'Legend of the Seeker'

The mythical world presented in the new epic series “Legend of the Seeker” may be just a product of imagination. But the main plot and the subjects revolving around it create a picture of the real world we have now, though probably in different forms.

The two-episode premiere (shown to media scribes via the fresh-looking mini-theater in Solar Entertainment office in Makati) allows one to connect it to the current political scenario in the country where people are out looking for that one person who can save the nation from a bad state or as most in the political arena clamoring for change believe so.

In the TV series, there is the Seeker named Richard Cypher (played by Craig Horner) who is destined to challenge the evil reign of Darken Rahl (Craig Parker) as mister villain expands his empire beyond his homeland D’ Hara and into the so-called Midlands. People like Senator Noynoy Aquino, who is egged by the “yellow army” to run for president next year, would easily find their connection to the Seeker and be inspired by the latter’s journey. The fact that the hero’s portrayal is likable enough should make it easier for them to relate with him.

The dark leader not necessarily mirrors the image of anybody in today’s Philippine society but serves more as the symbol of everything negative that’s presently gripping this nation of 92 million.

Based on Terry Goodkind’s fantasy series “The Sword of Truth,” “Legend of the Seeker” is a fast-paced, action-packed TV offering from producer San Raimi and the creative group behind “Xena: The Warrior Princess.” This time, the story circulates around the young man prophetically picked to end an evil reign. He was actually a survivor of a widespread massacre that stemmed from an order to kill babies to prevent the rise of the Seeker.

Other key characters are Kahlan Amnell (Bridget Regan), the beautiful Confessor whose mission is to find the Seeker, Zeddicus Z’ul Zorander (Bruce Spence), a wise and powerful wizard who hid Richard from the dark forces, and Chase Brandstone (Jay Lagaaia) who is Richard’s closest friend.

In the opening sequence, a magical barrier was first shown separating two places. The barrier separates Westland from the Midlands to stop magical forces from transferring regions. Confessors, where the lovely Kahlan belongs, oversee the welfare of those from Midlands while on the other side called D’ Hara, Darken Rahl (played effectively by Parker) rules.

The two-hour “Legend of the Seeker” premiere airs today, Sept. 9, at 10 p.m., on SCI-FI channel (Sky Cable channel 33 and Global Destiny Cable channel 93).