2.03 – Broken – Legend of the Seeker Review

Posted by Samuel Walters

“Broken” is a necessary episode for Legend of the Seeker. It explores the order of the Mord’Sith and, as such, provides some important exposition regarding the history of the newest member of the Seeker’s party: Cara. More than anything, this is an episode about character – about how and why Cara has become who she is. It’s important to note, though, that even before this episode, she has made her decision to ally herself with Richard and his quest. The end result is a character who gets a close, brutally honest, look at her past … which merely reinforces the choices she has already made.

When the episode begins, Cara “confesses” to Kahlan that she was responsible for the death of Kahlan’s sister. It’s an important point, not only reinforcing Kahlan’s natural distrust of Cara, but also creating a legitimate point of hatred. After Richard sends Cara away, to protect her from Kahlan’s blood rage, Cara is captured – by her brother-in-law, no less. That Cara would choose to return to her childhood home is indicative of the lingering psychological repercussions of her “training” as a Mord’Sith. Of course, Richard, Kahlan and Zedd soon learn about the capture — the villagers want Cara to be “executed by confession” and it’s up to Richard to convince Kahlan that Cara’s past was not of her own choosing — and, more importantly, her present and future represent a real choice of character.

As one would expect, the job is easier said than done, and Richard’s efforts seem to fall short when Cara seems entirely without remorse for her life as a Mord’Sith. Things get worse when she admits that she murdered her own father … willingly, no less. Unspoken throughout all of this, though, is the heavy psychological conditioning inflicted upon her as a young girl. And when it is revealed that her father was a truly honorable man — and not the coward the Mord’Sith portrayed him to be — Cara finally confronts her actions and finally feels remorse.

The means by which the story evolves are solid, if not altogether inspiring. In fact, the episode seems more about exposition than crafting a truly compelling story. Still the entire production is solid, with a briskly paced plot and good, if not great, character moments. In fact, Kahlan’s eventual change of heart about Cara merely underscores the central message of the episode: The past matters less than the choices of the present. Redemption, even salvation, are still possible, if we make the right choices. That’s what Cara’s life represents, and that’s what Kahlan’s choice nicely reinforces.

Overall Grade: B

On the balance, “Broken” is a classic episode — but not one that really rises above its subject matter. There certainly was the potential for this, given the episode’s central theme of redemption. But even so, there’s much more to like here than can be criticized. And the series continues its much more mature, nuanced approach.

Rating: 3.0/5 (2 votes cast)

Rating: +3 (from 3 votes)

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