4 - Brennidon

Information

Title: Brennidon
Episode number: 4
Production number: 105
Director: Jonathan Brough
Writers: Erin Maher and Kay Reindl
US Air date: 15th November 2008
UK Air date: 20th August 2009
Gallery: View Brennidon images

Synopsis

Richard returns to the town of Brennidon, where he was born during Darken Rahl's massacre of every eldest son to avert the prophecy of the Seeker. He finds that the townspeople have given up their freedom under Rahl's rule, and discovers a secret from his past.

Review by Tracy Casebere

Home is not where the heart is, at least not for Richard. Setting foot in his birth town of Brennidon isn't the happy reunion he thought it would be. In fact the first thing Richard comes into contact with is the graveyard of newborn babies Darken Rahl ordered to be killed, twenty-three years ago. There's nothing like an unhealthy dose of guilt on your return home. Actually, that sounds like a fairly normal family homecoming.

As a town, Brennidon is still suffering from the effects of Darken Rahl. The townspeople are devoid of hope; they've been suppressed and beaten into submission. Those who dare to resist the D'Haran soldiers keeping the town prisoner, sorry, safe, are killed outright. That is until Richard objects.

For someone who's a reluctant hero he sure likes standing up for the greater good. Ok so a woman was about to be beheaded; and it was either keep quiet and watch her die, or stand up and have a slow motion dance on a stage - obviously Richard chose the latter. But since Bounty, he's seen for himself that people around the Midlands do need help, and more than that, he's seen that they also need hope. A Seeker isn't just a man, it's a legend, and it's a promise of hope when all is lost. If we dig a little deeper, perhaps what fuels Richard in this episode isn't the righteous justice his sword brings, but rather guilt. He survived where others did not. Don't get me wrong, it's not his only reasoning but it does give his motives that certain edge.

The episode plays on the theme of family, family like his mother who is actually still alive. Book fans will undoubtedly howl with indignation at this revelation (in the books his mother is dead.) Yet there she is, standing in front him offering Richard that familial comfort he so craves. Sometimes even the hope needs to hope. His reunion is short lived though, he's a wanted man (well obviously, he's the Seeker) and as quickly as they meet, they part as Richard goes into hiding.

Meanwhile, on the other side of town, Kahlan is busy playing judge, jury and executioner to a whole village of people. Apparently in their official capacity, the role of a Confessor is to sort out disputes and such. One such dispute is the paternity of a boy - and who do you reckon happens to be the potential father? Zedd! Oh yes, he's a dark horse that one. I told you that man had secrets. Thankfully Zedd took magical precautions (whatever that means) and it turns out he isn't the father, but he's still hiding a secret. And with Kahlan being the Confessor and Zedd being the sucker for a pretty lady, he confesses all to her.

Richard does in fact have family. Only it isn't that woman in Brennidon, (she was lying) it's Zedd. That could possibly explain why Zedd has been treating Richard like a child recently, ("You're not allowed to go hunting," "Remember not everyone in the Midlands is friendly," "Don't forget to say please and thank you.") Ok, so he didn't say the last one but Zedd has been pretty authoritative over Richard in this episode. Previously he was more than happy to let Richard figure things out on his own, to "catch worms" as it were - so why so protective now? Zedd may be his grandfather, but I feel the change is too sudden. He's gone from trusting Richard, to being an over-protecting grandfather in one quick swoop.

The episode concludes with Zedd and Kahlan rushing to Brennidon to help Richard; (although I think he was doing pretty well on his own before they showed up) his fake brother ends up starting a riot to stop him being killed, with his own sword no less. His "mother" ends up confessing she's not really a blood relation, but she did know his mother. That's ok then. Let's just pretend you didn't mess with the Seeker's head. This part of the storyline still doesn't follow the books but it's a damn sight better than what it was at the start of the episode. Some things just shouldn't be messed with. Not everything should have a Disney ending. Are you listening Disney?

So what has the last hour told us? Who knows. I'm still in shock over Zedd being a stud muffin. The Midlands is a strange place indeed.