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It was just ten years ago when syndicated television series filled up weekend afternoons, then they faded away. Disney/ABC has launched "Legend of the Seeker" on various channels and times throughout the country. The new syndicated series is produced by Sam Raimi and Rob Tapert who were responsible for "Hercules, the Incredible Journeys" and "Xena, Warrior Princess". Like those series, "Legend of the Seeker" is filmed on location in New Zealand and takes full advantage of the lush scenery.

Based on Terry Goodkind's "The Sword of Truth" series of fantasy novels, "Legend of the Seeker" is another endless tale of good versus evil, sorcery and strange deadly creatures and costumes straight out of medieval times. The evil Lord Darken Rahl (Craig Parker) rules via tremendous magical powers and vast armies and seeks a book of magic that would provide the means to ruling the known universe. That book is in the possession of Kahlen Amnell (Bridget Regan), a confessor or good witch, who flees into the midlands where she meets woodsman Richard Cypher (Craig Horner) and old wizard Zeddicus (Bruce Spence).

Richard saves Kahlen from her pursuers, and their meeting turns his life upside down. Zeddicus reveals that not only was Richard adopted, but the young man is the Seeker, the one person who can defeat Darken Rahl. He receives the supercharged Sword of Truth that can smite down all evildoers. Darken Rahl is furious to discover the Seeker lives and unleashes all his evil forces and armies to track down Richard. Thus, the set-up for the adventures of Richard, Kahlen and Zeddicus, who states they must battle Darken Rahls' minions and save innocent lives.

Naturally, there is a spark of romance between Richard and Kahlen, but Zeddicus says this must never come to pass. Obviously, this will be an ongoing thing, as will the relentless duel with Darken Rahl, who dons disguises and is constantly on the move. "Legend of the Seeker" looks to be escapist and fun entertainment with plenty of action and swordplay to satisfy young audiences and magic for those into that sort of thing.

The American actress Regan is sort of hot and Australian Horner will appeal to females, and both looked good in fight sequences. "Legend of the Seeker" should please fans of "Hercules" and "Xena", but can it inspire the strong followings resulting in fan conventions? There is a built-in audience from Goodkind's books. Viewers will have to resist comparisons to "Hercules" and "Xena". Regan does not have the ferocious ass-kicking presence of Lucy Lawless as Xena, nor does Horner possess the physique of Kevin Sorbo as Hercules. Their appeal fueled the success of those shows. Regan and Horner will have to develop personas that click with audiences in order for the syndicated series to succeed.

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