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So this year I became obsessed with Highlander again due to the remake finally starting produciton and decided to finally watch the series in full. Here's what I thought of every episode so far:
The Gathering
I admit I am a tad biased because Connor (from the original movie at least) is 1 of my favourite characters and this is the only episode he appears in. To be fair, I do think this pilot does a solid job at setting up the world and the series to come (even if I'm annoyed it just ignores Connor winning the prize at the end of the 1st film. I persoanlly prefer to think that there's 2 different generations of immortals, which is the only way you can have immortals after the 1st film without retconning the first film's (and if nothing else, would explain all the lore inconsistencies between the 1st movie and the series) and with Connor mortal, it explains why he doesn't show up in the rest of the show (aside from Lammber's fees of course)).
Family Tree
It's an alright episode. Would have been better if it wasn't super obvious that the guy wasn't Richie's father. I'm also not too keen on the idea that the immortals are all foundlings (although I can just accept that as a generational thing).
The Road Not Taken
It's alright. They could have taken the whole 'potion' thing much futher, but oh well.
Innocent Man
Didn't really like this one. The villain was just a lame characature and it introduces 1 of my most hated characters: Randi Macfarland.
Free Fall
I rather liked how this episode started, but was pretty let down it dropped the mystery element way too soon and Joan Jett isn't the best sword fighter (Duncan really should have taken her head at the end, it's not like she shows up anywhere else in the show).
Bad Day in Building A
'Highlander does Die Hard' is really the only episode I really like between the Gathering and Band of Brothers. Would have enjoyed it more without the kid and Randi Macfarland, but at least she had lmited screentime.
Mountain Men
Utter crap, moving on.
Deadly Medicine
Could have actually enjoyed it if Randi didn't have such a large role.
The Sea Witch
'An immortal as an evil drug lord' is a good premise, but because it's Highlander season 1, it fails to stick the landing (does anyone know if any of these scripts were originally written for other shows before turned into Highlander? Sure feels like that for quite a bit of season 1 before they go to Paris).
Revenge is Sweet
1 of the better episodes this season, definatly explores some interesting themes.
See no Evil
Not very memorable.
Eyewitness
Not very memorable.
Band of Brothers
The episode that changed everything. Great villain, great introduction of Darius. Gets brought down a bit due to Randi, but at least she's never seen or even mentioned again.
For Evil's Sake
Enjoyed this episode, villain was fun and it was cool seeing Duncan and Tessa's first meeting. Also thought Lebrun is interesting, kind of a shame he's only around for 3 episodes but oh well.
For Tommorrow We Die
Xavier St. Cloud is such a great villain, I can see why we see him again. Roland Gift is so charming and charismatic.
The Beast Below
It was alright, but your not missing much if you skip it.
Saving Grace
Why is the titular Grace so weak? The episode felt pretty repetative too. Which is a shame, it has a great premise.
The Lady and the Tiger
Amanda's awesome, I can see why we see her again quite a few times.
Eye of the Beholder
Pretty lame.
Avenging Angel
Great premise, somewhat weak execution.
Nowhere to Run
Awful premise and awful episode, moving on.
The Hunters
Amazing episode, Roger Daltry is great and it shows how amazing the show will become.
The Watchers
Another good episode. Could have done with less flashbacks though.
Studies in Light
Lame.
Turnabout
Would have been better if the twist wasn't super obvious.
The Darkness
While the show needed Tessa to die in order for it to evolve and improve, did they really need a random mugger to do it? And we don't even get to see Riche's reaction to becoming immortal at first? It just fades out as he wakes up! And did we really need the infamous Traci Lords here? Pretty weak overall.
An Eye for an Eye
Would have liked it more had Duncan not slept with the main villain just 1 episode after his long-time lover was killed.
The Zone
It's alright. Would have enjoyed it had the bad guy actually been immortal.
The Return of Amanda
Amanda's back, gold!
Revenge of the Sword
It sucks, next.
Run for your Life
It's alright, felt a bit preachy though.
Epitaph for Tommy
Really like it. Interesting plot, Rowdy Roddy Piper is a great villain, good time all around.
The Fighter
It's alright, didn't really care.
Under Colour of Authority
Johnathan Banks as the bad guy immortal is the best part of the episode. Shame we don't see Richie for a while afterwards.
Bless the Child
It's alright, don't feel the need to watch it again.
Unholy Alliance
Pretty good! I think Maurice is a pretty pointless character, but doesn't drag it down since I don't feel the need to scream at him, unlike Randi.
The Vampire
Interesting enough episode. An immortal pretneding to be another supernatural creature is a great premise.
Warmonger
Peter Firth is a great villain and the best part of the episode, which is just alright.
Pharaoh's Daughter
Interesting premise, don't feel the need to watch it again.
Legacy
Amanda is back! The writer's clearly took special care with her episodes.
Prodigal Son
Richie's back! And the villain was pretty good.
Counterfeit
Great finale to the season and the Horton storyline.
The Samurai
Great origin story for Duncan's sword (yeah I know he said in Free Fall a fellow clansman gave it to him, but he probably only said that to save time because he wouldn't have had time to explain all of the story here. Villain was pretty good to.
Line of Fire
Great concept and good execution. I feel like season 3 has taken a major step forward in quality.
The Revolutionary
It's alright. Good send-off for Charlie though.
The Cross of St. Antoine
Joe's back, Amanda's back, great concept and execution, great episode all around!
Rite of Passage
Michelle is utterly insufferable.
Courage
Brian is a great 1-off immortal, good episode.
The Lamb
Kenny is such a devious one isn't he? The only downside is that the episode reveals really early on he's evil, would have worked much better if they held off on it.
Obsession
Why doesn't Duncan kill Keogh? Dreadful episode.
Shadows
It's alright.
Blackmail
Loved this episode, really shows what happens when evil mortals try to go up against immortals and have no idea.
Vendetta
Dreadful, Benny is so annoying.
They Also Serve
Love this episode, really shows how much just watching immortals can affect the Watchers.
Blind Faith
It's alright, not that desperate to watch again.
Song of the Executioner
Kalas is a great villain, 1 of the best of the franchise.
Star-Crossed
Always great to see Fitz! Even if Rodger Daltry isn't that great at sword-fighting.
Methos
1 of the best characters in the franchise is introduced here!
Take Back the Night
I can see why Ceirdwyn is a fan favourite, even if the 'revnege is bad' theme is overdone at this point.
Testimony
Nice to see Ann again!
Mortal Sins
This season is full of greatness! This episode is no exception!
Reasonable Doubt
This is like the 1 time Maurice is relavent to the plot.
Finale
The gang is all here! Such a great end to the season (even if they never followed up on the blantant sequel tease).
Homeland
Such a strong way to open the season, and we get to see Scotland again! Rachel is also a great side character.
Brothers in Arms
Heartbreaking ending for Charlie (Duncan really should have just told him the truth earlier), great to see Joe's backstory and the start of him and Duncan falling out for a few episodes.
The Innocent
A pretty heartbreaking episode for everybody involved, really well done.
Leader of the Pack
Would have enjoyed this much more if it wasn't for the Richie subplot (why are only getting the full scene of him awakening from his first death now!?). I understand Richie not killing the guy, but he still killed Tessa, at least face some leagal consequences!
Double Eagle
Lame comedy episode, move on.
Reunion
Last time we see Kenny, still evil and creepy this time.
The Colonel
Good episode, glad that Duncan and Joe are friends again.
Reluctant Heroes
Another good episode. I think season 4 is the best season.
The Wrath of Kali
I think it was alright, I don't really remember this one.
Chivalry
Great episode, really highlights how different Duncan and Methos are.
Timeless
Another great episode!
The Blitz
Another great episode! Nice to see Anne again.
Something Wicked/Deliverance
It's alright, shame they never revisited the Dark Quickening on-screen, it's a fascinating concept.
Promises
Another great episode, nice to see Rachel again.
Methuselah's Gift
This whole episode is great.
The Immortal Cimoli
A fun episode, exploring how some immortals just aren't able to survive the Game long-term.
Through a Glass, Darkly
A very interesting episode.
Double Jeopardy
A last hurrah from Xavier, good time.
Till Death
The best comedy episode of the whole series.
Judgment Day/One Minute to Midnight
A great way to the end of the season.
Prophecy
I would have liked this more if the relationship between child Duncan and Cassandra wasn't so creepy (did they really need to kiss!?)
The End of Innocence
I love the direction they take with Ritche's character here, shame they cut him out of large chunks of the show.
Manhunt
It's alright, I wasn't desperate to see Carl Robinson again, But Matthew is awesome, I can see why they considered giving him his own spin-off (probably would have been better than the Raven).
Glory Days
Good episode, assisain is such a natural job for an evil immortal to have and the Joe subplot is pretty good.
Dramatic License
Another great comedy episode.
Money No Object
Cory is such a fun character!
Haunted
It's such an interesting concept. The first half of the episode plays out like a typical Highlander episode, and then the second half goes in a completely different direction.
Little Tin God
Another great episode, Andrew Divoff is awesome as an evil immortal.
The Messenger
A very interesting episode, this is a great run of episodes.
The Valkyrie
A very interesting episode.
Comes a Horseman/Revelation 6:8
This is the closest the series ever came to the quality of the original film.
The Ransom of Richard Redstone
Pretty forgettable episode, ends the run of good episodes we're on.
Duende
A good episode.
The Stone of Scone
Such a fun episode, always nice to see Fitz. Him, Duncan and Amanda are a great trio.
Forgive Us Our Trespasses
Brilliant episode, arguably should have been the finale to the whole show.
The Modern Prometheus
Another great episode.
Archangel/Avatar/Armageddon
I hate this trilogy. Absurd for Highlander, terrible death for Richie. The only thing I liked was the scene where the demon tempts Joe giving his legs back.
Sins of the Father
It was alright.
Diplomatic Immunity
It was alright.
Patient Number 7
The first of the forgettable 'Raven audition' episodes.
Black Tower
Didn't season 1 do this concept much better?
Unusual Suspects
1 of the 2 episodes I actually like this season.
Justice/Deadly Exposure/Two of Hearts
More forgettable Raven auditions.
Indiscretions
This should have been the spin-off we got, it's great!
To be/Not to be
This is how they chose to end the show? The Highlander equivalent of 'It's a Wonderful Life!?' Oh well.
As to how I would rank the seasons from best to worst:
Season 4
Season 3
Season 5
Season 2
Season 1
Season 1
The Gathering
I admit I am a tad biased because Connor (from the original movie at least) is 1 of my favourite characters and this is the only episode he appears in. To be fair, I do think this pilot does a solid job at setting up the world and the series to come (even if I'm annoyed it just ignores Connor winning the prize at the end of the 1st film. I persoanlly prefer to think that there's 2 different generations of immortals, which is the only way you can have immortals after the 1st film without retconning the first film's (and if nothing else, would explain all the lore inconsistencies between the 1st movie and the series) and with Connor mortal, it explains why he doesn't show up in the rest of the show (aside from Lammber's fees of course)).
Family Tree
It's an alright episode. Would have been better if it wasn't super obvious that the guy wasn't Richie's father. I'm also not too keen on the idea that the immortals are all foundlings (although I can just accept that as a generational thing).
The Road Not Taken
It's alright. They could have taken the whole 'potion' thing much futher, but oh well.
Innocent Man
Didn't really like this one. The villain was just a lame characature and it introduces 1 of my most hated characters: Randi Macfarland.
Free Fall
I rather liked how this episode started, but was pretty let down it dropped the mystery element way too soon and Joan Jett isn't the best sword fighter (Duncan really should have taken her head at the end, it's not like she shows up anywhere else in the show).
Bad Day in Building A
'Highlander does Die Hard' is really the only episode I really like between the Gathering and Band of Brothers. Would have enjoyed it more without the kid and Randi Macfarland, but at least she had lmited screentime.
Mountain Men
Utter crap, moving on.
Deadly Medicine
Could have actually enjoyed it if Randi didn't have such a large role.
The Sea Witch
'An immortal as an evil drug lord' is a good premise, but because it's Highlander season 1, it fails to stick the landing (does anyone know if any of these scripts were originally written for other shows before turned into Highlander? Sure feels like that for quite a bit of season 1 before they go to Paris).
Revenge is Sweet
1 of the better episodes this season, definatly explores some interesting themes.
See no Evil
Not very memorable.
Eyewitness
Not very memorable.
Band of Brothers
The episode that changed everything. Great villain, great introduction of Darius. Gets brought down a bit due to Randi, but at least she's never seen or even mentioned again.
For Evil's Sake
Enjoyed this episode, villain was fun and it was cool seeing Duncan and Tessa's first meeting. Also thought Lebrun is interesting, kind of a shame he's only around for 3 episodes but oh well.
For Tommorrow We Die
Xavier St. Cloud is such a great villain, I can see why we see him again. Roland Gift is so charming and charismatic.
The Beast Below
It was alright, but your not missing much if you skip it.
Saving Grace
Why is the titular Grace so weak? The episode felt pretty repetative too. Which is a shame, it has a great premise.
The Lady and the Tiger
Amanda's awesome, I can see why we see her again quite a few times.
Eye of the Beholder
Pretty lame.
Avenging Angel
Great premise, somewhat weak execution.
Nowhere to Run
Awful premise and awful episode, moving on.
The Hunters
Amazing episode, Roger Daltry is great and it shows how amazing the show will become.
The Watchers
Another good episode. Could have done with less flashbacks though.
Studies in Light
Lame.
Turnabout
Would have been better if the twist wasn't super obvious.
The Darkness
While the show needed Tessa to die in order for it to evolve and improve, did they really need a random mugger to do it? And we don't even get to see Riche's reaction to becoming immortal at first? It just fades out as he wakes up! And did we really need the infamous Traci Lords here? Pretty weak overall.
An Eye for an Eye
Would have liked it more had Duncan not slept with the main villain just 1 episode after his long-time lover was killed.
The Zone
It's alright. Would have enjoyed it had the bad guy actually been immortal.
The Return of Amanda
Amanda's back, gold!
Revenge of the Sword
It sucks, next.
Run for your Life
It's alright, felt a bit preachy though.
Epitaph for Tommy
Really like it. Interesting plot, Rowdy Roddy Piper is a great villain, good time all around.
The Fighter
It's alright, didn't really care.
Under Colour of Authority
Johnathan Banks as the bad guy immortal is the best part of the episode. Shame we don't see Richie for a while afterwards.
Bless the Child
It's alright, don't feel the need to watch it again.
Unholy Alliance
Pretty good! I think Maurice is a pretty pointless character, but doesn't drag it down since I don't feel the need to scream at him, unlike Randi.
The Vampire
Interesting enough episode. An immortal pretneding to be another supernatural creature is a great premise.
Warmonger
Peter Firth is a great villain and the best part of the episode, which is just alright.
Pharaoh's Daughter
Interesting premise, don't feel the need to watch it again.
Legacy
Amanda is back! The writer's clearly took special care with her episodes.
Prodigal Son
Richie's back! And the villain was pretty good.
Counterfeit
Great finale to the season and the Horton storyline.
The Samurai
Great origin story for Duncan's sword (yeah I know he said in Free Fall a fellow clansman gave it to him, but he probably only said that to save time because he wouldn't have had time to explain all of the story here. Villain was pretty good to.
Line of Fire
Great concept and good execution. I feel like season 3 has taken a major step forward in quality.
The Revolutionary
It's alright. Good send-off for Charlie though.
The Cross of St. Antoine
Joe's back, Amanda's back, great concept and execution, great episode all around!
Rite of Passage
Michelle is utterly insufferable.
Courage
Brian is a great 1-off immortal, good episode.
The Lamb
Kenny is such a devious one isn't he? The only downside is that the episode reveals really early on he's evil, would have worked much better if they held off on it.
Obsession
Why doesn't Duncan kill Keogh? Dreadful episode.
Shadows
It's alright.
Blackmail
Loved this episode, really shows what happens when evil mortals try to go up against immortals and have no idea.
Vendetta
Dreadful, Benny is so annoying.
They Also Serve
Love this episode, really shows how much just watching immortals can affect the Watchers.
Blind Faith
It's alright, not that desperate to watch again.
Song of the Executioner
Kalas is a great villain, 1 of the best of the franchise.
Star-Crossed
Always great to see Fitz! Even if Rodger Daltry isn't that great at sword-fighting.
Methos
1 of the best characters in the franchise is introduced here!
Take Back the Night
I can see why Ceirdwyn is a fan favourite, even if the 'revnege is bad' theme is overdone at this point.
Testimony
Nice to see Ann again!
Mortal Sins
This season is full of greatness! This episode is no exception!
Reasonable Doubt
This is like the 1 time Maurice is relavent to the plot.
Finale
The gang is all here! Such a great end to the season (even if they never followed up on the blantant sequel tease).
Homeland
Such a strong way to open the season, and we get to see Scotland again! Rachel is also a great side character.
Brothers in Arms
Heartbreaking ending for Charlie (Duncan really should have just told him the truth earlier), great to see Joe's backstory and the start of him and Duncan falling out for a few episodes.
The Innocent
A pretty heartbreaking episode for everybody involved, really well done.
Leader of the Pack
Would have enjoyed this much more if it wasn't for the Richie subplot (why are only getting the full scene of him awakening from his first death now!?). I understand Richie not killing the guy, but he still killed Tessa, at least face some leagal consequences!
Double Eagle
Lame comedy episode, move on.
Reunion
Last time we see Kenny, still evil and creepy this time.
The Colonel
Good episode, glad that Duncan and Joe are friends again.
Reluctant Heroes
Another good episode. I think season 4 is the best season.
The Wrath of Kali
I think it was alright, I don't really remember this one.
Chivalry
Great episode, really highlights how different Duncan and Methos are.
Timeless
Another great episode!
The Blitz
Another great episode! Nice to see Anne again.
Something Wicked/Deliverance
It's alright, shame they never revisited the Dark Quickening on-screen, it's a fascinating concept.
Promises
Another great episode, nice to see Rachel again.
Methuselah's Gift
This whole episode is great.
The Immortal Cimoli
A fun episode, exploring how some immortals just aren't able to survive the Game long-term.
Through a Glass, Darkly
A very interesting episode.
Double Jeopardy
A last hurrah from Xavier, good time.
Till Death
The best comedy episode of the whole series.
Judgment Day/One Minute to Midnight
A great way to the end of the season.
Prophecy
I would have liked this more if the relationship between child Duncan and Cassandra wasn't so creepy (did they really need to kiss!?)
The End of Innocence
I love the direction they take with Ritche's character here, shame they cut him out of large chunks of the show.
Manhunt
It's alright, I wasn't desperate to see Carl Robinson again, But Matthew is awesome, I can see why they considered giving him his own spin-off (probably would have been better than the Raven).
Glory Days
Good episode, assisain is such a natural job for an evil immortal to have and the Joe subplot is pretty good.
Dramatic License
Another great comedy episode.
Money No Object
Cory is such a fun character!
Haunted
It's such an interesting concept. The first half of the episode plays out like a typical Highlander episode, and then the second half goes in a completely different direction.
Little Tin God
Another great episode, Andrew Divoff is awesome as an evil immortal.
The Messenger
A very interesting episode, this is a great run of episodes.
The Valkyrie
A very interesting episode.
Comes a Horseman/Revelation 6:8
This is the closest the series ever came to the quality of the original film.
The Ransom of Richard Redstone
Pretty forgettable episode, ends the run of good episodes we're on.
Duende
A good episode.
The Stone of Scone
Such a fun episode, always nice to see Fitz. Him, Duncan and Amanda are a great trio.
Forgive Us Our Trespasses
Brilliant episode, arguably should have been the finale to the whole show.
The Modern Prometheus
Another great episode.
Archangel/Avatar/Armageddon
I hate this trilogy. Absurd for Highlander, terrible death for Richie. The only thing I liked was the scene where the demon tempts Joe giving his legs back.
Sins of the Father
It was alright.
Diplomatic Immunity
It was alright.
Patient Number 7
The first of the forgettable 'Raven audition' episodes.
Black Tower
Didn't season 1 do this concept much better?
Unusual Suspects
1 of the 2 episodes I actually like this season.
Justice/Deadly Exposure/Two of Hearts
More forgettable Raven auditions.
Indiscretions
This should have been the spin-off we got, it's great!
To be/Not to be
This is how they chose to end the show? The Highlander equivalent of 'It's a Wonderful Life!?' Oh well.
As to how I would rank the seasons from best to worst:
Season 4
Season 3
Season 5
Season 2
Season 1
Season 1
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