Highlander:the Raven

Reality fans will love this one - except fans of the Highlander franchise tend to prefer fantasy over reality, so the final verdict is a tad mixed. Included on each of the eight discs is a ten minute segment of a featurette entitled "Highlander Confidential: The Unraveling of a Series". Unlike most commentary, where behind-the-scenes conflicts are downplayed or quietly ignored, these interviews are basically a sounding board for the creative forces behind this series to boldly complain about "what went wrong". Blame is abundant and, shotgun-like, hits everyone. The producers blame the actors, the directors and writers blame the producers, the actors, with well-performed hubris, blame themselves...and others. So much vitriol is spewed that it could leave a bitter taste for those who enjoyed the series. Among the reasons given for the series failure are Elizabeth Gracen's hair color, her "crazy" boyfriend at the time and the hugely unfortunate timing of the Clinton investigations. Only David Abramowitz (head writer, listed here as "Creative Consultant"), in my mind, seems to come close to the truth of the matter. He correctly states that "spin-offs rarely succeed". He is correct. I would go further and say that the original series with Adrian Paul had begun to decline in the fifth season and hit the skids in the sixth, so launching a spin-off was probably unwise to begin with. Given that this show was in syndication, the Panzer-Davis production team had to know that the declining ratings would result in poor timeslots (in my market, one had to search the post-midnight hours to find airings for it). Lastly, Buffy & Xena aside, going with a female lead in a franchise known for their beefy male "immortals" was a critical mistake that cost them a good chunk of the female audience (can anyone say "Lost opportunity with Peter Wingfield?") When all was said and done, the actual show wasn't bad. Much like the original series, there were some clunky inconsistencies, but overall they did what the fans enjoyed: Very beautiful people who live a long time making love, spouting philosophy and hacking off heads with pretty swords. An extra shout-out for the historical flashbacks, always done with great eye and skill, despite the teensy budget. For Panzer-Davis - take a Midol. For the very gorgeous Paul Johannson, congrats on "One Tree Hill" (oh, for a better vehicle). And to Elizabeth Gracen - take a cue from your character, Amanda, and get a backbone when it comes to men.

In spite of all the negative reviews, I LIKE THIS SERIES!!! Elizabeth Gracen is pert, sassy, sexy and Tres Chic! Paul Johansson is a hunky, sexy, gorgeous man! Yes, the series is inconsistent, with many starts in many directions, but to me that adds to the fun and variety. The stories are interesting and fun, and the humour gives the show a whole new dimension. I am disappointed that the whole interview bonus seems to focus on the negative. Only one of the producers came out and said that good things were done and the series did merit a second season. I agree that the final episode left us with hope for many new adventures for our now immortal "couple" as they proceed into the future together. This series was really much better than a lot of people wanted it to be, and it deserves a lot more attention than it got. Kudos to Elizabeth and Paul!

Of course I loved the series when it first aired so it's no surprised I loved the DVD too.

I really enjoy the lead character, Amanda! She is beautiful, elegant, dangerous, and more than a little eccentric!

I also liked the variation on the Highlander theme, of using an immortal female as the lead. And I thought she looked great during the sword fighting. ( I just wished there was a little more of that)

I enjoyed the whole romance thing they've added with Nick Wolf, a mortal man. But then I'm a sucker for romance.

I totally disagree with the above review that claims there was no chemistry between the leads. I felt and saw a connection on screen - which I guess means they were professional actors in spite of the fact they didn't get along off camera.

And lets remember extreme dislike creates heat too.

I thought the interviews were a total hoot! I absolutely loved them!

You listen with your jaw on the floor, you really do!

I couldn't believe how honest everyone was about how bad the atomsphere was on the set. I don't think I've ever heard anything quite like it!

The interveiws made this worth the purchase price for me!

But I loved the series and I really wish they could have had at least one season more...

There IS a big reveal in the last episode and I would have loved to see what a new season would bring to the characters Amanda and Nick.

But the actors would have killed each other if it had!

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 31 reviews  3.6 out of 5 stars