Hercules - The Legendary Journeys can rightfully lay claim to launching a whole new wave of fantasy series, including the popular Xena - Warrior Princess. A half-mortal son of Zeus, Hercules (Kevin Sorbo) is hero to the people who suffer the petty cruelties of the ancient gods. Beautiful scenery and great fight sequences.
A spin-off from the popular Hercules series, Xena follows the exploits of a warrior princess with healing powers who has abandoned her wayward past and now fights evil. Although subtlety depicted, her evolving relationship with close companion Garbrielle eventually earned the show a devoted cult following amongst lesbians.
Roar 13 episodes (1997) 60m
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Despite the input of creators Shaun Cassidy (American Gothic) and Ron Koslow (Beauty & the Beast), Roar never managed to rise above cult status during its brief run on Fox. Set in a 400AD where magic is fact of life, Heath Ledger stars as an Irish freedom fighter who leads a desperate struggle against the advancing Romans.
Conan 22 episodes (1997-98) 60m
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Big Arnie look-alike Ralph Moeller stars as Conan the Cimmerian in this TV prequel to the successful feature films. Another product of the Hercules/Xena craze, the series for the most part remained true to storylines originally penned by pulp writers beginning with Robert E Howard in the 1930s. Harmless fun for sword & sorcery fans.
Merlin 3 episodes (1998) 120m
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Miniseries focusing on the Arthurian legend from Merlin's perspective. Sam Neill stars as the King's Wizard and spends most of his time trying to prevent the inevitable from happening to Arthur. We learn that to change the old ways it's as simple as not believing anymore. Stunning scenery and very high production values.
Young Hercules 50 episodes + premiere (1998-99) 30m
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Conceived as a prequel to the popular Hercules - The Legendary Journeys, this show follows the hero's adventures as a teenager. Accompanied by his two friends Iolaus and Jason, Hercules sets out to explore his half-god heritage and finds that he's not all that popular on Mount Olympus. Good special effects and fight scenes.
The Beastmaster 66 episodes (1999-2002) 60m
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A considerable improvement on the truly dreadful 1982 movie of the same name, the hero takes on sorcerers and tyrants to defend the animals with which he shares a special bond. Although lacking a big budget, this fine series makes the most of the beautiful scenery and homegrown talent evident in its Australian origins.
The Mists of Avalon 3 episodes (2001) 120m
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Based on the Marion Zimmer Bradley novel, Mists of Avalon recounts the Arthurian legend from the perspective of the women in the King's life. That said, there were quite a few of them - including Arthur's mother Igraine, his half-sister Morgaine, the Lady of the Lake and - of course - Gwenwyfar. Enjoyable throughout and well-produced.
