San Diego, CA. – July 25, 2008 – The highly-anticipated epic fantasy series, previously known as (working title) “Wizard’s First Rule,†will officially launch as “LoTS,†it was announced yesterday at the 2008 Comic Con International Convention during a panel led by series executive producers Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert. “Legend of the Seeker†combines elements of fantasy, adventure, magic, mystery and romance, shot with the enchanting and exotic New Zealand landscape as its backdrop.
In addition, the executive producers also announced that Bruce Spence, Jay Laga’aia and Craig Parker will join previously announced lead actors Craig Horner (Richard Cypher) and Bridget Regan (Kahlan) in the first-run, scripted weekly series. Bruce Spence (“Mad Max 2†and “The Matrix Revolutions”) portrays Zedd, a wise and powerful old wizard who accompanies Richard and Kahlan on their epic journey; Jay Laga’aia (“Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones†and “Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sithâ€) stars as Chase, a loyal and fearsome member of the Councilor’s Guard; and Craig Parker (“The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” and “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towersâ€) plays Darken Rahl, a charismatic bloodthirsty tyrant that Richard must prevent from unleashing an ancient evil that will enslave the world.
From the talented team behind the long-running, successful series “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys†and “Xena: Warrior Princess,†and the studio that produces primetime network hits including “Lost,†“Grey’s Anatomy,†“Desperate Housewives,†“Ghost Whisperer†and “Army Wives,†the series will kick off with a thrilling two-hour premiere event on November 1, 2008.
“Legend of the Seeker†has been cleared by Disney-ABC Domestic Television in 95% of the country. to date, including all of the top 50 markets. Production on the 22-episodes is currently underway in New Zealand. The one-hour series is based on Terry Goodkind’s book “Wizard’s First Rule†and epic fantasy series “The Sword of Truth.†Goodkind’s popular epic fantasy series are international bestsellers that have been translated into over 20 languages.
“Legend of the Seeker” is produced by ABC Studios, marking their first venture into broadcast syndication. Sam Raimi (“Spider-Man,” “Spider-Man 2,” “Spider-Man 3″ and “The Evil Dead”), Rob Tapert (“The Grudge,” “Xena: Warrior Princess,” “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys” and “Cleopatra 2525″), Joshua Donen (“The Quick and the Dead”), Ned Nalle (production executive for “Xena: Warrior Princess” and “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys”) and Kenneth Biller (“Star Trek: Voyager†and “Six Degreesâ€) serve as executive producers.
I picture these characters in this way.
Richard is 27-30 years old, serious, with a bit of a commanding presence. People listen to what he says because he is a rational thinker, he is analytical and is always trying to figure out the answers. He is at least 20-30 lbs heavier than Craig Homer. Picture Christian Bale's bulk but defined. When Richard chops wood with the sword, Kahlan admires his frame. This man is near perfect, and he is able to defend himself against the quad, so he has enough weight on him to utilize in his defense. (The men used in the quad were huge in the book, the ones they showed in the trailers are normal) Homer is too "boyish" like many have said, his frame is lacking in meat. Hopefully he will do Richard justice.
They changed the story. Richard KNEW the book of counted shadows, he didn't have to find it. This is one of the key elements of his acknowledgement of his gift, because he remembered and could learn a book of magic.
Kahlan is beautiful, commanding, intelligient, and intense, and has little to smile about. Her whole life has been devoted to duty, and is filled with horror and pain. She only shares a private little smile with Richard at the beginning. She is definitely brunette, for those who think she is blonde, I'd advise going back to book 1 and rereading her description. I think they got her pretty darn close in choosing Regan. We'll see how she portrays her.
Zedd is a skinny little man, who looks very non-threatening. He dresses in plain robes and does not look like anything special, especially not a wizard. Spence in the trailer looks solemn, and very wizard like. In the book, as was mentioned, Zedd is a comic relief, one Richard is relaxed around, not an aire of mysterious, magical awe. Richard knows that there is more to Zedd's background (secrets) but they are like Father and son, mentor and student. There is a mutual feeling of respect for each other.
Chase is bigger than Richard, Not ripped muscular wise, but a block. Big frame, and one you wouldn't want to mess with. Jay Laga' aia's skin color isn't an issue, but his size could be much more. Chase takes on two to three of the quad all by himself near the end of the first book. His character is relentless in energy.
I don't know if the dark haired man with the wavy knife in the previews is supposed to be Darken Rahl, but I hope not. Darken Rahl is a perfect specimen of a man, bulky yet lean, strength and commanding presence, one you know you don't mess with. Remember that Kahlan connects the similarity between him and Richard. They are like mirror images of each other but different in the way of perfect beauty and ruggedness, like good and evil.
It would have been better if Peter Jackson had gotten a hold of this one and ran with it (four hour movie). You can't do this series justice if you leave out all the violence. The violence is what shapes the characters, and gives them their incentive or drive to defeat the heartache and misery that evil leaves in its wake.
We’ll see.
Scott
I think that everyone is getting way too worked up about what the characters look like. So long as they capture the essence of the character, aka the personality and some semblance of the appearance, then everything else will be forgiven. But if you really want to be picky about everything I’ll make a list of a few of the things I’ve noticed from the trailers and the short portion of the first episode I’m sure you’ve all watched by now: The character Darken Rahl is supposed to have blonde hair and blue eyes and be older than is portrayed in the trailers, Zedd is supposed to be shorter than Richard and know him beforehand, Kahlan needs green eyes, longer hair, Richard needs to be bigger as he is described so in the beginning, Rahl is supposed to have marked Richard already at the beginning of the book, Richards father isn’t supposed to die is a fire, Richard doesn’t have a horse, he doesn’t build a bridge, he is supposed to be looking for snake vine, Richard and Kahlan are supposed to meet before the Quad is encountered, they don’t follow her through the same way through the boundary, Richard is supposed to kill one without help, they are supposed to be trapped between two on each side on the side of a cliff, Kahlan doesn’t faint after using her power, I mean you can go on and on about what is different and that's not even without seeing a full episode. The show is not going to be like the books no matter how hard they try. Goodkind is one the best authors that I have ever read, so capturing his way of storytelling that is so engaging is unlikely. This, not the appearance of the characters or slight deviation of story line, is what will most likely cause the feeling of inadequacy of the show for the lovers of the books. Also be prepared for the show to deviate from the story line in a somewhat more drastic way. Although the WFR has a very good story line, there are going to need to be changes to make it suitable for broadcast, such as the boundary being more defined, more sword fighting, a larger cast, side adventures, and especially a down play in the gore, all of which could potentially add to the world and allow for character development not found in the books. As for any fears of cheesiness, I would say to wait for a couple of episodes to air and not worry about it too much, fighting will get better as the series progresses and the outfits aren’t that bad. The last fantasy book I saw adapted to film was Eragon and this can’t possibly be as bad as that. All in all I’m excited a think that this should be viewed with fond memories of the book series but realistic expectations of what can be done and what can’t. And on a side note I really hope that the series has a good composer doing the music because if not we might as not hope for a second season. Music makes or breaks series and movies, but is something not really talked about.
I've read the SOT series at least 23 times i love it so much.
the actor who plays Richard Cypher/Rahl is young yes scrawny yes however remember that the 11 books take place over 4-6 years i think.
Kahlan does have long light dark brown hair and green eyes.
Cara's hair is blonde, however not all mordsith's hair are, it's the braid that is important.
the actor that plays Zed is a dissapointment however with makeup he could look friendly.
the actor who plays Darken rahl needs to dye his hair blonde and remember he doesn't do too much over the 11 books infact he's only in 1 ,2 and 4 2 and 4 breifly in 2 and 4
i do see a problem with the actresses that play Rachel and Princess Voilet even if the plot takes place over 4-6 years from what i can figure is that the series will be spead out over 11 years and rachel and violet are 7 7+4-6= 11-13 not 18
WARNING THOSE WHO HAVN'T SEEN THE FIRST 10 MINUTES DO NOT READ
i just saw the first 10 minutes of the series and i am a little upset THINGS ARE WAY DIFFRENT in the series than in the book.
1: the boundry is a mountain range with green light not a wall of green light
2: Kahlan did not have the book of shadows
3: Kahlan's sister was not with her just before she reached the boundry
4: Richard was looking for a plant not building a bridge
there may be more that i didn't see, but what i saw so far is not the series i had imagined. i think i'll watch the first 3 episodes, hopefully they correct their biggest mistakes
Some people are saying that they would have liked a movie better. I, for one, love the fact that it is a tv show. Sure, some of the production and more mature themes will be toned down, but I am THRILLED that each book will give me 22 hours of video pleasure instead of 2-3. This will allow a much better story and prolonged enjoyment.
To those who are nitpicking and saying that the show isn't going to be exactly the same as the books, the tv show isn't even for you, you are never going to like anything that isn't the books so don't waste your or anyone else's time. I finished the series a year ago and time has left the details in my mind moldable. I noticed about 2 dozen things that are wrong, but I'm more okay with that because I havent re-read the books every 2 weeks for the past 10 years. I am going to LOVE THIS SHOW.
People should probably read the books before commenting on physical flaws in the casting of the characters. Yes, Kahlan is definitely a brunette. Nowhere in ANY of Goodkind's books is she described as a blonde. It's mentioned many many times in every book that she has soft brown hair. Perhaps these people are thinking of Nicci or Cara, who are both blonde. I can't wait for this series to air... I started reading these books in my early teens and just finished the series a few months ago. To see the things I could only imagine actually come to life on a screen is going to be worth any discrepencies that may occur. But please people....stop saying Kahlan is blonde!!
By the way, for any Canadians who are wanting to know the time and channel for the first episode, I just found a great link. http://www.dose.ca
click on tv
click on tv listings
enter your postal code
Search Nov 1st
On Shaw cable it's on at 6:00 MST on chanel 37.
Hello all... To any of you that have read my previous posts, (and for those that haven't I suggest you do), I have just seen the 30 minute Lucy Lawless preview of the series. I have seen the 10 minute preview about a dozen times. Still I stand by my previous statements... but there are a few issues that I think must be touched upon.
Though it would seem like tiny and insignificant issues I am about to raise, it makes a huge impact on the dynamics of the characters and story line of not only the first book, but of the subsequent stories that build off of the points...
The first issue is that the Book of Counted Shadows, being carried by Kahlan. This is a major problem because one of the largest components of the first book is that Richard has the book memorized and destroyed long ago. Now, one could easily argue the minor detail of this... but think on this... How much information is completely built off this fact on ALL the books... from Richard's knowledge of the minor details as he stands before Darken Rahl in the garden of life all 3 times (twice in book 1, and once in book 2)... to the finding out it is a false copy in the Chainfire Trilogy. And should you think that it is still a moldable issue... It plays into the closeness Richard had with George Cyper, the distance between Richard and Michael Cypher, and MANY other issues.
Secondly, though it would seem a trivial issue about EVERYONE else's physical features... with Darken Rahl, the "Cruel perfection..." and "Long Blonde hair..." actually play a psychological role in the books to give a menace that changing these things cannot. Think about this... the common "cruel, dark, and sinister ugly guy" is ALWAYS viewed as the bad guy. With the unbelievably handsome Darken Rahl, it shakes up the notion and the stereotype of the dark sinister villain. Think of Zedd's speaches in the fist chapters of WFR... How perception is everything, and how the "bad guy" view what he is doing as right. The handsomeness and blonde hair are what gave Rahl the more "human" qualities. (And NO I'm not saying that a brunette can't be human. But in our sic-siety, the ugly guy is the bad guy, and the blonde guy is the beautiful good guy... this is simply Pshcy 101 stuff)
And lastly, though I am hoping the actual series fixes the misconception given in the trailer and previews... where Richard screams out (on the preview) "I don't even know either of you!"... I am hoping he is being figurative, because if they changed the storyline so much as to not having Richard growing up with Zedd, imagine all the implications THAT would have on completely destroying the story for EVERYONE...
If there are any other AVID AND MATURE Sword of Truth fans that wish to chat on the subject of this series, or the book... feel free to email me at aiden_morax@yahoo.com.
Master Rahl Guide us...
Of course, Terry Goodkind himself stated that the tv series was "based on" the novels, and that the message of the novels....it's your life, so stand up and live it!....would be kept through out the tv series. He also stated that there would be changes and additions to the storyline. And I know that this was mentioned in the comments up above, so I'm not sure why so many of you are surprised by the differences from the book. Eh....who cares if it's changed, I'm sure it'll be a great show none the less. I cant wait!
J.D. I absolutely have to agree with you. I read thru this entire post, and everyone is arguing about the characters looks. So far, every character I've seen has fit wonderfully into what I had pictured. What I am more concerned about is a couple of the issues that you and a couple of other people have brought up. Firstly, as you said, Richard had the Book of Counted Shadows memorized, and this played major roles in the following books. Unless he memorizes the book over the course of the first season, I don't see how this will work in any of the following seasons. Secondly, again as you said, Richard ABSOLUTELY must know Zedd from the beginning of the series. Zedd is the comic relief, but throughout the books no one, not even Kahlan knows Ricard as well as Zedd, this leads to explanations of Richards actions that at the time may seem insane to others, Zedd is the only one who clarify what is most likely going thru Richards head. So, that being said, if Zedd isn't portrayed as Richards grandfather, or at least a very, very close friend, I can not see myself watching this series very long. I know it ended as a quad, but why where there 6 people initially hunting Kahlan and her sister? Also, although it's less important, Richard looking for the snake vine does play a major role. Don't forget that if it hadn't been for the snake vine, Zedd would have never agreed to help Kahlan, since he believed he was safe behind the barrier, and only realized because of the vine that the barrier was failing. Also, let's not forget Denna. If not for Denna, Richard may very well never have taken over the responsibility of being the seeker. In this way, Denna is one of the most important characters in the series. Don't forget, Richard realizes this too, as he wears her agiel up until the point he gives it away.
One of my thoughts:
I believe that in the beginning Kahlan is coming from D'Hara, into Midland, after stealing the book. I think the way its presented, she travels across Midland and into Westland. I may be wrong, but thats just the impression that I got. I would like to see her fairy friend, whos name escapes me at the moment, but I don't think that shes going to be there.
Well, here's hoping to a awesome Scarlet (and all 4 or 5 dragon types, I hope to see a gray dragon running around being treated like a dog, don't forget that Kahlan tell Richard about the different dragons, and this how this sort of thing happens at one point.), Gratch (and all gar for that matter, keep in mind there are 2 types), and the mriswith.
Master Ruke guide us. Master Ruke teach us. Master Ruke protect us. In your light we thrive. In your mercy we are sheltered. In your wisdom we are humbled. We live only to serve. Our lives are yours.
All I can say that Richard is definitely not what I had imagined. The main character should at least look SOMETHING as described in the book. The Richard in the book is a pretty big guy. Kahlan looks taller than him in the preview! A babyfaced kid is not what I pictured a rugged woods guide to look like. As far as the plot, I have no idea how they are going to incorporate all of the adult material. As has been said, if Denna is not included then this is not the SOTS. I wish TG had not sold out for a TV show. He should have done a movie series (i.e. Harry Potter). I'm pretty sure there's enough interest in medieval themed movies as long as they are done well (not like eragon). I guess he figures a tv show has more margin for error with cheesiness. This series is being done by the XENA guy! I am keeping my expectations low so that I won't be disappointed. Then maybe I will be pleasantly surprised.
the name of the fairy is Shar which is important because later in the series its the name of the fairy that allows him passage into the realm of the fairies
The best thing about the books is the two main characters' character, not thier hair or size. In the trailer where Richard says to Khalan 'Its MY destiny', I believe the actor can do it. Khalans character can fight well enough for now. I pray that I get to see Jagang with his rings and wool vest, all of it.
I Trust Terry Goodkind in this endeavor and I just hope he KEEPS WRITING.
After reading comments, and seeing the first 30 minutes, I get the concerns. However, I do see where the producers may be going with things. The Book of Counted Shadows, if it is indeed memorized as in the book, is hardly the stuff of drama. Sometimes an object, and the pursuit thereof, is the drama. If it's in his head, that works in Wizard's First Rule just fine, but it doesn't play well on screen. By having Kahlan and Dennee trying to deliver it, there is more at stake.
As for Darken Rahl, I always thought it weird (or ironic?) that Goodkind made his character blond. With a name like Darken, and an evil intent, the blond thing doesn't play out as well. Especially as we saw the Malfoy characters in Harry Potter be evil blonds, I bet it was perceived as too near the knuckle to go down that road again.
Needless to say, I am looking forward to this. I hope everyone watches!
I just saw this "highly anticipated two hour premier" of probably the most amazing story ever told .
I hereby recant all the positive and negative things I have said... You see, I set up my DVR the DAY the show became available on the list, two weeks in advance... I intentionally told myself to expect nothing besides the story to be told in a different way... I gave the TV drama factor into the equation as well... In all honesty, I've been waiting for this show since 1994 (that's 14 years for those that don't want to do the math)... and I have NEVER BEEN MORE DISAPPOINTED by anything hitting the screen IN MY ENTIRE LIFE. Though I expected the story to be somewhat different, this story is entirely crap. They used every single fantasy CLICHE possible and crammed it into one show. What made the books so wonderful and successful, was that there wasn't any cliche overdone fantasy.
It is as though Raime sat in a room of writers, and while Mr. Goodkind sat mute, they said "Hey, let's take a wonderful story and see how BAD we can screw up every single little thing!!!"
As for the whole, "We kept the ESSENCE of the characters... their personality... and what made everyone fall in love with the characters...." .....BULLSH*T!!! They have turned Richard into an impetuous, impulsive and immature CHILD that rushes stupidly into every situation. Richard was so lovable because he THOUGHT and figured things out!!! Richard acted like a man, not a 15 year old horney boy that couldn't keep his eyes off Kahlan's breasts and "posterior" (and no this has NOTHING to do with the look of the actor). He killed LESS THAN 5.... COUNT THEM less than 5 people throughout the ENTIRE novel. THAT IS PART OF WHY WE FELL IN LOVE WITH RICHARD... HIS WANT TO NOT TAKE LIFE in the beginning. He had to come to terms with his anger, and later with the horrors he inflicted with the sword. This character is EXACTLY the opposite.
They turned Kahlan into a RUDE, POMPUS, ARROGANT B*TCH that keeps staring at Richard like she just wants to rip his clothes off. I'll stop there, because to more I think on it, the more UTTERLY DISSAPPOINTED I GET.
And as for Tim's comment on "it is hardly the stuff of drama"... I'm afraid, my friend you know little of drama. Drama is the struggle. The object is the information, not the book. And as for the dumb comment on the HARRY POTTER reference... Wizards first rule was published in 1994, while Potters first was in 1997. So unless Terry Goodkind invented a device to see into the future... I think he wrote his story a few years before J.K. Rawling. Rahl is the original blond bad guy... The exception to the "dark haired bad guy rule".
Anyway, I think I personally alone since 1994 have converted at least 200 people into Goodkind fans with the book... And though it is Mr. Goodkind's story, as a writer I believe that once a story is written and then falls into the hearts of the reader... it is no longer the authors story. I won't waste another minute watching this destruction of something beautiful.
To Mr. Raime... I have absolutely NO more faith in anything you put your name to. (By the way, as for "needing a resolution at the end of every episode"... you don't. Drama is also leaving the person wanting to catch what happens.)
To Mr. Goodkind... I will read EVERYTHING you publish if it has the caliber of the books written, but I know you also must be utterly disappointed in what has happened.
I will have to regretfully agree with JD. Raimi completely buthchered the essence of the sword of truth series with irreversible mistakes. How could the boundry been taken down. How can they not have Darken Rahl come to Hartland and Kill George Cypher. How does Richard get named Seeker without proving he seaches for the truth i.e. Guessing Who Zedd really is. He didnt kill 20-30 people until Stone of Tears. The Wayward pine seen was completly etched out by a arrogant Kahlan. She has th appearance but like the other actors except maybe Zedd and Darken Rahl play their parts backwards. I just don't get why they couldn't put every aspect of the story in except maybe the gore. I mean Zedd doesnt even cross the boundry with Richard and Khlan and heck those 2 used the Darkstone to get through anyways. I will continue to watch the show for Terry Goodkind's sake. New Zealand though was the Perfect Setting for this series.
OK then . . . I can scratch that off my list of things to watch. Thanks (and no, I don't mean that sarcastically).
To be honest, we already knew that there was no way they could stick faithfully to the series. Raimi and Tapert gave us Hercules and Xena (I honestly thought Xena was a better overall story than Hercules), so I think they were just in search of a well-known fantasy series that they could "adapt" to a new TV series.
I saw the rough cut of the 2hr premiere a couple weeks ago (without finished SFX), and having only read the first book in the series a *long* ass time ago, I didn't see anything wrong with what was on screen. As a sword/sorcery story to reel viewers in, it has potential. As a faithful adaptation of the story Goodkind told, big swing and a miss.
That's just my two cents. I'm going to watch the finished premiere eps (they don't air here in Phoenix until Sunday evening), just to see what they did differently with the special effects, and I may watch the next two episodes to see how it progresses, but as of yet I'm not sure if it's something I'll follow consistently... leaning towards "nah".
I have been anticipating this premiere for a very long time now & the opening 10minutes that we got to watch a couple of weeks ago was amazing... it got me really psyched! However, I just finished watching the 2 hour series premiere and I can't help but be a bit disappointed.
I agree with many of you who have stated that we cannot expect the TV series to be the same as the books... I was just excited to see on TV the characters that I have grown to love. But, I felt like it was just a lot of haphazard running around. there were a couple of bloopers as well
(1) Kahlan, Zedd & Richard had already decided that the Dahara'an guard must have gone towards the boundary as he must have another means of crossing. Then, they quiz Richard on the exact same question not too long after and were impressed by his answer... ??
(2) Then we see that the Dahra'an guard has made it back from across the now bridgeless ravine to talk to Richards brother ??
(3) Plus, Kahlan changed into a new green dress while they were at Chase's house and yet at the end of the show she's mysteriously back in her white Confessors dress to do a fight scene.
I've heard some people complain that it's nowhere near as humour-filled as in the Hercules & Xena series but that's a good thing... that would even further destroy the message of the series. The books have their own sense of humour and putting in a character like Joxcer would only ruin it further, in my opinion.
Now, not all is bad... while a lot of people are bashing the fight scenes, I find them quite entertaining. I like Zedd's, Chase's and Kahlan's characters but I still have a bit of a reservation about Richard.
All in all, I hope that they've got their jitters out of the way for the rest and can make something more out of it.
J.D. - My points are a taken a bit out of context. I am not referring to the literary Harry Potter, but what everyone and their brother has seen in the first 5 movies. People are so used to a blond evil nemesis, that those who do not know the WFR story like we do would jump in there with that critique.
As for the Book of Counted Shadows, I stand by point, which is something that exists merely in Richard's head is hard to make dramatic on screen. Let's see where they take that storyline anyway in the next few weeks. Remember, with magic, all types of things are possible.
I did an experiment...I watched this with my wife and 12-year old son, both of whom had never read the books, They just know that I did. I did point out some of the differences to them, but it didn't matter...they LOVED it.
So, this is TV for the mass audience. It wasn't really made with the Goodkind devotee in mind. Although I have seen comments from others who say they simply switched off their Goodkind radars and enjoyed the show for what it was.
For me, liking the books but not devoted to them, it was an enjoyable 2 hours and i look forward to the next installment.
I have mixed emotions. It has been a long time since I also read the book so some of the details are a little fuzzy. That having been said, however, Darken Rahl's character did disappoint me since I pictured him as a demonically beautiful, terrifying, evil BLONDE dude. This character fell extremely flat. He was barely sinister.
I couldn't care less if Kahlan has green eyes or not, and I was pleasantly surprised by Zedd's character as in the pictures I just didn't see it.
What really bothered me though, was Richard's character. Not the actor portraying him, but someone we view immediately as a strong, sturdy, reliable,
INTELLIGENT, intense man in his own right. He was barely believable as an experienced woods guide for pete's sake.
Anyway, maybe as the series progresses it will all fall into place.
I did think the opening scene was kick a$$ and my husband, who also never read the series thought it was a pretty cool pilot. So grin and bear it, or don't tune in - Good Luck to the series and the producers!! Long live Lord Rahl!!
OK - I haven't read Terry Goodkind's books - but judging from all the controversial reactions, I guess now I'll have to.
I did, however, like what I saw in the 2hr premiere of this show, and am looking forward to more.
Only thing - why can't I get any Schedules on CW (I'm in LAX)..?? It's supposed to be on Saturdays, but I can't find it anywhere on any TV Schedule Guide. Nor on CW's website. So...can anyone help me out here..??
Well, I got exactly what i expected from the show, and I didn't expect much. Sex, violence and drama are the key elements that sell on television I believe, and that's what was delivered. As for following the books storyline....I didn't expect it to happen, and it didn't. Changes had to be made for it to be more compelling for a television audience, and some things just don't translate from book to TV, that's the way it is for ALL books made into the movie/Television format. .............It may not be the same as the books that I read but I'm still going to watch (out of curiosity) to see that changes that were made. Who knows? I may even grow to like the TV series more as it matures...well...if it lasts long enough to mature. Just watch it with an open mind, keeping in mind that you are NOT going to get what you want out of the show. It's a different form of entertainment. Those who have not read the books may very well love the show, where as those who have read the books may not watch it. To each his own I say.
you can not possibly think of kahlan as blonde. cara is blonde, nicci is blonde although with nicci's personality being so dark all the time and wearing black i always imagine her with dark hair. but you can not screw up kahlan. how many times in the book does richard look at her and think of her green eyes and her long brown hair and the smile she gives no one but him. but these are features you cannot screw up or dispute.
i'm still undecided as to whether i'll watch more. does anyone know if it'll be available on iTunes? also, this is a really funny blog post for why you should keep watching it....the rest of her stuff is pretty on target with my preferences too:
http://dorkscape.wordpress.com/2008/10/30/tv-fantasy-full-of-cliches-still-entertaining/
Worst try ever did see the 10 minute trailer, what a bad try.
only good things are the scenery and the actress playing Kahlan.
Typical american style not class to build up suspense just change the perspective so you can let the hero be a hero from the start whith out any build up to it. I did expect some changes but these are total against the spirit off the books.
Had me doubts after the last three books but seems clear to me Goodkind is cashing on his succesfull books.
Oh well at least you don't have to buy it to find out the end like the books:P
Regards,
Wally
I think a lot of you are confusing Kahlan with Nicci. She was a Sister of the Dark that converted back to the side of good. She was also very beautiful with long, blonde hair and blue eyes. Kahlan has ALWAYS been brunette with green eyes I believe.
Anywho, is Gratch gonna be in this new TV series? I think I will stop watching it if he isn't in it LOL
Well two weeks in a row now and I am not feeling any better about the show. Last night just plain sucked. For Pete's sake, one of the absolute best writting in any part of the SOT series was in WFR when Richard was crawling through the cave and had to squeeze through the very small opening to get to Scarlets egg, and then he got stuck while only partially theough, only to be attacked while still stuck by the Shadrin. I litterly caught myself gasping for breath (although I do have a slight claustrophobia streak) while reading this part. I realize they are completly breaking from the story line of the books, but my main point is that the way Goodkind described the Sharin in the book made me envision it almost as a quasi land octopus, but in last nights show, they made the Shadrin as a dumb goat faced huminoid. Are we next going to see Deena as a kindly gentle old lady with short hair and glasses who wears pretty pink dresses? Also, much like the gar's have been shown, we should be seeing a little more than a one second dark glimpse of them. If a gar or in this case a Sharin is supposed to envoke nightmarish fear, then lets really get a good look at them. Please, please, please lets not ruin such a great fantisy realm as we have with the SOT series. I will of course probably give this show several more chances before finally giving up, but it so far has really broken my heart. One bright spot in this show is definitly Zed's character. He is the only one who being played well, and why? because he is playing Zedd fairly close to the way he was written. Keep to Goodkinds creation and this show can still become great, even foregoing the true storyline which I will never understand the reasoning why they broke from it.
Well, I guess I won't be able to speak my mind about the second episode since I am in Ontario and the station it played on last week didn't air it this weekend.
What's up with that???
So, what the heck channel was it on anyway? I watched it on WGN last week and this week, nowhere to be found.
Alright i live in the bay area and i had the same problem that marlena had. it didn't air the second episode instead i got the second half of the first one... and i can't seem to find it to be on this weekend. what happened to it and what channel is it on. their home webpage is no help at all.
I think that the main problem in this show is the actors for main characters. They couldn’t act (only sword play0. And they do not have charisma. The previous shows Xena and Hercules had main actors who caught the eyes of viewers from the first moment. Not the same with this show
Well.... here I go, probably for the very last time, as I am so utterly disgusted with this series that I refuse to watch any more of it. Unlike my other posts, this is directly going to the people that are saying, "It had to be changed for TV... Had to be altered for drama..." and all that. You see, if you read my posts, I was very open and understanding to the point of "made for TV"... But the more I see the debauchery of the most nearly perfect story since the 2 fathers of fantasy (C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien), the more I have to disagree with the thought process.
I have an idea... why try to stick to a book story line at all? It is obviously far too difficult to do, so let's make ALL the best literature easy! Let's start with Lord of the Rings. Let's make it really easy... skip all that fellowship crap, the struggles of Samwise and Frodo, and the whole journey... That takes far too long, and the "stupid people of society" won't get it anyway... Let's instead make Frodo a Mordor Orc! Yeah, that way he doesn't even have to go anywhere and he can accidentally drop the One Ring in the river of fire while he is taking a crap. We could cut a 9 hour movie down to a 15 minute commercial!!! (In case you don't get it... that was SARCASM!!!)
I am beginning to feel like I live in a society mostly populated by Eloi. (Yes, another literary reference... and if you don't know what Eloi are... LOOK IT UP. Better yet, READ A BOOK. The Eloi sure wouldn't) We are so fine with accepting mediocrity that we stop striving all together to create ART. Our complacency has become the downfall of television, movies, books, and music. If you expect CRAP, that is what they will give... start demanding more... To quote a GREAT book, "Your life is YOURS alone... RISE UP AND LIVE IT!" Make these 'so called artist, producers, directors, writers' stop offering up dung for the masses. Here's a little secret... THINKING IS GOOD!!!
You feel that spark of either anger, or joy, you just received by reading the top half of my post?!.... Yeah... that is what the ACTUAL Sword of Truth books are about. INSPIRATION, THOUGHT, real ART!!!
For all of you that have read the books and love them, you understand what I am saying.
For all of you that have read the books, yet love this series, my best... but you really should read more. Writing is an art, as is the effort of literature. The fantastic blend of the rounded character a reader either comes to love or hate, and the completion of a hole-less storyline.
For those that are watching the series and haven't read the books, PLEASE, don't judge the books by this pathetic attempt to dumb it down for the masses. READ THEM! Yes they are big books... but you'd feel proud of this accomplishment! They are WORTH it!
My Best To All. J.D
I'm still waiting for Gratch...Now I haven't read the first few books of the series in a long time *unfortunately my cat got a little frisky one day and ripped them =X* but they are murdering this show. First off, the guy who plays Richard is WAYYY too small in my opinion...Tall, dark hair with raptor gray eyes. Now granted the guy is good looking and all but way too playboy for me. I WANT GRATCH!!!
oh, and the girl that plays Kahlan I think isn' twhat I pictured. she doesn't look "dangerous" as Kahlan's father was a king who was a great warrior /swordsman. ugh.
OK, unlike most of you, I DO like this show - a lot. It has the right balance, between good, evil, lots of action and suspense, and good chemistry and subtle sexual tension between the two lead characters. Perhaps it's because I have NOT read the books [yet], so it's much easier for me to take things at face value. Meanwhile, I'm really enjoying the show - love the magic - and keep looking forward to the following episodes. This may sound silly, but somehow I suspect that Richard is his enemy's son - the one called Rahl, is his name..?? The evil one he's seeking to kill..?? Don't tell me - let it be a surprise.
The best book I have ever read has been ruined lets all try and get over it maybe they will make something we are willing to except eventually but I don’t se that happening in the next 20 years or so.
*******Look up Zen Gesner ... he used to play Sinbad in the adventures of sinbad, he would be PERFECT!!! to play Richard Rahl... He's witty, he has the look, everything just screams Richard... *****
All those I've talked to who HAVEN'T read the books, like the show. Most that I've talked to who HAVE read the books...don't like the show. lol... I on the other hand, have read the books and I do like the show. Yes, it's not the same as the books, I did not expect it to be like the books, BUT... I do find the show entertaining. And I think that's what they probably set out to do ultimately....to entertain the masses. Yes, it would have been wonderful to watch the Sword of Truth come to life on the small screen...... but we got The Legend of the Seeker.... although it is a poor imitation of the books, it does entertain.
OH! And I cant believe that some of you are still hung up on that "is Kahlan brunette or blond" issue..... lol ..... to funny.
To all of you out there who have yet to read the books, please do so, you'll be happy you did.
To all of you who have not watched the show because of what you've read here, please watch it, you never know, you may like it. (It's sort of like my son who "hates" certain foods that he's NEVER tried....all I can ask is, How do you know, unless you try?)
I think Zed's character is all wrong in the show. He is just creepy and has no sense of playfulness or humor and no zest for life like the Zed in the books. I just can't see that actor successfully pulling off "The toasted toad's truth" or even a simple "Bags!" Rather, I pictured Zed more like Christopher Lloyd in Back to the Future, even down to the wild hair.
I do agree with Ivy about Zen Gesner being a good choice for Richard. Nice pick Ivy!
Bottom line, even discounting the books altoghether, the TV series is flat, hollow and just seems to meander about aimlessly. The characters lack any depth and the story line...what story line?
A major dissapointment. I've stopped watching.
For those few that may still have some interest, here are some images of Denna....just click on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th of the smaller pics there to see her...
http://www.legendoftheseeker.com/gallery.html
.....adding to the various comments I've been reading here. Forget the damn books people! Just ENJOY! the friggen program for cripe sake. Who cares what color the hair should be! and to Nadejda on her character comment, get a life!!!!
I love this show - it's a hell of a lot better that most shows out these days!!!!!!
It's sad to see so many people that have watched this complete travesty of an adaptation brought to us by Raimi and the rest of his sycophants. The show has deviated so horribly from Mr. Goodkind's original work that it no longer has the same feel and failed to capture the journey and development of Richard from a simple woods guide looking for clues to his adoptive father's murderer into the Seeker who uses the Wizard's First Rule (People believe what they want to believe, ie. they're stupid) against Rahl. The show does not have any of the amazing character development and dynamics that exist in the novels. Raimi and Disney have failed horribly. The only reason why the show is coming back, because the people making the show have used the Wizard's First Rule masterfully. I'm not a big fan of Harry Potter, but the people adapting those novels to the movies have done light years better than the Wile E. Coyote super genius' working on this show. For me, this show is a complete and total failure. Those that enjoy it. if you haven't, read the books and see how the story SHOULD be told. For those that have read the books, don't waste your time or intelligence to watch Legend of the Seeker, it's just painful. The only redeeming quality - BARELY, is that this show has, is that it's not another damned reality show being shoved down everyone's throats.
I didn't expect the show to be exactly as the books read. I really didn't. But I expected decent acting and something to really enjoy watching. Not every episode will be terrific, I'll grant you that. But most of the plots have been lame, not at all like the wonderful talent of Mr. Goodkind. I expected Richard to be more of a stronger character that some wide-eyed boy. Terrible acting and....oh, I won't go any further. No need to. It seems like many others here agree that the show fell far short of our expectations. Let's hope the writers come up with better plots when the new season starts. I guess that won't be until November. And like someone else here, I hope we get to see Gratch.
Haaha..I like the reference used on a post I saw about Zedd being reduced to a portable lighter...if I read correctly wizard's fire is supposed to be a freakin ball of liquid fire that bursts on impact and keeps burning something akin to the way napalm works. According to Sam Raimi, it works like some kinda ray gun. And COME ON..where's all the blood in Richard's torcher with Denna? Okay so its a Disney production - so they should have gone with HBO or something instead of watering down all the violence and therefore all the raw emotions experienced in the books. But these are only minor things I think one of the most important parts of the book that was changed was the way that Richard kills Denna (aside from the fact she came back to life which never happened in the book). He simply says in the show that he was able to kill her because she taught him how to take pain? Unbelievable! MMMWAH! You broke my heart Sam! You BROKE MY HEART! The only way I can continue to watch the show is by reminding myself constantly that it's the Legend of the Seeker show and a far cry from what loyal fans of Goodkind know as The Sword of Truth series. Aside from all this I think the casting is fine save Richard being NOT AT ALL who I would've picked for the part. Peter Jackson even modified some things in the Lord of the Rings that was a slight disappointment but still one could only hope that someone with his passion and caring will do the same for Goodkind's work one day. That he would endorse this is just sad, but like I said it's not called the Sword of Truth show either ...still I say do it right or don't do it at all.
So, Mr. Goodkind, how much did they pay you to totally flip your story on its head? I can't blame a man for wanting to make an honest buck but you call this honest? This remake "parody" as I like to call it on your remarkable books is just too much. It it no way reflects the philosophy of objectivism that is so clearly woven into the S.O.T. series. Yes, and being a devout fan of yours I actually made it to the "Hartland" episode (if you can call a "devout" fan of yours someone who could actually put up with the raping of your stories long enough to make it to this episode without smashing their TV screen). Believe that? Then I witnessed the oh-so-predictable change of heart (so stereotypical of any other random cheesy feel-good tv series these days) that Michael had in this episode when he decided to instead fight for Richard at the end and die valiantly on the edge of a sword????? WOW!! What a slaying I witnessed of such a brilliant story at this slaying! WHAT, pray tell, was wrong with the original story that MICHAEL WAS A TRAITOR UNTIL THE VERY END, FINALLY FACING EXECUTION AT THE HANDS OF NONE OTHER THAN HIS ADOPTED BROTHER RICHARD THE SEEKER HIMSELF??!! For the life of me even if this series is a totally revisionist effort in contrast to the books (which it obviously is), why weaken and water it down to the bare essentials of a children's bedtime story? All to appeal to the brain-dead Eloi masses in order to win over the largest audience? Probably not too far from the truth... however, this total revision and subversion strays so far from the meat, the very heart of the original story that it cannot even fall into the same category as The Sword of Truth series (And I'm not talking about the storyline, I mean the very SOUL of the story and anyone who has read the books knows what I am talking about). And if anyone watching this show is trying to decide if the books are worth reading let me just say that this show could NEVER do the books even a mere 1% justice. What crap. Mr. Goodkind, I love your books but you ought to be ashamed.
BWHAHAHAHAHAH! I love these rambling comments ALMOST more then the Hulu ones.
Okay. Just discoved this show by channel surfing last weekend cause nothing was on. It looked pretty interesting so I stopped. Then it hit me on the names. I couldn't believe my ears. There it was, my most favorite books coming to life on tv. I only caught the last 15 minutes of it, but it was enough. I was hooked. I went to the computer and looked it up and wouldn't you know it the whole series was right there for me to watch. Well I have watched the whole series and I must say that I can't wait for more!!! I love the actors and I think they are doing a wonderful job. But I must confess that Zedd took me by surprise. I always pictured him as a wiry old stooped man with wild hair. This Zedd is tall, straight back, long white hair and fairly clean and well dressed. But I fell for this character. Great job. Chase on the other hand, that everyone seems to screaming over, was a white man in the book. Okay so he's black now. But if you know your actors and you know how many movies this man has played in you would realize that he's perfect for the part. When I saw him, yes I was shocked, but got over it quickly when I realized who it was. Then I cheered him on. Perfect choice again. So on to Richard and Kahlan. I'm sorry people but I love these actors and I wish them all the success in the world. They give a fresh look on the series. Matter of fact all the characters I give ten thumbs up!(if I had that many). the only thing that worries me is they are only doing 22 episodes. I really hope they do more than this. Everytime I get into a show they take it off. So please to whom it may concern...Keep it going!!!!
I think Richard is cute jest the way he is. Dave for god sake watch the show and read the books its her sisters hair that is blond. Her name is spelled K-a-h-l-e-n not K-h-a-l-a-n sound it out. You learn that in first grade.
Alot of people are upset because of the look of the characters, but even if they had not made this series no one person would be right about what they really looked like except for Goodkind because they are from his imagination. In saying that I will admit I was confused about Darken Rhal. To me he seemed to be the only character way off base in appearance in every way. I started reading the series after my husband begged me to read them when he finished Confessor, and I did. Starting with Debt of Bones though. I felt horrible that it was over. And I remember when Raina died in Temple of the Winds. It was so sudden and so unexpected and she was my favorite mord sith (at the time). I just started crying so hard. And my daughter who was 11 at the time of course asked me what was wrong and I explained to her a little of what the books were about. She loves to read and wanted to read them so badly, but those who have read the books of course knew it was out of the question she had to wait untill she was older. So I had to tell her about the books as I read them In PG form. So no matter how the show deviates from the books my daughter can watch the tv show. And so can your young adults, if you have any , enjoy this great and amazing set of books that is the best series i've read so far. We had the books, we know some of the terrible things that happened. Lets give the younger ones a chance to enjoy it in a form better suited for them. Maby that was Goodkinds plan all along?