1.03 – Bounty – Legend of the Seeker Review

Posted by Samuel Walters

seeker-103-bounty

“Bounty” is an episode which is designed to expand the canvass of the Legend of the Seeker series, as Richard and his comrades venture further into the “Midlands” in search of their arch-enemy, Darken Rahl. Of course, such a climactic battle is likely to occur in the distant future and so this episode needs to find another way to drum up conflict and danger for our heroes. Enter the bounty hunters. In this story, Charles is relentlessly pursued by these hunters while, at the same time, trying to save a young woman’s younger brother from the clutches of the D’Haran soldiers under the command of Darken Rahl. For the most part, the episode is smoothly (though not perfectly) paced, filled with plenty of action, and rather entertaining. The series certainly isn’t operating at a very high level, however, it is certainly ahead of the curve.

The key plot point to this episode is the ability for a map maker to use Richard’s pendant in order to create a map which would lead bounty hunters directly to Richard’s location. Think of it as something like a highly specialized Marauder’s Map. That Richard lost his pendant to begin with is just a little too much of a contrivance, but it isn’t likely to be enough to throw the rest of the episode off of its stride. In fact, the ability for these bounty hunters to be in town and then next to Richard within the span of one scene is more jarring and seems to be more about narrative expediency than actual story or plot.

That being said, the ability for these bounty hunters to so easily track and catch up to Richard, Kahlan and Zedd means that there is a never ending stream of action to be had. Once again, however, the over-reliance on slow motion in these sequences proves distracting and it greatly detracts from the episode. It’s a bit like someone trying to turn swords and crossbows into the Matrix. The result is simply disingenuous.

The episode’s strength comes from some of the banter between Kahlan and Richard about helping the young woman save her brother. Kahlan is adamant that they not help the woman because to do so might prove too dangerous. Richard is, afterall, the Seeker and his safety is paramount. Richard, on the other hand, seems determined to use his newfound power and prowess to do good, no matter where he goes. That the woman turns out to double-cross Kahlan and Richard would only seem to reinforce Kahlan’s worries. But Richard uses the whole scenario as a way to try and inspire some hope and optimism in the people of the Midlands.

This decision by Richard is the most interesting element in the whole episode. With bounty hunters all around him, with even regular citizens willing to turn him in to save their own skins (or turn a profit), Richard still shows a capacity for generosity and selflessness. It’s another step that he takes on his journey to becoming a true hero. And indeed, his efforts finally win over the young woman as an ally. In one of the episode’s final scenes, she enters a local tavern and gives a heartfelt speech in defense of Richard – explaining that he is, indeed, on their side.

Acts of kindness sometimes have ways of being rewarded several times over.

Overall Grade: B-

“Bounty” successfully expands the map (pun intended) of The Legend of the Seeker series. There are still a number of issues that the series will need to work through before it really turns the corner and establishes its own identity. But the pieces certainly are in place. And there are some interesting developments which, predictable though they may be, are certainly entertaining. As a case in point, the episode ends with Zedd using the ink from the bounty hunters’ maps and “rebuilding” the pendant that Richard originally lost.

Topics: Fantasy, TV Reviews
Filed under: Legend of the Seeker