] The France/Canada co-production agreement of the previous season was reconstituted, albeit with some different partners. Gaumont Television (France), Rysher TPE (United States) and Reteitalia (Italy)[19] agreed to renew their participation to a new season. French leading channel TF1 was forced to cancel its participation because it was no longer legally allowed to qualify a show filmed in English as French content, and was replaced by French smaller channel M6, which was still allowed to do so.[6] RTL Plus (Germany) and Amuse Video (Japan) were also no longer part of the co-production, but Gaumont Television president Christian Charret signed Filmline International (Canada) as a new partner.[6] As a result of this new co-production agreement, with less wealthy partners, the budget of the season decreased from US$26.1 million the previous year[20] to $22 million. Half of the funding came from French[21] and other European sources;[22] income per episode from international sales, which had reached $800,000 in the previous season, decreased as well.[23] According to The Hollywood Reporter, pre-production started in April 1993,[24] and filming in June the same year.[25] Like the first season, the second season was divided into two segments; the first segment was filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (as the fictional city of Seacouver, Washington, United States),[10] and the second in Paris, France, to secure an acceptable share of European content as part of the co-production agreement.[6][11][12] Creatively, the second season was intended to be more action-oriented than the first, but lead actor Adrian Paul refused to do "another kung fu series," insisting that more romance and history be brought in the scripts.[26]

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 more positive 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."[27] 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."[28] Lineberger gave the six seasons scores of 92[27], 93[29], 90[30], 92[31], 87[32], and 70[28] 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."[33] 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."[34]

Carlo Cavagna of About Film criticized the series, saying that it consisted 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."[35] 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."[36]

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."[30] Bernstein claimed that "during season five, [the show] was at the peak of its creative glory."[37] Kathie Huddleston of Syfy 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."[38]

Critics have 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."[28] 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."[34]

Spin-offs

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.

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 season due to low rating and the change in the marketing of syndicated shows. Highlander Raven was given to Amanda because the fan reaction was negative concerning the season six female Immortal guest stars, according to the behind the scene interviews and the watcher's guide book.

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.

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 producer Peter Davis' 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.

Audio plays

Season One

In 2009 Big Finish released a series of four audio adventures featuring Adrian Paul as Duncan MacLeod. They are set sometime after the events of Endgame. These are:

Each play in the first season is around an hour long, and contains a new music score and new Highlander audio theme by Jamie Robertson

Season Two

A second season of four plays was announced in August 2009, to be produced by Paul Spragg and script edited by James Swallow.

Books

The Highlander: The Series novels are canon. Events from them are included in the Watcher Chronicles CD-ROM,which contains an extensive database of the events and immortals of the television series.

Comics

See Highlander (comics).

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 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. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "In Transit". Hollywood Reporter (BPI Communications L.P.): p. 12. 1 May 1992. ISSN 0018-3660. 
  4. ↑ Farrell, Pia (21 April 1993). "French share co-prod'n 'credit' CBS: To jtly dev, produce & distribute telefilms w/ TF1, France". Hollywood Reporter (BPI Communications L.P.): p. 7. ISSN 0018-3660. 
  5. ↑ Levy, Hal (14 July 1992). "Reel Deals". Hollywood Reporter (BPI Communications L.P.): pp. 1–4. ISSN 0018-3660. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 Farrell, Pia (22 December 1992). "'Highlander' series flys [sic] to TV". Hollywood Reporter (BPI Communications L.P.): p. 16. ISSN 0018-3660. 
  7. ↑ 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. 
  8. ↑ Marich, Robert (16 April 1993). "Signs of surging sales make for hopeful MIP-TV: New satellite channels heighten product demand". Hollywood Reporter (BPI Communications L.P.): p. 1. ISSN 0018-3660. 
  9. ↑ Marich, Robert (12 April 1994). "In on the Action". Hollywood Reporter (BPI Communications L.P.): p. S-3. ISSN 0018-3660. 
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Name from "The Gathering". Highlander: The Series. Syndication. No. 1, season 1. , Bonus Material, Article: "Richie Ryan", in Highlander: The Series (season 1) (DVD, Anchor Bay Entertainment, 2001), disk 1.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Russell, Maureen (1998). Highlander: The Complete Watcher's Guide. New York: Warner Books. p. 1. ISBN 0-446-67435-4. OCLC 38898097. 
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Thomas, Scott (November 1997). "There can be only one - The Making of "Highlander: The Series" Season One". Retrovision (Retrovision). OCLC 40987681. Archived from the original on 11 November 1999. http://web.archive.org/web/19991111043315/retrovisionmag.com/issue1.htm. Retrieved 26 April 2008. 
  13. ↑ "Paramount signs talent". Electronic Media (Crain Communications Inc.). 13 July 1992. ISSN 0745-0311. 
  14. ↑ Bill Panzer, in episode "Band of Brothers". Highlander: The Series. Syndication. No. 13, season 1. , Bonus Material, Bill Panzer's interview, in Highlander: The Series (season 1) (DVD, Anchor Bay Entertainment, 2001), disk 5.
  15. ↑ Adrian Paul, in Russell, Maureen (1998). Highlander: The Complete Watcher's Guide. New York: Warner Books. p. 90. ISBN 0-446-67435-4. OCLC 38898097. 
  16. ↑ Sword Master F. Braun McAsh, in Russell, Maureen (1998). Highlander: The Complete Watcher's Guide. New York: Warner Books. p. 82. ISBN 0-446-67435-4. OCLC 38898097. 
  17. ↑ Russell, Maureen (1998). Highlander: The Complete Watcher's Guide. New York: Warner Books. p. 150. ISBN 0-446-67435-4. OCLC 38898097. 
  18. ↑ Benson, Jim (18 January 1993). "Rysher bringing full plate to NATPE". Variety (Reed Business Information). ISSN 0042-2738. http://www.variety.com/article/VR103043.html. Retrieved 11 August 2008. 
  19. ↑ Guider, Elizabeth (12 August 1993). "Rysher to handle Highlander distrib'n". Variety (Reed Business Information). ISSN 0042-2738. http://www.variety.com/article/VR109596.html. Retrieved 23 March 2008. 
  20. ↑ Farrell, Pia (22 December 1992). "'Highlander' series flys [sic] to TV". Hollywood Reporter (BPI Communications L.P.): p. 16. ISSN 0018-3660. 
  21. ↑ Covington, Richard (28 April 1994). "Changing EU Rules Have Spawned New Alliances : European TV Lures U.S. Studios". International Herald Tribune (International Herald Tribune). ISSN 0294-8052. http://www.iht.com/articles/1994/04/28/studio.php. Retrieved 11 October 2008. 
  22. ↑ Foisie, Geoffrey (15 November 1993). "Hollywood heads for Europe, hat in hand: Foreign investment in U.S. TV productions grows". Broadcasting & Cable (Reed Publishing). ISSN 1068-6827. 
  23. ↑ Marich, Robert (12 April 1994). "In on the Action". Hollywood Reporter (BPI Communications L.P.): p. S-3. ISSN 0018-3660. 
  24. ↑ Riddell, Edwin (16 April 1993). "At MIP, a study in Euro realism". Hollywood Reporter (BPI Communications L.P.): p. 1. ISSN 0018-3660. 
  25. ↑ Farrell, Pia (19 April 1993). "'La Femme Nikita' series to TV via Gaumont, WB Gaumont: Signs co-production agreement w/ Warner Bros". Hollywood Reporter (BPI Communications L.P.): p. 7. ISSN 0018-3660. 
  26. ↑ Variety staff (22 September 1997). "Paul, Dimension ink 'Highlander' deal". Variety (Reed Business Information). ISSN 0042-2738. http://www.variety.com/article/VR111662672.html. Retrieved 20 October 2008. 
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 Highlander: The Series, Season One review, Rob Lineberger, DVD Verdict, December 17th, 2002
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 Highlander: The Series, Season Six review, Rob Lineberger, DVD Verdict, February 16th, 2005
  29. ↑ Highlander: The Series, Season Two review, Rob Lineberger, DVD Verdict, March 18th, 2004
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 Highlander: The Series, Season Three review, Rob Lineberger, DVD Verdict, March 29th, 2004
  31. ↑ Highlander: The Series, Season Four, Rob Lineberger, DVD Verdict, June 8th, 2004
  32. ↑ Highlander: The Series, Season Five review, Rob Lineberger, DVD Verdict, September 22nd, 2004
  33. ↑ Highlander: The Series, Season One review, Abbie Bernstein, Audio Video Revolution, November 12, 2002
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 Highlander: The Series, Season Six review, David Oliver, CHUD, 02/10/2005
  35. ↑ Highlander: Endgame Review, Carlo Cavagna, About Film, October 2000
  36. ↑ Highlander: The Source Review, Danél Griffin, Film as Art
  37. ↑ Highlander: The Series, Season Five review, Abbie Bernstein, Audio Video Revolution, August 10, 2004
  38. ↑ Highlander: The Series, Season Four review, Kathie Huddleston, Syfy, August 23, 2004

External links

Highlander
Films
Highlander · II: The Quickening · III: The Final Dimension · Endgame · The Source · The Reckoning
TV series
The Series (List of episodes · Season 1 · Season 2 · Season 3 · Season 4 · Season 5 · Season 6) · The Raven (List of episodes)
Animation
The Animated Series · The Search for Vengeance
Books
The Element of Fire · Scimitar · Scotland the Brave · Measure of a Man · The Path · Zealot · Shadow of Obsession · The Captive Soul · White Silence · An Evening at Joe's
Comics
Highlander (comics) · Way of the Sword
Video games
Highlander · The Last of the MacLeods · The Game
Main characters
Connor MacLeod · Duncan MacLeod
Supporting characters
Heather MacLeod · Juan Sánchez Villa-Lobos Ramírez · Rachel Ellenstein · Tessa Noël · Darius · Hugh Fitzcairn · Charlie DeSalvo · Maurice Lalonde · Anne Lindsey · Richie Ryan · Amanda · Joe Dawson · Methos · Nick Wolfe
Enemies
The Kurgan · James Horton · Kronos · Silas · Caspian · Four Horsemen · Ahriman
Lists
Characters · Screenshots
Other
The Immortals · The Quickening · The Watchers · Seacouver · A Kind of Magic