S02Ep06 "Fury": I suspect that a better title would have been "Bloodlust" (especially given the story told in the closing scenes). This episode definitely ramps up the "sword" part of our "sword and sorcery" theme.
Our quartet happens upon a village settlement of peaceful people known as "Minders", who have been dispossessed of their real village by "slavers", who have been emboldened by the fall of Darken Rahl (back in Season One). Richard teaches some of them to fight, but his Seeker Sword (which as Zedd knows is designed to enhance the Seeker's strength in battle) actually glows - this only happens when the Seeker is enraged (not a good sign!) and leads to Cara being harmed as Richard resists the calming influence of his compatriots.
Meantime, Zedd has discovered the legacy of Canton Rahl and an interesting chemistry lesson ensues, followed by a history lesson for good measure - all enjoyable hokum. We learn an important lesson in arms control, together with the possibility of achieving peace with a bluff. The scenes are surprisingly well-acted and, once again, all lines are delivered straight-faced and earnestly - a testament to the professionalism of the actors and actresses involved.
Once more, the episode features almost cartoon-like levels of "impact-free" violence - we have characters being slashed with a sword and showing no signs of damage as they "die". All the characters put their hearts into the performances - with good portrayals of "blood lust" as the costume and effects teams slowly splash increasing amounts of "blood and gore" onto them. Six episodes down, 16 to go in Season Two; I am enjoying this.
Our quartet happens upon a village settlement of peaceful people known as "Minders", who have been dispossessed of their real village by "slavers", who have been emboldened by the fall of Darken Rahl (back in Season One). Richard teaches some of them to fight, but his Seeker Sword (which as Zedd knows is designed to enhance the Seeker's strength in battle) actually glows - this only happens when the Seeker is enraged (not a good sign!) and leads to Cara being harmed as Richard resists the calming influence of his compatriots.
Meantime, Zedd has discovered the legacy of Canton Rahl and an interesting chemistry lesson ensues, followed by a history lesson for good measure - all enjoyable hokum. We learn an important lesson in arms control, together with the possibility of achieving peace with a bluff. The scenes are surprisingly well-acted and, once again, all lines are delivered straight-faced and earnestly - a testament to the professionalism of the actors and actresses involved.
Once more, the episode features almost cartoon-like levels of "impact-free" violence - we have characters being slashed with a sword and showing no signs of damage as they "die". All the characters put their hearts into the performances - with good portrayals of "blood lust" as the costume and effects teams slowly splash increasing amounts of "blood and gore" onto them. Six episodes down, 16 to go in Season Two; I am enjoying this.
