2 - Baneling

Information

Title: Baneling
Episode number: 2
Production number: 202
Director: Michael Hurst
Writers: Chad Fiveash & James Stoteraux
US Air date: 14th November 2009
UK Air date: 16th February 2010
Gallery: View Baneling images

Synopsis

The quest for the Stone of Tears brings Richard, Kahlan, Zedd and Cara to a D'Haran prison where the dead return from the underworld to prey on the living. But as the Seeker races to stop the senseless killing, he discovers that someone who holds the key to locating the all-important Stone, which will seal the rift to the underworld, has struck a deadly deal of his own.

Review by Tracy Casebere

If you were looking for a light and fluffy Legend of the Seeker this evening, then you were probably left scratching your foot in wonderment – there’s nothing sweet about tonight’s show. And you might want to go wash your hands after touching your foot. The opening scene to Baneling won’t be cracking any smiles (and if it does then you’re quite certainly twisted.)

To quote some dead guy: Death is only the beginning. And indeed it is. Minutes into the episode and we’re awash with people being killed left, right and centre. If you hadn’t guessed already, death is the theme of tonight’s episode, death followed by death, served with a side order of death. Its death overkill, no kidding!

And as Shota said so ominously last night, “You can only destroy evil.” So that’s what Richard does. He goes into the D’Haran prison camp wielding the Sword of Truth like he’s on a mission – which he totally is by the way. He’s here for the Stone of Tears. Unfortunately, he’s a little too late. Abbot Henry, the man Richard needed to consult with about the stone has already been killed by the D’Haran soldiers. But then when has death ever stopped anyone? Just look at Darken Rahl.

Speaking of whom, is currently in the Underworld waiting for the newly dead to arrive. Rahl offers the dead D’Haran’s a chance to make a once in a lifetime (haha) offer with the Keeper. They get to return to the land of the living as a Baneling but only if – yep you guessed it – they kill people.

I’m not entirely sure why, but the Keeper offers Abbot Henry a chance to become a Baneling too. He accepts of course, but he doesn’t want to kill anybody – he just wants to help Richard. And here’s where I start to question Richard’s ability as the Seeker. Before Abbot Henry has a chance to tell Richard all he knows about the Stone of Tears, he begins to disintegrate back to the Underworld. And very quickly, a little too quickly might I add, Richard suggests that he should kill someone, a D’Haran no less, so that he can stay in the land of the living.

What?! DOUBLE STANDARDS! I’m all for the greater good, believe me I am. But this seems very out of character for Richard. I know he’s under pressure but come on! There’s surely a better way to keep the Abbot from returning to the Underworld. Apparently not though, and off they go to kill themselves some D’Haran’s – except someone has beaten them to it. Phew. That stops the moral dilemma issue.

It’s (only) then Richard realises the more people that die, the more Baneling’s there are. It’s a vicious circle and one Richard is only just starting to comprehend. By killing his enemies, he is only strengthening the Keeper.

He is screwed worse than, well a screw.

While this is all going on, Cara’s been sent off by Richard to find and bring back the man who stole the amulet earlier on in the episode. This amulet is the key to getting the Stone of Tears. It also turns out that Cara plays the key role in lightening the mood of an otherwise, dark and serious episode.

The bit where she offers the soon-to-be thief her compassion is probably one of the best scenes ever: “I’m sorry for your loss” – all the while turning her head in freaky Child’s Play doll sort of way. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing more of Cara in the coming series. And this is only a good thing. If Richard has any chance of defeating THE ONE WHO WILL DESTROY ALL LIFE (thanks Shota) he needs all the help he can get. And we need all the sarcastic comments Cara can give.

Starring

Craig Horner - Richard Cypher
Bridget Regan - Kahlan Amnell
Bruce Spence - Zeddicus Zu'l Zorander
Tabrett Bethell - Cara

Guest Starring

Craig Parker - Darken Rahl
Michael Whalley - Flynn

Co-Starring

Mick Rose - Abbot Henry
Todd Rippon - General Dormander
Liesha Ward Knox - Eleanor
Paul Ellis - Brother Bertrand
Damien Avery - Gerald
Jason Hood - Commander Craden
Chris Easley - Sergeant Brax
Gus Youngman - William
Kate Webby - Courtesan