Conference noted::sf

    Carel, there were two "major motion pictures" called Highlander,
    and alas, while the first one was campy/bad the second (which I 
    did not get to see) won awards for it abismality (can one say that?)
    
    I don't remember a whole lot about it (I think I was too 
    busy laughing) but it had to do with McCloud being an immortal
    and all the immortals in the world were getting to kill one another
    off at the "gathering" so that one could "rule the world". One
    could only kill an immortal by removing their head from the rest
    of 'em; and I guess the experience is "empowering" for the surviving
    immortal.
    
    It coulda worked....I know it coulda. What I really want to know
    is why Sean Connery wasted his time in BOTH films.....(still, I
    think I forgive him 8-) )
    
    Monica

    Gee, I thought the first Highlander movie was actually pretty good -
    but keep in mind I was just a teenager when i saw it - older and wiser
    now ( oh, reallly?? ).  The second one, however - terrible and, yes -
    abyssimal ( how DO you spell that? )
    
    	Now, why they made a series, I just don't know . . . .
    
    						- Jim
    

I really liked the first movie, and thought they gave a good explanation
of what the immortals were doing.  *Why* they were doing it, and what 
happened when there was only one immortal left, is another story.  Those
questions were left as an exercise for the reader, but *what* was going on
was fairly clear.  

I can understand why Sean Connery was involved with the first movie.  His
character must have been a lot of fun to play, because it was very enjoyable
to view.

But the second movie gave new meaning to the words abysmal, embarrassing,
and turkey.

But I have never seen the TV show.  Does it acknowledge either of the movies,
and if so, when is it in relationship to the movies?

-- Ken Moreau

    Okay, I always wondered why they bothered to make the second one,
    since the consensus I got was that everyone thought the first one
    was, honestly speaking, pretty weak. 
    (well, yes, I did pay my x$ to see it at the theatre.....)
    
    Monica
    
    (Casting Lambert, with a heavy French accent as a Scotsman, and a
    Connery, a Scotsman as a mediterranean? Hows THAT for fantasy? Mind
    you, I thought Schwartzennegger made a GREAT Conan in the movies
    until he opened his mouth to speak....From then on it was
    "Conan the Barvarian" for us..8-) 8-) )
    

    
    The show acknowledges the first movie heavily, and totally ignores the
    second.
    
    The basics (since that was the question that seemed to be asked):
    
    There are these people who don't die from a lot of typical causes,
    although they are affected by things like drugs, and they can break
    bones and so forth (they just heal).  They discover their special
    nature the first time something that is normally fatal happens to them,
    and they get up (the most recent episode showed us this in action). 
    You stop aging at whatever age and physical condition you're at when
    you have your first fatal accident, which has some interesting
    possibilities.  There are implications that decapitation is not the
    only way to kill them (they could be incinerated, for example).  And
    there's nothing special about decapitation via sword stroke.  Though we
    never saw this in the movie, ship propellors and train wheels make
    adequate substitutes.
    
    These people are at war with each other.  When only one of them is
    left, that one will come into posession of something called The Prize. 
    (The first move makes something of a hash of telling us what this is. 
    The show is better enjoyed without thinking about it).  Whenever one of
    these people dies at the hands of another, the power that sustained
    their unaging existence (referred to as The Quickening) is inherited by
    the survivor.
    
    So basically, it's an extremely violent variation of marbles.
    
    The show follows the adventures of one of these people, Duncan Macleod. 
    
    A couple of other notes:
                                                         
    	Immortals are sterile.
    
    	There is some sort of prohibition against doing battle on
    consecrated ground.  It's not really clear if this is just a rule
    everyone follows or if there are dire consequences for doing so.  The
    definition of 'consecrated' is also not 100% clear, though we've seen
    so far that Buddhist temples, Catholic churches, and graveyards
    qualify.
    
    If you liked the first movie, you probbaly would like the show.  There
    is a widespread (not universal) consensus among my female acquaintance
    that the star is very easy on the eyes.  It's not deep entertainment by
    any stretch of the imagination, but it is different.
    
    DFW
    	
                                                

    
    any "behind-the-scenes info on how (and WHY!) Sean Connery got involved
    in #2.  
    
    My only clear memory was how happy he seemed to be when his character
    got killed off.
    
    Jamd

    Thanks for the replies ... I will rent the video's ... since I did not
    see the movies -- the series just didn't make a lot of sense.
    
    The series does have possibilities ... it did capture my interest
    enough to ask some questions.
    
    Thanks, 
    
    Carel

    
    Don't bother with the second movie.  It's a complete waste of time. 
    Honest.  I don't even know you and I'd feel guilty if you spent money
    to view this trash prompted by anything I said.
    
    As for Connery, he's got to eat like everyone else.
    
    DFW

    One other thing.  This show sort of has 'Batman' syndrome, in that
    people who aren't career actors show up playing cameo villians.  We've
    already seen Joan Jett and one of the singers from Fine Young
    Cannibals.
    
    DFW

Spoiler from a recent episode ("Avenging Angel")



I'm inclined to think that they violated their "holy ground" prohibition
when Duncan chopped the new immortal.  The building where they fought was
the former headquarters of the Knights Templar, replete with crosses.  There
was also the implication that Jacques de Molay was buried there.

Guess it was vague enough to escape the style police.

-- Tony

p.s.  I loved the first movie, hated the second (I believe the correct
      spelling is 'abyssmal', and for the most part enjoy the series.

    Joan Jett, Roland Gift (of FYC) and lately Martin Kemp (of Spandau
    Ballet) all have previous acting credits under their belts, though.
    
    This is a fairly standard adventure show.  I'm getting a little tired
    of Duncan bumping into yet another immortal every time he turns around,
    like there can't be any mortal baddies out there....
    
    One thing I really like about the show is the character of Tessa and
    the way they have avoided using her as the usual hero-bait (the bad
    guys grab the good guy's girl and _that_ finally ticks him off enough
    that he lops off heads).  One guy showed up and she basically said,
    "You don't want to try that approach, it's beneath you," and he agreed. 
    Another guy showed up to tell her he was refraining from that tactic. 
    And just this last show, she talked herself out of trouble.  So at
    least they're showing some originality.

    I'd put a vote on for the first movie (altough the ending was a bit of
    a downer).
    
    The second movie was a complete was of time.
    
    re: several replies back - I thought Lambert's characters first name
    was Conner. Is the tv series about a different character ?
    
    Mike
    
    p.s. we haven't seen the series Downunder yet.

Re: spelling query in previous reply

The word that describes the second film is properly spelled "abysmal".

    
    Well, DeMolay isn't really buried there, is he?  Were not the cheif
    Templars burned at the stake by order of Philip II?
    
    The series is about someone else.  Duncan, not Connor.  Though Connor
    had a cameo in the first episode.
    
    DFW

    The "PRIZE" is the ability to age, grow old with your mate, bear
    children, etc...  The wonderful things that the mortals enjoy.
    
    In essence the gain their mortality.  This is reserved for "The One"
    or the last of the immortals left.
    
    
    -Jeff-

RE: .15 -< What the "PRIZE" really is! >-

>    The "PRIZE" is the ability to age, grow old with your mate, bear
>    children, etc...  The wonderful things that the mortals enjoy.

So in other words if you gain the Prize you get to grow old and die, and 
if you lose the Prize then you get to die (by having your head chopped off
by another immortal).  Great choice... (heavy sarcasm)

-- Ken Moreau

    Re - the 'prize'
    
    	yes, the mortality was part of it . . . but he also gained the
    ability to, if he concentrated, know what anyone in the world was
    thinking at any one paticular time.  The point, i think, was to have
    the Highlander be able to promote better understanding and peace
    throughout the world.  If the second movie had continued somewhat along
    these lines, or at least with a similar premise, it might have held my
    interest a *bit* longer, but . . .
    
    					- Jim
    

    I beleive in the first movie he said he could grow old along with a
    number of other things he could do if he wanted. In the second movie
    he mention he had the choice to grow old if he wanted to.
                   Jeff Peters

I watched the film (1st one) and enjoyed it.  As my daughter pointed out --
it's really a 'B' film, but a good 'B' film.

I found in the REC-ARTS-SF-TV.Note the attached Episode Guide, which I include
here.

Thanks again for the explanations.

Carel

           <<< MEDDLE::USR1$:[NOTES$LIBRARY]REC-ARTS-SF-TV.NOTE;1 >>>
                      -< NEWS items from rec.arts.sf.tv >-
================================================================================
Note 632.2             Highlander the Series Episode Guide                2 of 5
::L J Constantine "[email protected] (L J Cons" 268 lines  30-APR-1993 17:41
                    -< Highlander the Series Episode Guide >-
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Highlander Episode Guide
March 29, 1993

Original by Bill Reeves, [email protected]
Additions by Obie Slotterbeck, [email protected]
Additional information from the Net!

Regular Cast
Adrian Paul as Duncan Macleod
Alexandra Vandernoot as Tessa No:el (that's an umlaut over the o)
Stan Kirsch as Richie Ryan

Text from the beginning of each episode

First form (6 episodes)
I am Duncan Macleod, born 400 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.

Second form
I was born 400 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.


Short Episode Listing
---------------------
01  The Gathering
02  Innocent Man
03  Road Not Taken
04  Bad Day in Building A
05  Free Fall
06  Deadly Medicine
07  Mountain Men
08  Revenge is Sweet
01R The Gathering(repeat)
09  The Sea Witch
10  Eyewitness
11  Family Tree
02R Innocent Man (repeat)
07R Mountain Men (repeat)
05R Free Fall (repeat)
03R Road Not Taken (repeat)
04R Bad Day in Building A (repeat)
06R Deadly Medicine (repeat)
12  See No Evil
13  Band of Brothers
14  For Evil's Sake
15  For Tomorrow We Die
16  The Beast Below
17  Saving Grace
09R The Sea Witch (repeat)
11R Family Tree (repeat)



Episode Details (SPOILERS)
--------------------------
Format

#) Title
Written by writer, directed by director
Guest star actor as character
Semi-regular actor as character
Short plot summary


01) The Gathering
Written by Dan Gordon, directed by Thomas J. Wright
Christopher Lambert as Connor Macleod
Richard Moll as Slan Quince
Wendell Wright as Sgt. Powell
Connor Macleod comes to town to visit his kinsman Duncan, and together
they fight the evil Slan Quince.

02) Innocent Man
Written by Dan Gordon, directed by Jorge Montesi
John Novack as Sheriff Howard Crowley
Victor Young as Lucas Desiree
Vincent Schiavelli as Leo Atkins
Amanda Wyss as Randi McFarland
Wendell Wright as Sgt. Powell
Duncan's old friend Lucas Desiree is killed, and Vietnam vet Leo Atkins
is framed for the murder.  Duncan must protect Leo and track down the
real killer.

03) Road Not Taken
Written by Terry Nelson, directed by Thomas J. Wright
Dustin Nguyen as Chu Lin
Soon-teck Oh as Kiem Sun
Wendell Wright as Sgt. Powell
Christianne Hirt as Angie
A friend of Richie's is killed by a mind control drug, and Duncan
suspects an old friend could be behind it.

04) Bad Day in Building A
Written by Kevin Droney, directed by Jorge Montesi
Andrew Divoff as Bryan Slade
Amanda Wyss as Randi McFarland
Jay Brazeau as Comissioner Comanski
Terrorists take over a courthouse and take Duncan, Tessa, and Richie
as hostages.  When they decide to execute a hostage, they choose the
wrong one...

05) Free Fall
Written by Philip John Taylor, directed by Thomas J. Wright
Joan Jett as Felicia Martins
Eli Gabay as Devereux
Jay Brazeau as Comissioner Comanski
An evil immortal pretends to be innocent in order to gain Duncan's
trust, and endangers Tessa and Richie.

06) Deadly Medicine
Written by Robert L. McCullough, directed by Ray Austin
Joe Pantoliano as Doctor Wilder
Amanda Wyss as Randi McFarland
Duncan is critically injured in an auto accident -- when he makes a
miraculous recovery, his E/R doctor takes an unhealthy interest in him.

07) Mountain Men
Written by Marie-Chantal Droney, directed by Thomas J. Wright
Marc Singer as Caleb
Wes Studi as Sheriff Benson
John Dennis Johnston as Carl the Hermit
Duncan must rescue Tessa, who's been taken captive by an immortal who has
been hiding in the wilderness for years.

08) Revenge is Sweet
Written by Loraine Despres, directed by Ray Austin
Vanity as Rebecca Lord
Christoph Ohrt as Walter Reinhardt
Christianne Hirt as Angie
Tim Reid as Sgt. Bennett
An old enemy of Duncan's uses his former girlfriend as a tool to get
Duncan's head.

09) The Sea Witch
Written by David Tynan, directed by Thomas J. Wright
Stephen Macht as Alexei Voshin
Johannah Newmarch as Nikki
One of Richie's friends from the old neighborhood is involved in a
drug deal gone bad, with one of Duncan's old enemies behind the deal.

10) Eyewitness
Written by David Tynan, directed by Ray Austin
Tom Butler as Andrew Ballin
Amanda Wyss as Randi McFarland
Tim Reid as Sgt. Bennett
Tessa witnesses a murder and becomes the target of an immortal crooked
cop.

11) Family Tree
Written by Kevi Droney, directed by Jorge Montesi
J.E. Freeman as Joe Scanlon
Peter Deluise as Clinch
Tamsin Kelsey as Mrs. Gustavson
Matthew Walker as Duncan's father (?)
While trying to help Richie find his father, Duncan has painful memories
of his own past.

12) See No Evil
Written by ???, directed by ???
??? as Marcus (his last name was K... -- it was written on a poster)
??? as the bad guy (was his name ever given?)
??? as Natalie
Amanda Wyss as Randi McFarland
Tim Reid as Sgt. Bennett
??? as the other cop, Lt. ???
Duncan becomes involved in a series of murders which are similar to
several he witnessed in the 1920's.

13) Band of Brothers
Written by ???, directed by ???
Werner Stocker as Darius
??? as Grayson
??? as Victor Paulus
Amanda Wyss as Randi McFarland
Duncan must protect a world-famous philanthropist from assassination by
an ancient evil immortal.

14) For Evil's Sake
Written by ???, directed by ???
??? as Kuyler
??? as Inspector Le Brun
An immortal assassin strikes in modern-day Paris, and the police officer
in charge of the investigation believes Duncan is involved.

15) For Tomorrow We Die
Written by ???, directed by ???
Roland Gift as Xavier St Cloud
Werner Stocker as Darius
??? as Inspector Le Brun
Duncan must stop an immortal thief and murderer who targets Tessa's art
fundraiser with a nerve gas time bomb.

16) The Beast Below
Written by ???, directed by ???
??? as Ursa
??? (Dee Dee somethingorother) as the singer
Werner Stocker as Darius
An immortal who lives in the sewers underneath Paris falls under the spell
of an opera singer, who asks him to kill for her.

17) Saving Grace
Written by ???, directed by ???
??? as Grace
??? as Carlos Cendero (spelling?)
Werner Stocker as Darius
Duncan protects an old flame from her immortal lover.

List of Immortals
---- -- ---------
Duncan Macleod (episodes 1-17)
Connor Macleod (1)
Slan Quince (1) (deceased, killed by Duncan)
Lucas Desiree (2) (deceased, killed by Howard Cromley)
Howard Crowley (2) (deceased, killed by Duncan)
Kiem Sun (3)
Felicia Martins (5)
Devereux (5) (deceased, killed by Felicia Martins)
Caleb (7) (deceased, killed by Duncan)
Carl the Hermit (7) (deceased, killed by Caleb)
   (there is some debate as to Carl's immortality)
Walter Reinhardt (8) (deceased, killed by Duncan)
Alexei Voshin (9) (deceased, killed by his ship's propellors)
Andrew Ballin (10) (deceased, killed by Duncan)
Marcus K. (12) (deceased, killed by Duncan in the 1920's)
Grayson (13) (deceased, killed by Duncan)
Darius (13,15-17)
Kuyler (14) (deceased, killed by Duncan)
Xavier St Cloud (15) (dis-armed by Duncan)
Ursa (16)
Grace (17)
Carlos Cendero (17) (deceased, beheaded by subway train)


this copy brought to you by Bill Reeves via a very happy LJC
-- 
Lady Johanna Constantine*  "... on her loom she weaves my shroud,
[email protected]   *   and I am lost." 
Also a member of SEFEB  *   
LJC of the NTB          *   -from "Tapestry of Despair" by Aisling
    

    Hi,
    
    I absolutely loved the first film, not so much for the sword fighting,
    but more for the fact that it was entertaining.
    
    I liked the links between scenes in New York, and Scotland. I really
    liked the fact that Sean Connery played a Spanish guy, and Christophe
    Lambert played a scotsman.
    
    The movie was a fantasy movie that was quite different from others
    (like Krull), and seemed quite original. It finished too quickly.
    
    I bet the people who wrote earlier didn't like Blade Runner either!
    
    The second movie was abysmal, It ruined the idea of the first movie
    too.
    
    Mark.

	In my opinion, it always ruins an idea like "Highlander" if you
	try to pin down what they are fighting about.

	There's a good analogy with life. "Why are we here?" "What's it
	all about?" "What are the rules?" "How do you win?" (in rough
	order of increasing callowness).

	Leave room for mystery.

	/Tom

RE: .21

>	There's a good analogy with life. "Why are we here?" "What's it
>	all about?" "What are the rules?" "How do you win?"

"And why is everyone wearing Digital watches?"

-- Ken Moreau
   (I know I should apologize for that, but I just couldn't help myself...)

    Did anyone see the show airing this past weekend?!
    
    What a totally twisted ending!!!!!!!!!!
    
    Spoilers....
    
    Last chance....
    
    Tessa shot dead!
    
    Richie an immortal!!
    
    Hearing "Kansas'" Dust in the Wind! 
    
    I assume that Richie became an immortal because, although shot, he did
    not stay dead.  But how or why did that happen?  Is it random?  Any
    ideas?
    
    Tricia

    spoilers
    
    They have been hinting all along that Richie is an immortal. When Richie
    was first introduced McCloud felt him around the shop. I guessed at
    that point he might be an immortal. A couple of times he mentioned that
    Mac should teach him to sword fight. Now Richie has been killed I
    imagine it is much easier to detect he is an immortal by another
    immortal. 
                 Jeff Peters

    This episode also opened up the possibility for another line of
    "villians".  The show would have grown old very quickly if all MacLoud
    did was fight other immortals (and there has to be a finite number of
    them as well).  Now there appears to be a group of people who are aware
    of the Immortals existence and want to wipe them out.

Aww well, hell!  I decided not to watch the episode, figuring that I'd just
catch it on the repeat.  Now, it looks like that was a poor choice.

Does anyone have this on tape?  I'd gladly pay the postage and return it
when I'm done...

-- Tony

re: .25

Actually, the season premiere revealed the existence of
a group of mortals trying to kill the immortals; Darius
was one of their victims.  Either that episode or the second one revealed 
the Watchers, who have been studying and tracking the immortals without 
trying to kill them.  If you observe the opening credits, the 
middle-aged man with the beard is the local head of the
Watchers.

These changes have made the show much more interesting.  It would
have been a boring formula show if they had stuck to the
new-evil-immortal-per-show mechanism (much as Time Trax seems
to have become).  They've also done an excellent job of killing
off a regular and a semi-regular -- most shows only do that after
TV guide reports on failed contract negotiations, with the
deaths being contrived or forced (as with Denise Crosby and Trek).

I'm afraid I missed most of the early episodes.  How did
Duncan meet Ritchie?

   Gary

    Richie was breaking into Duncan's antique shop....
    
    And there was an episode last season where Damius (sp?) Duncans priest
    friend was killed, that episode introduced the Watchers. I'm glad they
    are spicing the series up, but I wish they hadn't killed Tessa, I
    missed this latest episode and eagerly await watching it at a friends
    place who happen to tape it....
    
    MBH

    
    I'm furious to see Tessa gone, and I'm still VERY puzzled about Richie.
    I also thought the ending scene with Duncan in the antique store was
    extremely hokey. Moreover, I wondered why Duncan cried over Tessa but
    didn't even seem to care about Richie... I guess he knew that Richie
    was immortal and would be okay, but that didn't help his unknowing
    audience (moi!).
    
    Not to mention, as soon as the fortune teller asked why Duncan didn't
    call the police, I got pissed. Because he should have. Sure, it would
    have ruined the plot, but it also would have been the sensible thing to
    do.
    
    One big question *I* have... How come I've NEVER seen a female
    immortal??? What's the deal?

    re .29
    
    Oh, there are female immortals out there.  Take the episode in the
    circus for example.  They just don't seem to be too common.

RE: 29

Minor spoiler...

There was another episode where a woman "discovered" that she was immortal
when she fell to her death from a building and then recovered.  Mac befriended
her and tried to teach her some of the basic skills for surviving as an
immortal.  Turns out she had been an immortal for a long time and was just
after Mac's head.

Yes, it was quite a shock to see Tessa die, but it should open up the show a
bit.

One thing I especially like about the show is the flash backs.

-Patrick

    
    <spoilers>
    
    re: .29
    
    Duncan tends not to call the police because it could lead to answering
    a lot of difficult questions.  And, of course, there was the plot.
    
    I was watching it with some friends.  I suppose we should have known
    something bad was going to happen to Tessa as soon as we saw that
    flashback with the gypsy (named Carmen, for heaven's sake).  We were so
    busy hoping they were going to kill of Richie that we forgot about it
    and when Tessa took a bullet we all howled in surprise and dismay. 
    Richie becoming an immortal was just the frosting on the cake.
    
    I don't really have an objection to this happening.  After all,
    the essence of storytelling is change.  Having story lines other than
    the evil-immortal-of-the-week is definitely good, and I did think that
    the death of Darius fit very well indeed.  I disagree with a noter's
    earlier assertion that this was well handled.  The presence of the
    random punky carjacker seemed awfully contrived.  I think the same end
    could have been arrived at in a better fashion.  Albeit it was a little
    better than the death of Lt. Yar in Star Trek, TNG, but that's not
    saying much.
    
    Don't see how Richie's going to make it unless Duncan does a lot of
    nursemaiding.
    
    I wonder if the show's about to hit an "Incredible Hulk" phase, where
    Duncan travels for a while.  I'd certainly be hitting the road again if
    I were him after this.
    
    DFW

I started watching the show around episode 5 last season and have never seen
the first one (which, from what I've heard, tied together the first movie and
the show).

Can anyone who has seen the original episode summarize it here?

Thanks.

--Chris

    Re: .29
    
    >I wondered why Duncan cried over Tessa but didn't even seem to care 
    >about Richie
    
    I noticed that, but then, he wasn't deeply in love with Ritchie.
    
    Re: .32
    
    >as soon as we saw that flashback with the gypsy
    
    I missed that, too.  Although I did get the prickle of impending doom
    when Duncan sent them out to the car while he stayed behind.
    
    Re: opponents
    
    I've never understood why Duncan couldn't have ordinary mortal foes. 
    (The Watchers aren't what I consider ordinary.)
    
    Re: the pilot
    
    It's been a while, so I'm not sure the order is right, but the
    essentials are there.
    
    The original episode had Christopher Lambert as Connor MacLeod looking
    up his cousin Duncan, who had "retired" from the "game" for a time. 
    Connor essentially tells him that he's deluding himself.  Ritchie
    breaks into Duncan's shop intent on theft; Duncan thinks he's an
    immortal and draws his sword, but stops when Ritchie obviously thinks
    he's nuts.  A nasty immortal then arrives; he and Duncan duke it out
    for a while and Ritchie bails.  The nasty also leaves, being the kind
    who likes the drawn-out and torturous approach.
    
    Ritchie is arrested; Duncan refuses to press charges if he forgets
    about the swordplay.  Ritchie agrees.  I think this is when Connor
    shows up.  He wants the nasty guy, but Duncan argues that he's been
    challenged.  The nasty guy returns and threatens Tessa, but Duncan
    fights him off.  Eventually Connor goes out to meet the nasty guy on
    some bridge.  They fight.  Duncan realizes what Connor's done and goes
    after, trailed by Ritchie.  Connor is badly wounded and goes over the
    bridge.  Duncan arrives and defeats the nasty; Ritchie witnesses the
    quickening.  Then Duncan retrieves Connor, who asks him what he's going
    to do about the boy.  Duncan says he'll keep an eye on him.

    Caught a blurb about the next show to air...it went something like
    this:
    
    "An Irish Terrorist (Sheena Easton) swears vengeance on Richie after
    her husband is killed; so Duncan teaches him how to use a sword."
    
    Some thoughts to ponder (or answer if you are so inclined)...
    
    1)  Are people chosen to immortals at random, at birth?
    
    2)  Did Richie know he was an immortal before he "died" to prove it?
    
    3)  How does an immortal come by his/her sword?  Will any one do or
    must it have some significance to the bearer?
    
    4)  Why do rock stars keep showing up on this program?
    
    :-)
    Tricia

re: .34

Thanks.  Was this also the episode where Duncan met Tessa, as she
was working as a tour guide on a boat?  Or was that some other
woman?

re: .35

>    4)  Why do rock stars keep showing up on this program?
    
Because the soundtrack by Queen was one of the best parts
of the original movie?  and that encouraged rock fans to
watch both the movie and the series?

   Gary

   Based on the movie and series
    
    1)  Are people chosen to immortals at random, at birth?
        Immortal at birth.
    
    2)  Did Richie know he was an immortal before he "died" to prove it?
        No hint he knew but he did't seem suprised.
    
    3)  How does an immortal come by his/her sword?  Will any one do or
        must it have some significance to the bearer?
        Sword are usually from where you are born for sentimental and
        familiarity sake but any sword will do.
                    Jeff Peters 
    
    

        Spoilers, though none that are really new...
        
        I hadn't thought about the fact that Duncan seemed to sense
        Richie in the pilot or the fact that he told Connor he would
        look out for him. My tendency is to believe that tying those in
        to this weeks show are post hoc explanation, but it does tie in
        rather nicely. It all makes sense.
        
        I am still stunned over the loss of Tessa. She was a wonderful
        character, and I loved the chemistry between the two. Their
        relationship felt more authentic than a lot of what passes on TV
        these days.
        
        I was surprised earlier by the loss of Darius, and especially by
        his being killed by a mortal. After all, when they introduced
        him, he illustrated that killing a really powerful immortal has
        a profound affect on you. He went from General Darius, potential
        conquerer of much of Europe to Darius the priest due to the
        quickening when he slew a very old and powerful immortal 1500
        years ago. Darius was now one ofthe oldest and most powerful.
        "Wasting" all that certainly was a motive for the immortals to
        be up in arms over his death, but it was an unexpected plot
        element.
        
        Since the season opener I have been enjoying the notion of Jim
        Byrnes character--the scrupulous Watcher with a loose alliance
        with MacLeod--and hoping we weren't headed for a second "Run for
        your immortal life" series. I loved the Fugitive, but after a
        while the motif wore thin. The Immortal wasn't a bad show and it
        was based on a pretty good book, but it was the Nth variation of
        the life on the lam show. I also wouldn't want to see Byrnes
        going from being Vinnie's Lifeguard to Mac's Control. They seem
        to have danced away from that, though.
        
        Did you notice that Byrnes does the voice over for the opening
        credits? Or that the black gym owner is creditted as a regular?
        I doubt we've seen the last of the changes. It's been evolving
        for several episodes now: death of Darius, introduction of the
        Watchers, factionalization within the Watchers, intriduction of
        the gym/club and its owner, death of Tessa, immortalization of
        Richie...
        
        I liked the "Dust in the Wind" flashback scene. OK, it wasn't
        Queen, but with out Freddy, Queen isn't Queen. And besides, they
        aren't quite suited to the mood. Both Mac and the audience (or
        at least me) needed to mourn Tess. Their twelve years meant a
        lot to them, and their chemistry meant a lot to us.
        
        I agree, Duncan largely couldn't and certainly wouldn't call for
        the police. This is his problem, or his people's problem, and
        their secret is at the heart of what has happened. He must keep
        the secret and he does not rely on others to fight his battles.
        
        Although this does open up the possibilities to more plots that
        are not of the "evil immortal of the week" / highlander 1
        reprises, there have been some good shows already that broke
        that mold. There were the entire mortal bad guys who took over
        the court room, and the oriental immortal who was Mac's friend
        and "just got carried away" with his researches.
        
        As to the questions:
        
            1) I believe immortals are born that way.
            2) I believe Richie didn't know he was an immortal and
               that the Macleods suspected taht he was. (They may
               not have when the earlier episodes were scripted but
               as of now did.)
            3) The Highlander crew of immortals have swords gotten
               from their mentors or with other signifigant history.
               Bothe MacLeods have ancient Japanese blades. (The
               third movie was at one time a time travel story with
               Connor and Ramirez (Is that Connory's character's
               name?) going back to meet the maker of his sword.
        
        JimB.   

    Re: .36
    
    >Was this also the episode where Duncan met Tessa, as she was working 
    >as a tour guide on a boat?
    
    No, they showed the meeting as a flashback in another episode.

    Re: .38
    
    Guess I'll do the spoiler thing, to be consistent.
    
    
    
    >She was a wonderful character, and I loved the chemistry between 
    >the two.
    
    I liked Tessa, but lately I think they ran out of ideas for her.  They
    were falling into the "hero's girlfriend as bait" trap.
    
    >he illustrated that killing a really powerful immortal has a profound 
    >affect on you
    
    Actually, that was speculation on the character's parts.  After all,
    Duncan didn't go evil after killing the ancient baddie (as they feared
    he might).

    Any current info on the 3rd Highlander movie? A couple of notes back
    someone mentioned it, did I miss it at the theater, or is it already in
    video, or ?
    
    Michael
    
    

        I mentioned it. About a year or two ago it was a fairly vital
        project. They had a rough script at least and new who'd be in
        it. I haven't heard anything since then. Given how badly (and
        deservedly so) the second movie did, I wouldn't be surprised if
        the project died. On the other hand the series is doing pretty
        well in a couple of countries, I'm told, so maybe that will spur
        things on.
        
        Oh, someone asked a while back how the series relates to the two
        movies... I think they are completely ignoring the whole of the
        second movie and just a bit of the first. Byrnes' character, I
        think it was, was showing MacLeod the information on the Kirgan,
        who was killed by Connor eight years ago. Well, in the first
        movie Connor did kill him, but at the time they were the last
        two immortals left. It was the "in the end there can be only
        one" fight. So, by the history of the TV series, the Gathering
        started something like 8-10 years ago and is on-going. The
        fights in the first movie weren't the last great battles, but
        just the first battles of the Gathering. At least that's my
        reading of it.
        
        JimB.

    My wife works at a video store. So I get a look at new movies if I am
    quick. I missed it coming out but in the store they have Highlander
    the Gathering. It stars both Lambert and Adrein (the TV highlander)
    and Vanity. Based on the description on the back of the movie it is 
    or takes scenes from the TV episode with Vanity. 
                       Jeff Peters

        RE: 1140.43
        
        The Gathering was the title of the TV pilot and it starred
        Adrian Paul and Christoper Lambert. It sounds to me as if they
        combined the pilot with Revenge is Sweet which guest-starred
        Vanity. That'd make it a "new movie" only in the same sense as
        they many episode compilations that are put out for video and
        cable.
        
        RE: Women immortals
        
        I was going back through the episode guide, and it seems to me
        that I recall a fourth (three last season, and one this) one not
        listed there. Wasn't the circus gal an immortal? I don't recall
        either her name or that of the episode, but I don't recognize
        any of the episodes listed as the one she was in.
        
        JimB.

    
    could someone explain how tessa died?  i think i had that episode on
    but was being distracted by the phone through most of it.
    
    any ideas why she was actually killed off? does she have another
    project she wanted to work on?  did the producers decide she was no
    longer effective as a character??? etc?
    

The explanation (unverified) on Usenet is that the actress wanted to move 
on.

I don't believe that a written description of how she died could
do it justice.  It was NOT in a manner that one might predict from
the way the show usually goes.  

You'll either think it was well-done and deeply moving, or cheap and 
unfair to the viewer.  Watch it when it reruns, and decide
for yourself.

   Gary

        I have to agree with Gary. This is one of those times when your
        theory of art is important. In many ways, the way it was handled
        is very realistic. The death and violence were senseless and ran
        counter to the plot. Life's like that. Some things don't fit
        nicely into the way that the story "ought to go". BUT to do that
        you have to do violence to the plot. This may easily look cheap
        and like bad or sloppy scripting.
        
        As a fan, the radical change and loss troubled and annoy me. I
        really liked the characters. They were familiar, appealling and
        interesting. On the other hand, I was in the camp that was
        deeply moved by it. I really felt the loss. That they could do
        that is something I admire. I could see where the loss could
        ruin the show for some, or where how well it was done could
        reinforce how much you like it.
        
        I was looking over the episode guide. (It seems to me, by the
        way, that there's at least one missing episode. Which was the
        one with the couple who were circus performers?) In the first
        half dozen shows they managed very well not to fall into a rut.
        There were shows with mortal villains (the doctor and the
        escaped crooks), or with misguided but not evil immortal
        opponents for MacLeod (his old oriental friend) and so on. But
        at the end of the year the setup seemed to be hemming them in
        some. The new changes have opened up the possibilities some.
        Perhaps that was the main reason behind even the loss of Tessa.
        
        I will note that they are now short of female regulars. I hope
        that that changes. If they pick up another mortal female,
        though, it will be very hard to avoid the woman-in-jep and
        girl-as-bait traps. Perhaps they need a female immortal regular,
        to tie two recent themes here together. And she needn't be Mac's
        "new girl". They could have a more complex relationship. I found
        myself vaguely suspecting that they'd do that with Sheena
        Easton's character, except that it seemed highly unlikey that
        she'd be available.
        
        JimB.

    
    ah... i see now i believe why it was referred to as 'worse than the
    death of tasha yar'.  (though i applauded at that one :') ).  I guess
    I'll wait for the rerun.  I watched the episode with sheena and they
    kept hinting at something that happened to tessa.  the hints pointed
    toward her death, but i just kept saying 'nah! they COULDNT Do THAT!!!'
    until it was out and out mentioned.  as far as ritchie becoming an
    immortal.  im not sure how i feel about that.  i never really liked his
    character to begin with, but he served a purpose.  i guess i'll just
    wait and see where this is going...
    
    cheers, rob
    

    
    Here's a reason they don't have enemies that are mortal as often.  They
    don't seem to be able to know how to make the immortal characters deal
    with them.  This week's episode was the most poorly written this
    season, if not ever.
    
    First the immortals are stupid.
    Then the mortals are stupid.
    
    *Sigh*
    
    DFW

        Yuh. If Mac was ever as dumb in front of an immortal as he was
        this week, there wouldn't be anything but flashbacks in the
        show. Out cold twice in one show?! Sheesh!
        
        JimB.

RE: last couple

I think Mac displays a certain arrogance when he's dealing with mortals
'cause he knows it is unlikely that they can really hurt him. Unless they're
bad Watchers, they probably wouldn't know his secret.  Not to say that I 
particularly enjoyed the last episode, but even if he's shot "dead", he can
use it to great advantage later, like in the episode where Tessa and Richie
were taken hostage in a bank heist gone bad.  Of course, you have to kill
everyone who learns your secret.

-Patrick

        While I will rag on how stupid he was to get bonked twice in one
        show, it is understandable that he's not in top form just yet
        and I didn't really dislike the episode all that much. It's part
        of the illumination of the changes in Mac's life and all the new
        relationships. I really like the way things are going bewteen
        Duncan and Dawson, and could get fond of Charley. Richie's never
        been at the top or the bottom of my list, but I liked last
        week's handling of him and rather missed him this week, which I
        wouldn't have before.
        
        JimB.

    
    	I liked this week's show a LOT. McCloud didn't have sex with anyone,
    	his life wasn't threatened, the topic was interesting, and we
    	got to see more of the gym owner! (Supposedly a continuing
    	character!)
    
    	Two thumbs up.

    Re: .54
    
    >McCloud didn't have sex with anyone
    
    Yes, that was my great foreboding of doom -- that now we'd get into the
    "female guest star of the week" syndrome.  I didn't mind in the episode
    with Sheena Easton; they had a history, they were both grieving.  But
    why Amanda?  He didn't trust her, didn't seem to like much.  I can't
    imagine being with her made him feel less lonely.

            "I didn't mind in the episode with Sheena Easton; they
            had a history, they were both grieving.  But why Amanda?"
        
        Beacuse they had a history and they weren't both grieving?
        
        To my eye, it looked even more natural with Amanda, given their
        history than with Annie (plus or minus the appeal of Sheena
        Easton as a bed partner which does have certain points). It's
        probably just me, but grieving or rebounding women may be people
        I want to comfort, but it has never been a big impetus to
        passion for me.
        
        On the other hand, from both episodes it has seemed to me that
        MacLeod and Amanda have a pretty rich, if a bit conflicted,
        relationship, that he finds her irresistable no matter how much
        sense it would make to resist her. They bicker like siblings or
        ex-lovers (or many married couples as well, I suppose). His
        barbs at her feel like they are as much to remind him how much
        trouble she is as they are directed to her. That he is fully
        resolved to se her on her way quickly and to not believe her and
        that that resolve never faulters right up to the point where
        they are in bed felt authentic to me.
        
        And how could he possibly feel lonely with Amanda around? Feel
        like being alone, maybe, but near her he'd never have a moment
        to feel lonely. That's much too quiet a state.
        
        JimB.

    
    finally caught the season opener.  man....  what a bummer.  great
    soundtrack though!  :')
    

        "Darkness" wasn't actually the season opener, but something like
        the fourth or fifth episode, actually. The first one of the
        season was when they moved back to Seacouver from Paris and
        Duncan met Joe Dawson, the Good Watcher. They spent a bit
        building up the whole Watcher mythos befor dropping the bomb at
        the end of Darkness.
        
        New first-run episodes should start this weekend.
        
        JimB.

    
    ah thats right....  i did see that one...
    

    There was a new highlander the watchers are back but no Richie. It was 
    a good show. It protrayed the disillusionment of the black movement. 
    Starting at post world war I, a high point in spirit in the balck
    movement, and showed how in the last few years how it has slowed.
                     Jeff Peters                                       

Actually it was a repeat.  Was still a good episode in my opinion though.
I believe the new shows start this upcoming weekend.

Shane

    
    i really like the direction they are heading with this show. 
    especially the episode before last when he sent ritchie on his way. 
    this first time i saw it, i missed the tear roll down his face when
    ritchie asked if they would ever fight.  it made all the difference in
    the world to that ending.
    
    this last episode i was sure they were going to kill off charlie.
    this dawson thing is very interesting too.  duncan is losing all his
    friends and alienating everybody around him...  for good reasons, but
    still kind of unnerving.
    

I kind-of like what they've been doing.  I agree that the move to get rid
of Ritchie was a good one and they did it well.  As for the current 2-parter,
if they kill off Charlie, then I think they will have screwed up.  They've
had all kinds of characters killed off since the beginning of this season,
and it's beginning to get a bit routine.  I'm hoping he survives, just for
a little bit of continuity.

All in all, though, they're keeping the show fresh and keeping the viewers
guessing.  "The next time we meet will be the last."  What?  How?!?  This
could be interesting - Duncan hunts down all the watchers. :-)

--Chris

When Tessa was killed off, the actress no longer
received an opening credit.  The actor who plays
Richie still did.  So they'll probably bring him
back at some point.

I believe they've been struggling with a fair bit
of negative reaction to Richie (the character was
a jerk).  Yet they now have this wonderful 
opportunity to show him maturing and changing in
interesting ways.  They just need to do it 
slowly, so as not to stress our ability to 
suspend disbelief, and not to totally offend the
viewers who disliked him.  Overall I'm pleased 
that they don't rush into obvious directions.

One thing about immortals that some viewers
may have forgotten (or missed):  The Quickening
(when one immortal slays another) can affect the
personality of the surviving immortal.  The
extreme example of this is Darius, who had been
a great general, and took up a life of peace and
solitude after slaying another immortal who had been
trying to make peace with Darius the General.  So don't
be suprised if Richie, having slain Maco, becomes a 
law and order fanatic.

   Gary

One thing about immortals that some viewers
�may have forgotten (or missed):  The Quickening
�(when one immortal slays another) can affect the
�personality of the surviving immortal.  The
�extreme example of this is Darius, who had been
�a great general, and took up a life of peace and
�solitude after slaying another immortal who had been
�trying to make peace with Darius the General.  So don't
�be suprised if Richie, having slain Maco, becomes a 
�law and order fanatic.
    
    I remember this being an issue when MacLeod was going to do battle with
    another immortal who was much older and was quite evil.  So far it
    hasn't effected him.  I also haven't seen any evidence yet of a split
    personality after he killed his friend the doctor.

    I was going to get really annoyed, but Charlie's alive.  However, the
    ending didn't make it clear if MacLeod will stay in Paris.  Maurice is
    a hoot; the timing of his appearance was excellent.
    
    I'm beginning to wonder if Horton is some new kind of immortal, though. 
    That kind of made the whole two-parter gratuitous.  I say show us
    several episodes where he's a factor, develop the Holmes-Moriarty great
    archenemy scenario, and _then_ have the confrontation.
    
    Too bad about Roland Gift, he was fun to watch.

    I don't think Horton's an immortal. He would have been felt long ago.
    I just think he had a bulit proff vest on when he was shot. He jumped
    into the river. I think he knew he was going to survive and want an
    escape route.
                           Jeff Peters  

    I thought Horton (he's the nasty mortal, right?) was run through with
    a sword.  I surprised he wasn't beheaded, just to make absolutely sure
    he was dead.  But then again, I could never figure out why characters
    like Jason, especially AFTER they resurrected, weren't fed through a
    tree chipper...
    
    					andrew

Horton was run through with a sword by Duncan at the beginning of a season.
It the latest two parter Dawson said he rushed Horton to the hospital and 
saved his life.  So he came back in this two-parter and in the second part
Dawson apparently shot him while he was making his getaway on a boat.  He
fell in the water and Duncan again presumed he was dead.  However at the end
of the episode we see him standing in the woods watching Duncan.
Big debate now is how he survived.  Did Dawson really shoot him or what?

Shane

Yeah...he shot him (I think).  My guess is Horton had a bulletproof vest
on.  Horton had not been planning on leaving the building at that time 
(the unexpected arrival of Duncan caused that), so I kinda doubt the 
shooting was staged.

--Chris

    Re: .66
    
    >I don't think Horton's an immortal.
    
    I don't think so either.  I'm just tired of him not dying.  Either
    finish him off or have him get away, but get rid of the hoky
    he's-not-REALLY-dead stuff.  If they do it again, I'm going to be
    extremely annoyed.  Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on
    me.  If Duncan doesn't hack him into tiny pieces, douse them with acid
    and burn them next time, then LET Horton have his head, for all I care.

    Agreed -- personally, I prefer the chipper idea...

    Has anyone else noticed that Duncan seems to be learning to control the
    power of the Quickening.
      It used to be that immortals were tossed about helplessly during the
    Quickening,but about four weeks ago that began to subtly change for
    Duncan.He was forced to kill an old friend, a boxing trainer. After the
    fight,he picked up his opponents sword,dropped to his knees,crossed the
    two blades and remained still during the Quickening.
      When he killed Xavier the change was more noticable.He twice looked
    at one of the two blades he was holding,and the power would focus on
    that blade.He once looked at his sword,then in the direction it was
    pointing. The lightning left the sword in a straight line and blasted
    out a window.Duncan then,forced the tips of both blades to touch the
    ground and the Quickening ended.
      During last nights show,"The Vampire",he again seemed,first to
    control,and then to ground out the power.
      Growing control over all the power he's gained over the centuries
    open the door to a lot of new story lines.Of course, they would have to
    be handled pretty carefully, to avoid harming an already facinating
    show.

    Wonder how long they'll stay in Paris this time.  I miss Charlie.

Judging by the opening credits, Charlie is gone.  Richie, Dawson, and the
amusing chef from the neighboring barge are the only ones left in the credits
(in addition, of course, to Duncan).

I believe they're following the same routine as they did for the first season:
half a season based in Vancouver, half a season based in Paris.  I wonder if 
it makes it easier for them to get into the European market (especially 
France), though I imagine they still need to dub.

  Gary

I was told that Highlander is scheduled to do half a years show's in Vancouver
and the other half in Paris.  Forget if I was given a reason.  This is one of
the reasons why Tessa (Alexandra Vandernoot (sp?)) left the show.

I was also told that Ritchie would be back for the last few shows.  Don't know 
about Charlie although I know I'll be upset if they leave that plot line
hanging.

Shane

    Highlander is a joint Canadian/French production.  That's why half the
    shows are shot in Vancover and the rest in France.
    
    Gita

Anyone know when we're going to get any new episodes?


Randy

    We know their sets weren't damaged in the California earthquakes....

    
    The best info I have calls for two or three more weeks of reruns.
    
    DFW

According to schedules in the internet newsgroup, there are to be two or
three more repeats and then 5 new episodes, followed by more repeats.

--Chris

    The last two episodes were new:  "Pharoah's Daughter" and "Legacy".
    The next three episodes are new and then we're back to repeats.
    
    Gita

    How the heck does a 2000 year old Egyptian wake up knowing how to speak
    and understand modern english?

    I had trouble with her speaking English myself. I would think at best
    she would speak Latin and Egyptian, and Duncan probably understands
    some Latin. Otherwise, I thought the episode was amusing but not great.
    
    I thought this week's was better. Amanda is getting to be a fairly
    complex character.
    
    Neil

This week's episode was the first I've seen in a long time that I liked. 

I'm still curious about the crystals...what's the deal with those? Will we now
be seeing Immortals searching for the crystals?

And...is Amanda to be the "Tessa" replacement?

cheers,

joan

    Re:  Egyptians and English
    
    That was a major glitch, but I guess it was just too complex for them
    to find a way to handle gracefully, so they pretended it didn't exist.
    
    Re: Amanda
    
    I think she's better as a guest star, even semi-regular.  I'm curious,
    though; she's some 800 years older than Duncan, so how come he's the
    better fighter?  (Well, besides "because he's the star.")
    
    It's not for sure we'll have crystal hunters, or whether the crystals
    would amount to anything if found.  It's something they can ignore or
    develop as they choose -- which is good strategy on their part.
    
    I really like this business of flashing back for other immortals.  I
    guess they realized that Duncan can have had only so many past lives.

    She's an OK guest star (Amanda) but she struck me as fairly
    ineffectual for an old-timer.  I know Duncan's the star, but geez, 
    for once I wish he wasn't the hero all the time.  I dunno, if he's 
    getting all these Quickenings, I'd get a little worried if I was another 
    immortal (hard to believe they're all entirely so selfless they don't 
    worry about one of the other ones around--and there does seem to be a 
    lot, doesn't there?--getting too powerful.  There *is* supposed to be an 
    end to all this and like Amanda said, you can't help but be a little 
    attached to yourself after all these years.).
    
    I think I'd like it better if Duncan was faced with what seemed to be a
    real threat.  Even when he got run through by what's her name, he still
    apparantly was OK enough to cut off her head (via her knees, it
    appeared :).   Yes, he's the star of the show and yeah, I suppose fans
    don't wanna see Duncan get kilt, but I'd like something to pose a real,
    serious threat to him.  Maybe even last more than one episode.  Maybe
    something or someone who, when the show finally wraps up, has an end
    all be all fight with our hero (who will, of course, win, unless we
    want to bum out all of syndication).   
    
    But then again, I'm a real fan of menacing, mean, manipulative and
    dangerous enemies who put the V in Villian and give our heros a real
    run for the money.  And alas, I'm not writing the show.  Which really
    is, all told, not a bad hour of TV.    
    
    
    Cheers,
    
    kim
    

    re -.1
     You seem to forget about The lead singer of Fine Young Canabals. He
    was mean manipulative and when he join up with the leader of the 
    watchers a real threat to Duncan.
                       Jeff Peters 

    re .-3
    
    There are at least two reasons that Duncan was a better fighter in this 
    episode. First, he is bigger and stronger. Most people who have studied
    Martial arts will acknowledge that given two people of approximately 
    equal skill, the bigger/stronger one will prevail. ( I'm assuming here
    that Amanda is only slightly more skilled).
    
    Second and most important, Amanda and Whats-his-name were both trained
    by Rebecca, whereas Duncan was trained by someone else and thus had the
    element of surprise. Amanda's best moves were already known and could
    be anticipated by what's-his-name, but not Duncan's.
    
    Neil

    re -.4
    
    Another reason is duncan is a warrior. He trains in all form of 
    martial arts armed and unarmed all his life. His favorite job is
    soldier or weapons maker. Amanda is a thief she has studied her
    whole life to steal. Being a good professional theif requires an
    enormous amount of study ie alarm systems, lock technology, and
    stealth technology. Simply Amanda doesn't make her living fighting 
    duncan does. She won't be as good as a specialist.
                  Jeff Peters
    

Something else to consider, is if you've been doing a certain thing (i.e.
sword fighting) for four hundred years, how much better would you be with an
additional eight hundred years of experience?  Sure, Duncan and Amanda are
immortal, but their human bodies/minds have finite limits.  I've seen nothing
in the series to suggest otherwise.

Just thinking out loud... (so to speak)  (or write)  (or whatever...)

-Patrick

    Yeah, well for a professional, she didn't do all so hot of a job
    "stealing" the little bag out of Duncan's box, eh?  I expected Bugs
    Bunny "sneaky" music to play while she tip toed across the floor. :)
    
    
    kim

    I consider that a contrivance of the writers and director, rather than
    something "organic" to the character.

    
        I agree with .90 on the swordsmanship question. Few of the other
    Immortals seem to have spent the time Duncan has on the battlefield.
    Almost every flashback of Duncan shows him in a different uniform.
        When they first met during a battle, Darius criticised him saying,
    "You shouldn't be here, this isn't your fight". To which Duncan
    replied,"I was raised a warrior, it's all I know".(or words to that
    effect)
        I think it was soon after this meeting that began learning more
    of his fighting skills in schools and dojos rather than as an aimless
    mercenary.
                 Dave
     
    
    

    Tonights episode was pretty good, but I didn't recognize the baddie.
    The voiceover before the show started said that Duncan's new woman
    looked very much like Tess and he "may lose his head over it." The
    thing is, she was a police officer and they didn't really hit it off
    that well. There was enough tension that they might, though.
    
    The big news is that I went to see "The Crow" today and they had the
    spoiler for "Highlander 3".  It looks pretty good, I think they just
    *may* have seen the error of their ways with H2. Coming in the next
    couple of months I think.

    Who let Richie back?  Before he was immortal, he had a little variety,
    but now his role seems limited to being incredibly and willfully stupid.  
    It gets old fast.  Somebody take his head already.

    
    The fans, unlikely as it seems.  That's why we're ending up with a fake
    Tessa, too.
    
    DFW

         Richie was never taken out of the credits, so it looks as though
    they always planned to bring him back as a semi-regular. But Duncan 
    only gave him permission to hang around when he was in Paris, and he
    hasn't been in every episode so far. So we will probably only have to
    put up with him for about four shows a season.
                                               Dave
    

    Is there a current tv episode listing for the 1st and 2nd seasons?
    I've missed about half of the 2nd season and would hate to waste video
    tape by constantly rerecording over the same section of tape.
    
    Thanks,
    
    Jeff
    

Re: 94

	Highlander 3: The Sorceror is suppose to take place right after
Lambert's character sliced and diced his archenemy. Not twenty or thirty years
after (Highlander 2) but more like a few years later. It seems that a few
Highlanders (the main character- Mario Van Peeples) were frozen in the Arctic
ice and finally thawed out for another movie.

To me, it looks like the makers of Highlander want the audience to forget that
Highlander 2 ever happened. I'm not saying that I don't like Highlander 2 but a
whole planet of Highlanders? I.... don't think so.

/Tv