This opening episode of the Highlander series isn't entirely successful in setting things up, having to juggle introducing the three main characters, giving a large enough role to its special guest and fitting in a villain and a final swordfight...plus establishing the basic rules of Immortals for anyone new to the franchise. The most successful element is the introduction of Duncan and Tessa. The fact the first five minutes features some of the most graphic sex you're likely to see on American television of the early 90s was somewhat disconcerting...were they trying to make sure we knew this wasn't for kids? (They have another go about 10 minutes later, and in fact Alexandra Vandernoot spends a large part of her screentime in various states of undress.) But their relationship runs through the episode well: She knows the basics of Immortals but the Game is new to her and she struggles to adjust to this life she's suddenly thrust into. The ending sees Connor make the right decision and give her agency rather than let Duncan leave her for her own good. There's something of a disconnect between the end here and the series which I'll try and look at when I watch the rest of it.
It was a good idea to bring in Christopher Lambert as Connor for a passing of the torch. He and Duncan make believable friends and it's a shame we won't see this relationship again until the poorly received Highlander: Endgame. It does mean we get not one but two scenes of the two MacLeods sparring with their swords (the second accompanied by a blast of the theme tune because reasons), which seems a bit indulgent. I've heard criticism that Connor doesn't win the final fight, but it's Duncan's show so he has to win the day, and Connor actually would have won if Slan hadn't fought dirty.
Third regular Richie is not very well served. He makes a strong debut, reacting in utter bemusement to Duncan threatening to take his head in the mistaken belief he's an Immortal, and shows a somewhat unlikable side as he blackmails Duncan into letting him go. And then he basically disappears for the rest of the episode aside from, for no real reason, spying on the climax.
Slan Quince isn't exactly the deepest of villains: He's Immortal, he's evil and...that's it. Possibly one of his most memorable moments is when he drives crazily through traffic, demonstrating the lack of care some Immortals have for their own lives and for those who won't just come back. Richard Moll makes him a very unlikable character with his limited screen time and it does lead to a passable final fight.
There's no heads flying everywhere but we get more lingering shots of Slan's decapitated body than will be normal for the series. Duncan shows a pleasing level of smart in refusing to give up his sword when Slan threatens Tess. We only get two rather short flashbacks which are both rather distracting despite setting up Duncan's seclusion at the end. The show hasn't started putting up date captions yet either!
It was a good idea to bring in Christopher Lambert as Connor for a passing of the torch. He and Duncan make believable friends and it's a shame we won't see this relationship again until the poorly received Highlander: Endgame. It does mean we get not one but two scenes of the two MacLeods sparring with their swords (the second accompanied by a blast of the theme tune because reasons), which seems a bit indulgent. I've heard criticism that Connor doesn't win the final fight, but it's Duncan's show so he has to win the day, and Connor actually would have won if Slan hadn't fought dirty.
Third regular Richie is not very well served. He makes a strong debut, reacting in utter bemusement to Duncan threatening to take his head in the mistaken belief he's an Immortal, and shows a somewhat unlikable side as he blackmails Duncan into letting him go. And then he basically disappears for the rest of the episode aside from, for no real reason, spying on the climax.
Slan Quince isn't exactly the deepest of villains: He's Immortal, he's evil and...that's it. Possibly one of his most memorable moments is when he drives crazily through traffic, demonstrating the lack of care some Immortals have for their own lives and for those who won't just come back. Richard Moll makes him a very unlikable character with his limited screen time and it does lead to a passable final fight.
There's no heads flying everywhere but we get more lingering shots of Slan's decapitated body than will be normal for the series. Duncan shows a pleasing level of smart in refusing to give up his sword when Slan threatens Tess. We only get two rather short flashbacks which are both rather distracting despite setting up Duncan's seclusion at the end. The show hasn't started putting up date captions yet either!