Highlander Revisited

[bimo]

Following the advice of trusted experts KathyH and SelenaK, I began my admittedly several years belated viewing of Highlander's season two right with 'The Watchers'. Episode 2x01, first DVD of the set. My first impression:

Comments

[selenak]

the introduction of watcher Joe Dawson, this episode's secret star, was handled superbly

That was my impression, too, though I saw The Watchers much later as well (I think during a repetition when I had already seen most of the rest of the show). I wonder whether first time, err, watchers doubted him, not knowing whether he was good or bad anymore than Duncan did?

I also was rather impressed by how natural Joe's disability was depicted, not as main characterizing feature, but rather as just one aspect among many. So I wonder whether the actor (Jim Byrnes, gorgeous and talented man, real life amputee, for those of you who don't know) might have had a say in this portrayal.That was always one of my favourite things about Highlander; Joe was never "cast member whose character is about being disabled" but himself, who among many other things was a disabled man. Now I know Jim Byrnes played in Wiseguy before HL, and if they hired him based on that, they might have written the role specifically for him. Otoh, if Joe was written without

[cavendish]

>There's a pleasant 1990s flair about the whole thing which I had not expected. The set design, the clothes, the cars and also the series' theme song by Queen were like the proverbial blast from the past.

Very much so; although the "blast from the past" feeling hit me more with things like "Shogun" or "Onedin Line". And it did not come as such a surprise, having seen most of the first season lately.

Anyhow Joe Dawson has always been on of my favorite Characters in the series.

[kathyh]

I also was rather impressed by how natural Joe's disability was depicted, not as main characterizing feature, but rather as just one aspect among many.

Yes, that was one of the many things that Highlander did so well. I think I'm right in saying that when an episode did make an issue of it much later on they asked Jim Byrnes if he was OK about it before they did it.

One really would expect these guys to carry cell phones to be able to reach Duncan whenever they need to.

I always used to think that about Buffy too, but they didn't admit the existence of cell phones until even later.