Why the Highlander Television Series Departed from the Original Movie
At the conclusion of the original Highlander movie, the audience is left with the impression that Connor MacLeod, played by Christopher Lambert, defeats the last immortal, Collin McCloud, and becomes mortal, sans the threat of other immortals. This narrative is further reinforced by the lagging sequels, which follow the same arc. However, the television series takes a different turn, expanding the story beyond the final battle and introducing a new protagonist, Duncan McCloud.
Continuing the Battle: The Television Series
The television series Highlander reimagines the ending, suggesting that the battle between immortals is far from over. We follow the story of Duncan MacLeod, a member of the McCloud clan, as he ventures into new adventures. Collin McCloud, the defeated immortal from the original film, even makes an appearance in the pilot episode to clarify the distinction between the two characters.
Through a series of flashbacks and parallel plots, the television series introduces viewers to the mythos of immortals, explaining their origins, powers, and the nature of the Quickening. Additionally, it provides a fresh perspective through the animated series Highlander: The Raven and theatrical films like Endgame and a made-for-TV movie in 2007, which further flesh out the franchise.
The Challenges of a Post-Last-Immortal Universe
If Connor MacLeod was truly the last immortal, it would have been logistically challenging to have a television series focused on his adventures without introducing any new mortal foes. Here are a few potential solutions that might have been considered:
Connor could have assumed the role of mentor, using his extensive knowledge and experiences to assist others, similar to what Bruce Banner (the Hulk) did in the 80s television series. However, this would have been predictable and potentially dull.
Each episode could have been set as a standalone flashback, telling Connor's story across the centuries. This option would ensure a diverse range of stories and characters but would be extremely costly to implement. High authenticity and a cohesive timeline would have been necessary to create a seamless narrative, which could be difficult to achieve.
I believe the television series took a more optimal approach to address these challenges, focusing on episodic storytelling that maintains viewer engagement and introduces new conflicts and adventures for the characters.
The Franchise Approach and Its Impact
The original Highlander movie could have been a self-contained story, but in the modern entertainment landscape, a lot of new content is designed to generate a potential franchise. The television series, with its expanded universe, aligns with this trend, adding depth and complexity to the immortal world. While some of the subsequent content may be considered of lower quality, the series' approach of continuing the battle and introducing a new protagonist ensures that it stays true to the franchise's spirit and audience expectations.
Ultimately, the decision to continue the story with Duncan McCloud and the new perspective offered by the television series provides a fresh take on the Highlander universe, ensuring that the franchise remains engaging and relevant in the ever-evolving world of entertainment.