The Most Epic Fantasy and Sci-Fi Website

The Shannara Chronicles "S1E1&2 - Chosen" - Review: A fantatstic new fantasy


The Shannara Chronicles "S1E1&2 - Chosen" - Review: A fantatstic new fantasy
8 out of 10

A ten-episode fantasy series...... does that sound familiar? While they say imitation is the highest form of flattery, there’s no doubting here that MTV Productions are  trying to capitalize on the pop culture dominating popularity that Game of Thrones has developed with their new show. That doesn’t mean the results will be a mere knock off. It all depends on one simple question. Are they more concerned over leeching cash from another fandom or over-telling their own story (the Shannara novelizations of Terry Brooks)? Thankfully, The Shannara Chronicles makes it clear right from the start, it’s definitely the latter. This could be the beginning of a truly wonderful fantasy series from this impressive double episode debut.

Chosen – After becoming the first female servant of Ellcrys in Elf history, princess Amberele recieves visions of future that the demons will return destroy The Four Lands. This summons the last druid Allanon into action to seek out the humble half-elf Wil, the last son of Shannara and their only hope of stopping the demons.

For those that thought Shannara was really the name of an Aussi super model, its adventures take place in a post-apocalyptic fantasy setting. Modern civilization as we know it was destroyed long ago in a chemical and nuclear holocaust called “The Great Wars”, and slowly over time, a new world formed, known as The Four Lands, based around more primitive technology and the newly-emerged powers of magic. This is stunning showcased in the episode’s opening moments as we track through ruined cities overgrown with lush greenery before passing the gorgeously rendered and elaborate elf kingdom. Breathtaking visuals continue to be a running theme, implying that a great deal of effort has gone into world creation. The series was filmed in Auckland, New Zealand, so there’s no shortage of natural beauty and spectacular scenery on show, yet thankfully the show doesn’t feel like it’s been dropped into Middle-Earth. It very much has its own identity.

 

Much of the first double debut takes the expected road of introducing the main characters and slowly bringing many together for the start of their quest and to pledge us the looming big bad. However, unlike some shows that turn this into a lecture of exposition, Shannara manages to make it fun and entetertaining. The best example is our introduction of Elf society via early gauntlet race, a great twist on a standard cross country run through woods as all competitors are blindfolded and have their arms bound behind them. Suddenly, every tree and branch becomes a weapon as all involved attempt to take each other out in a thrilling sequence that also pledges us the competence of our lead protagonist, Amberele (Poppy Drayton – When Calls the Heart) as she becomes the first female elf in their history to become on the 7 race winners known as the chosen. However, the best entrance and the most immediately interesting character comes from Manu Bennett’s (Spartacus, Arrow) legendary druid Allanon, who’s lost none of his charm and presence from his recent popuar roles. The early worry is our principle reluctant hero, Wil (Austin Butler – Switched at Birth, The Carrie Diaries). In his early origins scenes, he feels awkward and even annoying but once paired with other characters, immediately works better as part of a balanced dynamic or relationship. This is especially true when he’s rescued by the world hardened Eretria (Ivana Baquero – Pan’s Labyrinth, Another Me) who impresses with her early scenes and looks set to become the lovable side switching rogue. We’re also treated to the welcome face of John Rhys-Davies (LOTRs Gimli) as King Eventine and James Remar (The Warriors, Mortal Kombat: Annihilation) as the rover/bandit leader Cephalo.

As for the world-consuming threat, this is a simple matter of big bad demons that after being banished to another dimension by magic 5,000 years ago, appears destined to return now that the magic of that protection is dying --represented by the great Ellcrys tree. What’s great to see here is there’s no George R. R. Martin style “wait for it.... wait for it” teasing here. By the end of the first episode, we’re shown the principle villain, The Dagda Mor, with full understanding that he’s kind of a big deal. It also well establishes a tone of magical skepticism. That since the days of the “old humans”, magic has come into their world but is now so long departed that the majority no longer believe in it anymore. Instead, we are witnessing its point of revival in their history...... an awakening in the magic if you will. There’s a clear McGuffin in the works in the form of 3 small blue stone of supposed magical known as Elfstones which confirm to all literary fans that the series is adapting the second of the original trilogy, The Elfstones of Shannara.

The most dangerous ingredient in the spell is a clear product of its MTV origins. In this episode alone, there several indications that those involved also want the show appealing to teen romance drama fans as well as fantasy fanatics. Almost every significant character is given some indication of affectionate pairing. In fact, in a few moments of low-lit close-ups with typical pop make out music playing, you could even think you’re watching The Vampire Diaries or Pretty Little Liars. That’s by no means a bad thing and such an element in a fantasy show could give a much more varied and diverse feel just as long as it stays in its cage as a minor feature rather than bursting out to trample over everything else. However, the MTV stampings do also bring in frequent injections of lighter humour and satirical witticisms to the dialogue, which will increase the appeal to many viewers as a hint of familiarity to latch onto while taking in this vast new world filled with less pronounceable characters. It’s also more violent and bloody in places (infrequently rather than indulgent), which provides some good shock value. Although Shannara is probably the first and last show ever to look upon a bloody massacre and decree, “This must be the work of gnomes”.

Aside from a few less convincing demon effects (that place a clear ceiling on the budget), it all looks spectacular from production right down to costume design . It feels both in keeping of old school fantasy adventurers while its pop culture tendencies creep in a more modern feel. It’s got a great set of cast and characters, excellent source material to work from. It’s a show that’s very approachable to those less inclined to fantasy works and could serve as a good gateway experience into other genre areas. Instead of what could have been MTV's Thrones rip-off, we have another  great fantasy show helping us bridge the winter months of waiting until April. Raise your swords aloft and call that a win!

For more articles like this, take a look at our Anime and Reviews page.