The Shannara Chronicles

What’s it about?

The Shannara Chronicles is set in a magical time after the age of human dominance, where an elf and a half-human, half-elf must embark on an epic quest to halt a demonic uprising.

Starring

Austin Butler, Poppy Drayton, Ivana Baquero, Manu Bennett, John Rhys-Davies, James Remar, Aaron Jakubenko

An Introduction to The Shannara Chronicles

An ancient and magical tree called the Ellcrys sits atop the elven Four Lands, protecting them from trapped evil demonic forces. Unfortunately, the Ellcrys is dying and must be restored by a Chosen elf on completing a demanding and character-testing task.

Princess Amberle (Poppy Drayton) is the first female Chosen elf, one of a special elite of worthy elves sworn to protect the Ellcrys. On touching the Ellcrys, she is disturbed by a vision of the forthcoming carnage if the tree dies.

Meanwhile, half-human, half-elf Wil Ohmsford (Austin Butler) is given three red Elfstones by his dying mother. As to what they are is a mystery, but they are something to do with his inheritance. After his mother’s sad passing, Wil heads off to train as a healer. On the way he meets Eretria (Ivana Baquero), a friendly human female who offers him some hospitality. Why not, seems harmless enough?

Still meanwhile, the marvellously serious druid, Allanon (Arrow’s Manu Bennett) awakes, aware of the brewing trouble with the Ellcrys and of a particular half-human, half-elf’s importance in the scheme of things. After ensuring elven King Eventine (Sliders’ John Rhys-Davies) is in no doubt as to the seriousness of the situation, he sets out on a mission of destiny.

Summary

The Shannara Chronicles is adapted from Terry Brooks’ initial trilogy of “Shannara” novels and, with Brooks as an executive producer, stays true to the vision and intention of the books. This level of collaboration works a charm on huge fantasy favorite Game Of Thrones to ensure integrity is actively maintained.

This show immediately impresses with a high-quality look and feel, and gets the viewer up to speed on its world without heaping on too much initial mythology. All in good time! Season one chronicles a journey not just in terms of objective, but also of ongoing discovery.

The whole ‘mythical heroes on a quest’ concept will be familiar to most fans of fantasy fiction, but The Shannara Chronicles adds its own well-realised take on things with a magical world built on the ashes of what is effectively everything we know today, and characters with enjoyably hidden depths and abilities.

Surprisingly good, The Shannara Chronicles is quality escapism with enough intrigue to keep the viewer coming back for more. Let’s quest!

Check out the Season 1 Trailer here: