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The Shannara Chronicles: Chosen: Part 1 (2016)
First glances not to be believed
The first 10-15mins of the show don't make for a great sell to a mature audience. The show's broadcast on MTV in the US and Channel 5 in the UK, which nearly put me off as most shows on those broadcasters don't interest me at all. That, coupled with the strong influences of the Hunger Games series on the first couple of scenes, seem to attempt to sell the show to a teenage audience. However, sticking with the, rather stretching, 80minute introduction, gripped me. Yes, the show is full of Fantasy clichés, the obvious Lord Of the Rings reflections in the handing of a sacred sword to our protagonist and the coming of a wise, old magic-user (more on him later) to name but 2.
Manu Bennett's setup is a great sell of a red herring. A lot of people will still remember his superb turn as Deathstroke, on Arrow, a heel role he seemed to fit into like a hand in a glove. Well the Shannara Chronicles seems to set him up as the antagonist, imagine epic magical rebirth. But we soon learn he's pretty much the opposite of this. Again, he plays this role pretty well so far.
John Rhys-Davies inclusion will surely cause a few nerd-splosions, as a man who once played a dwarf might be seen as a blasphemer donning Elven ears. That said, he's definitely a man who fits his role well.
Aside from those 2 casting choices, the younger stars are unknown to me, but do seem to be good choices. The shallow side of me will say the girls are definitely a good fit.
All that said, I'm just delving into episode 5 so its obviously a thumbs up from me.