Legend of the Seeker 2.01 "Marked"

[emeraldstag]

It's been a long month since I finished watching the first season, and have been eagerly anticipating the start of season 2. I can only imagine what others have been feeling that watched the show on-time when the first season ended back in May (6 months!). I've been steering clear of S2 previews and spoilers for the most part, and still haven't had a chance to read the book series yet (which I know it's veered away from) so I know nothing to expect in this new season.

• Richard. The revelation of Richard's parentage was powerful and actually meant Darken Rahl was somewhat truthful to Jennsen when saying that Richard was a brother to both of them. It did feel a little convenient for the plot that only one squad knew of his heritage and for the commander of that squad to be killed almost immediately afterward. The longer hair will take a bit to get used to (how much time has passed since they defeated Darken Rahl? I heard Zedd saying something about a week and savoring the victory when they were at that celebration dinner but that's certainly not enough time to grow his hair and facial hair that much) and I thought they went a little heavy with the action shots in this episode. Liberal amount of flying jumps and sword swinging for Richard, I actually ended up laughing a few times.
• Cara. If there's one thing I loved about last season's finale was Cara's involvement and begrudging alliance with Richard to get back to their time. The Mord-Sith have always interested me since Richard's capture and interaction with Denna (who I'd like to see again). It brings that bad girl angle into the mix and the abrasive nature of Cara seems to bring an interesting dynamic to the adventurers. If I had time for Seeker fic, I'd probably dabble in this direction.
• Zedd. He's learned of the new prophecy that exists thanks to Shota, and I get this feeling that because he's trying to not be biased that he might be reading the signs wrong. The refusing of power, embracing the one in red & wearing his mark, all could have happened in the premiere (Richard refusing the throne, accepting Cara's help and then the mark of the keeper given to him by Darken Rahl in the dream) and maybe i'm way off but I also think there's the thinking that if you're looking for signs you'll see them everywhere in everything. Since the prophecy said Richard Rahl would fail and Richard said he'd refuse to take the thrown and that he was Richard Cypher (I know symantics) but I think that's a big thing. He's staying as the voice of the people and freedom (where he gets his true power) and stayed away from the title of Lord Rahl (Darken wears red) and will not wear anything with Rahl on it that he might of had to wear as leader. We'll see, and I'm sure Zedd thoughts of naming a new seeker will be an extended storyline throughout the season.

So far an interesting start, the S really has hit the fan with this new evil that is harder to defeat and I like that the central cast has increased a bit. Also I liked the cameo of the cake chef lady and the little girl with the doll from the "Puppeteer" episode. I was bummed to see them ditch the army squad, because I liked the idea of Richard having his own little group following him - talk about a strange sight! Excited for the season, hoping we'll see more cameos from S1 characters and let the drama begin!