Highlander FAQ This version: 1.13 Last updated: March 17, 1994 *TABLE OF CONTENTS* 0.0) Introduction 1.0) _Highlander_, The Movie (There Can Be Only One) 1.1) Quick Summary 1.2) What are the differences between the European release and the American release? 1.3) Is there a soundtrack available for HIGHLANDER? 1.4) Was HIGHLANDER based on a book or a story or something? 1.5) What was the drink that Connor ordered in the bar after following Brenda there? 1.6) Where in Scotland is Connor from? 1.7) What is Ramirez' full name? 1.8) How many Immortals were in the movie? 1.9) Who played so-and-so in the movie? 1.10) Does the book 'A Metallurgical History of Ancient Sword Making' actually exist? 1.11) What year did the duel between Connor and Bassett occur? 1.12) Did the Kurgans, as a people, really exist? 1.13) Why was Fasil's sword so special? Why was Ramirez'/Connor's katana so special? 1.14) What other names has Connor used? 1.15) Are there any HIGHLANDER-related books available? 1.16) Miscellaneous Trivia 2.0) The Rules 2.1) What is the Quickening? 2.2) Holy Ground 2.3) The Gathering 2.4) Physiology 2.5) Why do Immortals usually use swords? 3.0) _Highlander_, The Series 3.1) Introduction 3.1.1) Short Episode Listing 3.1.2) First Season Episode Details 3.1.3) Second Season Episode Details 3.2) Biographies 3.2.1) Adrian Paul (Duncan Macleod) 3.2.2) Alexandra Vandernoot (Tessa Noel) 3.2.3) Stan Kirsch (Richie Ryan) 3.2.4) Werner Stocker (Darius) 3.2.5) Jim Byrnes (Joe Dawson) 3.2.6) Philip Akin (Charlie DeSalvo) 3.2.7) Bob Anderson? 3.3) USA vs. Rest of the World 3.4) List of Immortals 3.5) What does Duncan drive? 3.6) What was that drink that Kuyler was drinking in "For Evil's Sake"? 3.7) Addresses 3.8) Where in the World are We? 3.9) Was Richie's Immortality planned in advance? 4.0)_Highlander II: The Quickening_ 4.1) Summary 4.2) Revised Rules 4.3) Miscellaneous Tidbits 5.0) The "Highlander: the Series" Drinking Game (Mark V) 6.0) Miscellanea 6.1) Highlander home video, etc. 6.2) Highlander sword replicas 6.3) "Highlander III" News 6.4) Convention News 6.5) Highlander fan organizations and publications 7.0) TV Series Flashback Timeline 8.0) Administrivia 8.1) Who contributed? 8.2) Where can I get another copy? *0.0) INTRODUCTION* This is the first edition of an occasional file that is meant to answer Frequently Asked Questions about the HIGHLANDER universe, which includes two movies, 'HIGHLANDER' and 'HIGHLANDER II: The Quickening', and the TV series (A third movie, 'HIGHLANDER III: The Magician' is in the works). It also attempts to catalog the information fans have been able to glean from individual stories and other, official and non-official sources. Permission is granted to distribute this file UNMODIFIED to other networks and BBSs. Rights to modifications to this file is reserved by the updater(s). Note: You may freely copy and distribute this guide for personal use provided that it be distributed in its entirety, with all original author and copyright information intact. Any sales of this document or use of it in a for-profit project are expressly forbidden, without the specific consent of the authors. *1.0) _HIGHLANDER_, THE MOVIE (THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE)* 1.1) Quick Summary "From the Dawn of time We came; moving silently down through the centuries, living many secret lives, struggling to reach the time of the Gathering; when the few who remain will battle to the last. No one has ever known we were among you ...until now." Connor MacLeod was born in 1518AD. 18 years later in 1536, he is killed in battle by The Kurgan, but Connor "recovers." Because of this, his clansmen kick him out of the village, saying that he has made a pact with the devil. In 1541, Juan Sanchez Villa-Lobos Ramirez (Chief Metallurgist to King Charles the Fifth) tells him that he is Immortal. Ramirez tells him that he is a member of a group of people who are Immortal and are involved in The Game. Over the centuries, they will all be drawn toward a far-away city where they will chop off each other's heads until there is only one left. This Immortal will win The Prize. Connor ends up in NYC in 1985, where he and The Kurgan end up being the last two. In a grand climactic scene, with lots of water, pyrotechnics and broken glass, Connor wins. 1.2) What are the differences between the European release and the American release? At least three different cuts were made of this movie: the American version, the European version, and the English/Japanese subtitled version. The Japanese subtitled version has the longest running time with 118 minutes. The American version is 110 minutes. English/Japanese Highlander Extra Material 1. Battle flashbacks during wrestling match. 60s 2. End-to-end tumbling run during fight in garage. 15s 3. Scot girl (same one that says he's Lucifer later) tells Connor that God is on his side before big battle. Tells Angus to watch after him. 60s 4. 3 head-butts just before Angus stops the beating of Connor for being a witch. 15s 5. WWII Flashback/Saves Rachel (as little girl) from Nazis. 120s 6. ** Scene Missing From Euro Version, included in Amer Version ** !! Right before Connor arrives at Brenda's for dinner. Cop sitting in car outside Brenda's, drinking coffee. -10s 7. After Connor walks away from Duel in 1783 flash- back, the other guy's second trys to get Bassett to shoot Connor in the back. Bassett shoots the Second (Hotchkiss) instead! 60s 8. Whacko Marine impaled on blade for extra time 10s 9. In the Church, Kurgan licks the back of the Priest's hand. 10s 10. After sex scene and before Kurgan kidnaps Brenda, scene at Zoo where Connor breaks off relationship with Brenda. Kurgan in background. 60s 11. Rachel says 'Goodbye, Russell Nash' after Connor says 'Hey, it's a kind of magic' from the elevator on his way to final fight with Kurgan. 5s 12. Final fight scene. Underwater bit between when the "I" and the "S" on the sign fall. 30s 13. ** Dialogue Missing From Euro Version included in Amer Version **!! After fight, as Connor lies on the floor, just before he puts his head in Brenda's lap. She's looking down on him and he is not in frame. Connor's voice says, "I want to go home." 115 mins from Opening speech of Ramirez to start of credits. 118 mins to end of credits. American Version - 107 mins/110 mins 1.3) Is there a soundtrack available for HIGHLANDER? Despite the reference in the credits at the end of the movie, there never was an 'official' soundtrack released for HIGHLANDER. There are reports of an orchestral version floating around and there were promos given out when the movie was first released. But an official soundtrack INCLUDING the Queen songs was never released. Most of the Queen songs appeared on their album 'A Kind of Magic' (1986; re-released 1991) which is currently available. However, negotiations are currently in progress (Oct. 93) between the relevant parties (Davis/Panzer Productions and the interested record company) to finally release an official soundtrack. 1.4) Was HIGHLANDER based on a book or a story or something? No, HIGHLANDER originated as a screenplay that Gregory Widen wrote for a screen-writing course that he took at UCLA. 1.5) What was the drink that Connor ordered in the bar after following Brenda there? Glenmorangie. a fine Scotch malt whiskey. 1.6) Where in Scotland is Connor from? He was born in 1518 in the village of Glenfinnan (which really exists), on the shores of Loch Shiel. The battle was in 1536 and it was between the Macleods and the Frasers. The castle in the movie is Eilean Donan castle which is located in Wester Ross in the Scottish Highlands on a small rocky island near the Isle of Skye. 1.7) What is Ramirez' full name? Juan Sanchez Villa-Lobos Ramirez and he states that he is the Chief Metallurgist to Charles V of Spain. When he meets Connor in 1541 he is 2,437 year old. He says that he is Egyptian so Ramirez is probably just his latest name. His sword was made in 593 BC by Masamune and his last wife was Shakiko, daughter of Masamune. 1.8) How many Immortals were in the movie? Five, but a sixth was mentioned. The five were Connor Macleod, Ramirez, the Kurgan (Victor Kruger), Iman Fasil, Sunda Kastagir. The sixth was "Vaselech(sp?), a Polish national" who was killed in New Jersey two nights before the swordfight with Fasil in the Madison Square Garden parking garage. Of this list only Ramirez dies before the Gathering. 1.9) Who played so-and-so in the movie? How do you spell so-and-so's name? (The following is directly from the movie credits:) Connor Macleod - Christopher Lambert (Immortal) Brenda Wyatt - Roxanne Hart Kurgan - Clancy Brown (Immortal) Ramirez - Sean Connery (Immortal) Heather - Beatie Edney Lt. Frank Moran - Alan North Rachel Ellenstein - Sheila Gish Det. Walter Bedsoe - Jon Polito Sunda Kastagir - Hugh Quarshee (Immortal) Kirk Matunas - Christopher Malcolm Iman Fasil - Peter Diamond (Immortal) (also Stunt Coordinator) Dugal Macleod - Billy Hartman Angus Macleod - James Cosmo Kate - Celia Imrie Chief Murdoch - Allistair Findlay Garfield - Edward Wiley Father Rainey - James McKenna Kenny - John Cassady Bassett - Ian Reddington Hotchkiss - Sion Tudor Owen 1.10) Does the book 'A Metallurgical History of Ancient Sword Making' actually exist? No. There are numerous librarians on the HIGHLA-L mailing list who have searched all of the databases for it with no luck. 1.11) What year did the duel between Connor and Bassett occur? 1783 and the duel was held on Boston Common. The cause of the duel? Connor had called Bassett's wife a 'bloated wart hog'. The bottle of brandy that Connor brought to Brenda's apartment was bottled in 1783. "Brandy, bottled in 1783. 1783 was a very good year. Mozart wrote his Great Mass. The Montgolfier brothers went up in their first balloon. (hah!) And England recognized the Independence of the United States." 1.12) Did the Kurgans, as a people, really exist? Yes. According to the movie they were 'an ancient people from the steppes of Russia. For amusement, they'd toss children in pits with hungry dogs to fight for meat.' According to research, the Kurgans, a semi-nomadic pastoralist culture from Russin steppes to Danubian Europe c. 3500 BC. Around 2300 BC the Kurgans arrived in the Aegean and Adriatic regions. They buried their dead in deep shafts and were known as horse breeders. In addition, the term 'kurgan' is usually used to refer to ancient stone-age burial mounds found in Russia. Also 'Kurgan' is a city of over 200,000 in southwestern Siberia. 1.13) Why was Fasil's sword so special? Why was Ramirez'/Connor's katana so special? Fasil's sword was a rare Toledo Salamanca supposedly worth over a million dollars. The katana was made in 593 BC. using a technique that supposedly wasn't developed until the Middle Ages. Brenda calls it 'the Samurai' with a tone of reverence and awe. 1.14) What other names has Connor used? From the title search that Brenda's friend did on Connor's house, from latest to earliest, Russell Nash, Rupert Wellingford, Alfred Nicholson, Jaques Lefeburt, Adrian Montegue. 1.15) Are there any Highlander-related books available? None that anyone has been able to acquire. There was a book published in England that nobody has managed to acquire a copy of yet. A copy was found in the non-lending section of the University of California at Riverside. 'The Highlander' by Gary Douglas (1986), Severn House, London PR6054.082 (It was recently reported by a member of HIGHLA-L that this book is a novelisation of the movie.) 1.16) Miscellaneous Trivia Christopher Lambert spent time with a dialog coach, developing an accent which sounded unspecifically foreign. In the European version, MacLeod says "It's a kind of magic", which is the name of the Queen album which contains songs from the film. The Vietnam vet, Matunas, who tries to machine-gun Kurgan has the Queen song _Hammer to Fall_ playing in his car. The Queen version of "New York, New York" was never released separately on any Queen album. In the last battle, just before Connor and the Kurgan fall through the skylight, the Kurgan's sword is noticeably bean (high quality props??) . *2-0) The 'Rules' of the Game* 2.1) What is the Quickening? The official definition from the producers is "An Immortal can only be killed by beheading. When an Immortal is killed, the Immortal who killed him receives his power and his essence through a mystical process known as "The Quickening." The power of the Quickening is the equivalent to a major electrical storm hitting -- windows explode, lights short circuit, it is almost as if the victorious Immortal is in the center of a lightning storm." {What follows is the most thorough and most comprehensive theory about the Quickening that I have come across yet -Debbie Douglass} The Quickening - A fan's theory (by Jeff Schneiter, 27 Aug 1993) Throughout the Highlander movie (there can be only one) and TV series, there is constant reference to, and dependence upon, something called "the Quickening". It has been made clear that the Quickening is viewed more as a substance than an action that occurs, that all Immortals have it and that they want the Quickening of the others. We see what happens with the Quickening when an Immortal dies - the seemingly violent transfer of it to the victor. It also appears to give them a connection with other Immortals, in that they can sense when another is near or to even "push" with it to affect others. When it comes to their relationship with the Quickening and nature, the only reference we have is the stag scene in H1. In the movie, we see Connor listening to the life force of the stag. When he becomes one with the stag, it appears that he gains strength and an exhilaration from it. What I plan on giving here is a quick understanding of how the Quickening relates to all life on our planet: how it is not only in Immortals, but in everything from plant life to humans - and in fact the planet Earth itself. Before explaining what the Quickening is, it might be beneficial to learn how to see the Quickening without beheading an Immortal. It can be seen by anyone with enough patience and peace of mind, and a serene setting out in nature. The first step is to find a location that has a clear, wide view of the sky on a nice clear day. Lay on your back or sit up (whichever is more comfortable) and choose a spot of the sky you are going to stare at. It is highly necessary that there are no man made objects in your field of view - they tend to stick out too much. Once you are comfortable, simply empty your mind of all thoughts, turn off that infernal internal dialog that we have running at all times. After just a brief time, you will start to see squiggles in the sky - they look like little electrons that come into existence for a brief second, do a quick dance, then disappear. The whole sky will be filled with these squiggles, creating a field that overlays all that you see. If you have the strength to remain peaceful, the field will soon be all that you can see - the squiggles become bright energy while the background goes black. This energy field is the Quickening - all life is made from it, making all men equal with each other and the animals and plants. Our existence is our Quickening - the state of our Quickening is the state of our existence. What we think and feel is really just the position of our Quickening/lifeforce at that time. If our Quickening is entwined with nature at a certain time, we feel more relaxed and feel a certain bond with the animals. If we are in a crowd of angry people, our Quickening will change to the shape of that formed by all those around us. The weight/gravity of Quickening can shape that around it. Men have been able to manipulate and visualize the Quickening by such ways as electricity and magnetism. The bending of Quickening to our purposes like this can create unstable systems that can react in violent manners - such as shocks, explosions, and television :). What makes Immortals more unique with their relationship with the Quickening is that the Quickening resides in them more fully than other lifeforms. In mortals, the Quickening is loosely bound, creating a life that is more fragile and short-lived. For Immortals, it is bound tightly around their center of existence like a gravitational whirlpool, expanding their lifeforce beyond normal boundaries - because of this they are able to obtain more Quickening from other Immortals. This extra Quickening gives them their special abilities that we get a taste of in the show. The most used ability in the show is their sensing of other Immortals. This is achieved by an Immortal feeling the Quickening of another starting to interact with the fringe of his Quickening. If the setting were ideal, an Immortal could relax and enter a Zen state to "feel" outwards as far as his Quickening takes him, to search for the signature Quickening that marks an Immortal. The advantage of an older Immortal is obvious here: the more Quickening he accumulates, the further out he can sense. And along with his age would come an ability to enter a Zen state easier. In "Nowhere to Run", we see the general "nudge" Duncan to let him know he is coming. Duncan also uses it to distract Amanda as she is on the highwire. This takes mental concentration to actually align his Quickening so that it interacts with the other's Quickening - the usual effect is a disturbance in the target's state of being. A severe case was the Kurgan and his ability to cause pain at a distance. During a fight the Quickening of the two Immortals start to interact more than ever. They become so involved with the fight that they start to ignore everything outside their immediate presence. The Quickening is swirling around them, creating a storm of power and life. The more they fight the harder it is to stop, the more they desire all the Quickening that is surrounding them. The beheading of one of them releases all of the Quickening of the loser. This Quickening now needs to dissipate somewhere, and the most available place in the Immortal that is already so fully entwined with it (Amanda's case makes this part difficult - damn her :). Not all of the Quickening will enter the survivor, some will spread out into the world to be absorbed in small parts by many life forms. When an Immortal dies with no other Immortal around, his Quickening will spread out into the world around him - it will go to other Immortals nearby or to holy sites. As it spreads out though, it becomes thinner and thinner as other life forms take little parts of it (without feeling much). Since electric systems are man made and are too unstable to withstand the quick influx of Quickening, they tend to explode. Holy sites are like big beacons of Quickening that the earth uses as tethers to the rest of the universe. These beams of Quickening connect with the sun and other planets. Humans have used these places as their holy sites because they can subconsciously feel the importance of the area. It is like sitting in one large "Zen state". The native Americans used these sites to talk with their dead - since when people die their Quickening leaves their bodies and can accumulate here in these sites. They did not really "talk" with the dead, it was more like a feeling of the dead's spirit being there, influencing them - aligning the Quickening of the Indian with the Quickening of the dead person. It is hard to figure out what goes on with Immortals and fighting on holy ground. In one episode, someone mentions that they can fight there, but can not hurt each other. Another time Duncan says that not even the most evil Immortal will break the tradition of not fighting on holy ground. Add to that the fact that Darius was killed my mortals in the church, and my personal belief is that they can fight and if they do get beheaded their Quickening is taken up into the greater whole of the Quickening at the holy site. The victor will also feel a lose as his Quickening that was so entwined with the other's is pulled into the mass of Quickening - instead of gaining Quickening, he looses some of his. The Prize is the obtaining of all the Quickening that has been passed from Immortal to Immortal. Obviously it would increase their powers to the point of super-Immortal strength. They would be able to control just about all the Quickening in the world, including the thoughts/emotions of humans and animals. If the winner were to take advantage of the holy sites and their connections with the rest of the universe, they would basically become The Ruler of the Universe. 2.2) Holy Ground Ramirez tells Connor "You are only safe on holy ground. No one will violate this. It's tradition." Their Code will not allow them to fight in sacred locations. The consensus of all the discussions is that Holy Ground is any place held sacred by any religion. 2.3) The Gathering Ramirez told Connor "You must learn to conceal your special gift, and harness your power (pause) until the time of the Gathering... When only a few of us are left, we will feel an irresistible pull towards a far away land, to fight for the Prize... We must fight until only one remains..." During the movie, we assume that the Gathering lasted only a few weeks, at most a few months. But, in the TV series premiere, we are told that the Gathering has begun and, in the second season premiere, we are told that Connor killed the Kurgan eight years ago. So presumably the Gathering will last several years, or at least as long as the TV series :-). 2.4) Physiology An Immortal appear to be 'killed' by anything that will kill a mortal. But they regenerate and recover. The more extensive the injury, the longer it takes to regenerate. Apparently facial and neck scars last but scars to the body disappear. We just find out in the 2nd season episode 'Unholy Alliance Part I' than an Immortal can't regenerate a lost limb (Xavier St.Cloud is sporting a hook). Immortals are sterile from birth. An Immortal carries the "seed" of his Immortality within him in life. If he is "killed," he becomes Immortal and never grows any older. They can sense each other's presence. The producers call it "The Buzz." 2.5) Why do Immortals usually use swords? A sword is the best way to ensure that when an Immortal takes the head of another he will be close enough to receive the Quickening. As with any weapon, to use it effectively you must practice to maintain skill. So Immortals probably prefer the weapon that they are the most familiar with. Considering the age of most Immortals, it stands to reason that the sword is usually the weapon of choice. *3.0) _Highlander: The Series_* HIGHLANDER: The Series In other times they bore other names: The Old Ones, The Elvan Lords, Druids, Angels, Demons, Gods... In our time they are called the Immortals. They are still with us. ...all the legends are true. (From the HIGHLANDER TV series writers' bible) 3.1) Introduction Heads up, movie fans. According to the producers, the TV series is in an alternate universe/timeline from the movies but the two share *some* characters, events, and rules. This means that, for the TV series, Connor did not win the Prize in 1985 when he killed the Kurgan. The Gathering has just begun and apparently it is a long process. There are still plenty of Immortals left when the TV series opens in 1992. This also means that Adrian Paul will not be in the third Highlander movie. The Premise: Duncan Macleod is a younger clansman of Connor Macleod and he also is an Immortal. The series opened with Slan Quince, an evil Immortal hunting down Duncan to take his head. Connor has tracked Quince to Duncan's since he thought Duncan might need help. Duncan has tried to stay out of the Game for many years. Duncan lives runs an antique shop with his live-in lover of 12 years, Tessa Noel. Richie Ryan is a young punk thief who is trying to rob the antique shop in the middle of the night when all of a sudden all these Immortals show up brandishing deadly looking swords. In the beginning of the second season, Tessa is killed in a random act of senseless violence. Her death inspires him to become more involved in mortal affairs. He feels he can no longer ignore the sorry state of the world, but must try to do something to improve it. Richie, killed in the same shooting as Tessa, becomes Immortal. Once trained by Mac, he will go off on his own, becoming a recurring character. MacLeod sells the antique store and moves into an industrial loft over a Dojo. The loft is a spare, masculine space; the Dojo below is a place where serious martial artists and warriors train, not a place for aerobics classes. CHARLIE DESALVO, runs the Dojo. Charlie's mother was black, and his father is an Italian. He is also an ex-Navy SEAL. JOE DAWSON, middle-aged, is first introduced as an unassuming bookshop owner. We have learned that he is involved with an age-old secret organization known as THE WATCHERS. The Watchers have secretly observed and recorded the chronicles of the Immortals for countless generations. Dawson knows all about MacLeod -- in fact, he is one of his greatest admirers. After an initial confrontation, the two become allies, and Dawson will occasionally put his formidable intelligence operation at Mac's disposal. Meanwhile, Dawson must confront the renegades within his own organization who believe that the only good Immortal is a dead Immortal. These RENEGADE WATCHERS will periodically come after MacLeod's head. 3.1.1) Short Episode Listings First Season 01 The Gathering 02 Innocent Man 03 Road Not Taken 04 Bad Day in Building A 05 Free Fall 06 Deadly Medicine 07 Mountain Men 08 Revenge is Sweet 01R The Gathering (repeat) 09 The Sea Witch 10 Eyewitness 11 Family Tree 02R Innocent Man (repeat) 07R Mountain Men (repeat) 05R Free Fall (repeat) 03R Road Not Taken (repeat) 04R Bad Day in Building A (repeat) 06R Deadly Medicine (repeat) 12 See No Evil 13 Band of Brothers 14 For Evil's Sake 15 For Tomorrow We Die 16 The Beast Below 17 Saving Grace 09R The Sea Witch (repeat) 11R Family Tree (repeat) 10R Eyewitness (repeat) 12R See No Evil (repeat) 08R Revenge is Sweet (repeat) 18 The Lady and the Tiger 19 Avenging Angel 20 Eye of the Beholder 21 Nowhere to Run 22 The Hunters 15R For Tomorrow We Die (repeat) 14R For Evil's Sake (repeat) 01R The Gathering (repeat) 07R Mountain Men (repeat) 09R The Sea Witch (repeat) 10R Eyewitness (repeat) 12R See No Evil (repeat) 16R The Beast Below (repeat) 17R Saving Grace (repeat) 13R Band of Brothers (repeat) 18R The Lady and the Tiger (repeat) 14R For Evil's Sake (repeat) 21R Nowhere to Run (repeat) 20R Eye of the Beholder (repeat) 08R Revenge is Sweet (repeat) 15R For Tomorrow We Die (repeat) 19R Avenging Angel (repeat) 22R The Hunters (repeat) Second Season 01 The Watchers 93201 02 Studies in Light 93202 03 Turnabout 93203 04 The Darkness 93204 05 Eye For An Eye 93205 06 The Zone 93206 07 The Return of Amanda 93207 08 Revenge of The Sword 93208 09 Run For Your Life 93209 10 Epitaph for Tommy 93210 01R The Watchers 93201 02R Studies in Light 93202 03R Turnabout 93203 08R Revenge of the Sword 93208 04R The Darkness 93204 05R Eye for an Eye 93205 09R Run For Your Life 93209 11 Bless The Child 93213 12 The Fighter 93211 13 Under Color of Authority 93212 14 Unholy Alliance, Part 1 93214 15 Unholy Alliance, Part 2 93215 16 The Vampire 93216 17 Warmonger 93217 06R The Zone 93206 07R Return of Amanda 93207 10R Epitaph For Tommy 93210 13R Under Color of Authority 93212 12R The Fighter 93211 11R Bless The Child 93213 18 Pharaoh's Daughter 93218 19 Legacy 93219 20 Prodigal Son 93220 21 Counterfeit Part I 93221 22 Counterfeit Part II 93222 3.1.2) First Season Episode Details Note: Most of the episodes summaries are directly from the Highlander producers. Regular Cast Adrian Paul as Duncan Macleod Alexandra Vandernoot as Tessa Noel Stan Kirsch as Richie Ryan Text from the beginning of each episode (spoken by Adrian Paul) First Form (6 episodes) "I am Duncan Macleod, born 400 years ago in the highlands of Scotland. I am Immortal, and I am not alone. For centuries we have waited for the time of the Gathering, when the stroke of a sword and the fall of a head will release the power of the Quickening. In the end, there can be only one." Second Form "I was born 400 years ago in the highlands of Scotland. I am Immortal, and I am not alone. Now is the time of the Gathering, when the stroke of a sword will release the power of the Quickening. In the end, there can be only one." First Season Episode Details 01) The Gathering 92102-1 Written by Dan Gordon, directed by Thomas J. Wright (I)Christopher Lambert as Connor Macleod (I)Richard Moll as Slan Quince Wendell Wright as Sgt. Powell Duncan Macleod is roused from his peaceful existence with the love of his life, Tessa Noel, when he is confronted by two fellow Immortals from his past. Connor MacLeod, (played by Christopher Lambert, reprising his role from the films) an old friend and fellow clansman, finds Duncan after many years and attempts to convince him to join the fray in the battle of Good versus Evil. Connor also has plans to finish off the likes of Slan Quince (Played by Richard Moll) an Evil Immortal who has tracked down Duncan with plans of combat. Realizing that he can be a threat, Duncan confronts Richie and later befriends the boy. The threats of Slan Quince come to an end on a bridge when Duncan saves the life of his comrade Connor and gains a powerful Quickening at the expense of Slan. -States the rule that only one-on-one fights are allowed. -Richie moves in with Tessa and Duncan between this episode and the next for reasons never made clear. -Slan uses a modern sword with a concealed 'extra' to defeat Connor. -Establishes Connor as Duncan's mentor. 02) Innocent Man 92103-4 Written by Dan Gordon, directed by Jorge Montesi (I)John Novack as Sheriff Howard Crowley (I)Victor Young as Lucas Desiree Vincent Schiavelli as Leo Atkins Amanda Wyss as Randi McFarland Wendell Wright as Sgt. Powell A Immortal friend of MacLeod's has been beheaded in his isolated mountain retreat where he had hoped, like Duncan, to retire from the fights for awhile. A brain damaged, homeless veteran is charged with the grisly murder. MacLeod must try to clear this innocent man and unravel the mystery of who has Killed his friend. 03) Road Not Taken 92108-3 Written by Terry Nelson, directed by Thomas J. Wright Dustin Nguyen as Chu Lin (I)Soon-teck Oh as Kiem Sun Wendell Wright as Sgt. Powell Christianne Hirt as Angie A deadly herbal drug takes the life of Richie's friend and MacLeod suspects the drug comes from another Immortal. This once Good Immortal had long sought to perfect this herbal drug and remove its lethal side effects for the betterment of mankind but became enchanted in the power that such a substance can give him. MacLeod must match wits and swords with this clever Immortal in order to find the drug and destroy it before it consumes more lives. This episode underlines the saying that "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." A cautionary tale for all, mortal and Immortal. -An Immortal who is planning to use an army of mortals in the Gathering. -Establishes the rule that it is permissible for Immortals to spar on Holy Ground. 04) Bad Day in Building A 92107-6 Written by Kevin Droney, directed by Jorge Montesi Andrew Divoff as Bryan Slade Amanda Wyss as Randi McFarland Jay Brazeau as Commissioner Comanski While visiting a courtroom to clear up some of Tessa's traffic tickets. MacLeod, Tessa and Richie are taken hostage by a desperate band of men, bent on freeing their leader, Slade, from imprisonment. Slade runs his gang with paramilitary precision, and when his demands are not met, he chooses a hostage to sacrifice. MacLeod makes sure the hostage is himself and "returns from the dead" to haunt and hunt down the killers one by one. -Duncan tells the little girl a fanciful 'story' about Immortals. -Duncan was shot at the base of the neck from behind. 05) Free Fall 92101-5 Written by Philip John Taylor, directed by Thomas J. Wright (I)Joan Jett as Felicia Martins (rock star) (I)Eli Gabay as Devereux Jay Brazeau as Commissioner Comanski A beautiful young woman throws herself to her death, only to revive with the realization that she is an Immortal. Through her Immortal senses, she seeks out Duncan as her mentor and becomes amorously involved with Richie. Unknown to Richie and Duncan there is more to this "ingenue" than meets the eye. She is in fact a long-time Immortal, engaged in a wily scheme to trap MacLeod, behead him and acquire his immense power through the Quickening. MacLeod must see through her deception in time to protect not only himself but also Richie. -First in long tradition of Duncan not taking the heads of female Immortals. 06) Deadly Medicine 92111-8 Written by Robert L. McCullough, directed by Ray Austin Joe Pantoliano as Doctor Wilder Amanda Wyss as Randi McFarland MacLeod is the victim of a hit-and-run auto accident which would take the life of any mere mortal. After a remarkable recovery in the hospital emergency room, Duncan is discovered by a doctor who becomes obsessed in seeking out Duncan MacLeod's secret of regeneration. Meanwhile, Tessa and Richie, unaware that Duncan is being held captive, search for the missing Highlander. -Only time that we've witnessed a wound heal quickly (with a little electric spark). 07) Mountain Men 92110-7 Written by Marie-Chantal Droney, directed by Thomas J. Wright (I)Marc Singer as Caleb (movie star - 'Beastmaster') Wes Studi as Sheriff Benson (I?)John Dennis Johnston as Carl the Hermit Tessa is kidnapped by a band of primitive survivalists who live off the land in the vastness of the Pacific Northwest. MacLeod must utilize his own skills, honed a hundred and fifty years earlier, when he roamed the same mountain fastness. Duncan trails these land pirates while the leader, Caleb, falls in love with Tessa. When Duncan confronts Caleb, he soon learns that the only way to resolve his claim on the woman he loves is a fight to the death of the most elemental kind. -First time that a guest Immortal appears who uses a weapon (battle axe) other than a sword. -Duncan dies jumping off a cliff. His revival is very dramatic with bone snaps and cracks. 08) Revenge is Sweet 92109-10 Written by Loraine Despres, directed by Ray Austin Vanity as Rebecca Lord (I)Christoph Ohrt as Walter Reinhardt Christianne Hirt as Angie Tim Reid as Sgt. Bennett Seeking revenge for the apparent death of her lover, a woman toys with Duncan before she attempts to kill him by the same means...the ancient sword. Unbeknownst to her, the lover is an Immortal and is using her in a cat and mouse game to draw out MacLeod for their final confrontation. -Timestamps the Series as definitely occurring in 1992. The episode opens with a flashback with Duncan joining Tessa at a New Year's party in 1989 and then we flash ahead to present day 'three years later'. -When this episode aired it caused many fans to doubt the then current theory that the Series was occurring before the movie. -Duncan seems to try to escape the Quickening before it catches up to him. 09) The Sea Witch 92112-9 Written by David Tynan, directed by Thomas J. Wright (I)Stephen Macht as Alexei Voshin Johannah Newmarch as Nikki When an old friend accidentally involves Richie in a drug deal, MacLeod and Tessa become the targets of a malicious drug dealer. Duncan locates the drug dealer's hideout in an old steamer called "The Sea Witch II." Duncan has flashbacks of a time when he smuggled refugees out of Stalinist Russia. -Fans have speculated that Alexei Voshin is gay or bi-sexual because he kisses Duncan. Others feel that this was simply a standard Russian greeting for the time. -First time on the Series that an Immortal is beheaded by something other than a weapon (boat propeller) and still Duncan gets the Quickening, even though he didn't actually kill Alexei. 10) Eyewitness 92115-12 Written by David Tynan, directed by Ray Austin (I)Tom Butler as Andrew Ballin Amanda Wyss as Randi McFarland Tim Reid as Sgt. Bennett (TV: WKRP, Frank's Place) Tessa witnesses the murder of a painter, Anne Wheeler. The absence of a body leads everyone but MacLeod to doubt her story. MacLeod supports Tessa in her quest to obtain justice for the woman. He soon discovers that the killer is an Immortal on the police force and that Tessa is in imminent danger. 11) Family Tree 92106-2 Written by Kevin Droney, directed by Jorge Montesi J.E. Freeman as Joe Scanlon Peter Deluise as Clinch Tamsin Kelsey as Mrs. Gustavson Matthew Walker as Ian MacLeod Richie Ryan attempts to learn more about his parents, whom he has never known. As he moves forward with the information about his parents, he falls prey to a con man who needs a place to hide and a lot of money. While MacLeod and Tessa try to keep Richie from being hurt, Duncan relives his own painful experiences when he first learned that he was an Immortal and was renounced by the man he had always believed to be his father. -Establishes Duncan as a foundling. 12) See No Evil 92114-11 Written by Brian Clemens, directed by Thomas J. Wright (I)John Hertzler as Marcus Korolus Dee McCafferty as the Scalper Moira Walley as Natalie Ward Amanda Wyss as Randi McFarland Tim Reid as Sgt. Bennett There is a mad, vicious serial killer loose in the city and no woman is safe from his demented taste for murder. MacLeod's interest in this case grows as he notices that the serial killer's pattern for murder is similar to that of the famous "Scalper Murders" back in the 1920's. Then the Scalper was an Immortal who, betrayed by the woman he loved, became a killer. To end the carnage, Duncan was forced to confront and kill the Immortal back in 1921. Now the killings have started again, the modern day killer mimicking the 70-year-old M.O., killing in the same locations as the previous murders.It falls to Duncan and Tessa to stop this madman. -Features an antique 'Indian' Harley Davidson motorcycle and a clear-cut case of an insane Immortal. 13) Band of Brothers 92118-13 Written by Marie-Chantal Droney, directed by Rene Manzor (I)Werner Stocker as Darius - introduction (I)James Horan as Grayson (Seen in one episode of ST-TNG) Earl Pastko as Victor Paulus Amanda Wyss as Randi McFarland A warning comes from MacLeod's old friend Darius, a monk over 2000 years old. He explains to Duncan that he may be stalked by a powerful Immortal, Grayson. Both MacLeod and Grayson were proteges of Darius. Grayson, using the knowledge and power he learned from Darius, became a ruthless arms merchant. Meanwhile, Grayson plots to assassinate Victor Paulus, a mortal student of Darius, and it is up to MacLeod to protect him. Duncan later joins Richie and Tessa in France where they live while Tessa takes up her new job as curator of a special collection of l8th century art. -Explores the full impact of the safety of Holy Ground. 14) For Evil's Sake 92117-14 Written by David Abramowitz and Fabrice Ziolkowski, directed by Ray Austin (I)Peter Howitt as Kuyler Hugues Leforestier as Inspector Lebrun An Evil Immortal, Kuyler, has hired himself out down through time as an assassin... the most successful killer in all of history. He strikes again in modern day Paris using his signature disguise as a mime. A French police detective, Lebrun, suspects that Duncan is connected to Kuyler, but of course cannot imagine that Kuyler once killed a seventeenth century baron under MacLeod's protection. When the policeman is wounded saving Tessa from Kuyler's men, MacLeod hunts down this Immortal assassin and puts an end to his centuries-old reign of terror. -Kuyler drinks absinthe, an illegal liquor that gradually causes madness and death. Even though Kuyler is immune to death it soon becomes apparent that the absinthe, after centuries of use, can cause madness in Immortals. -Flashback shows the first time Duncan and Tessa met. 15) For Tomorrow We Die 92116-15 Written by Philip John Taylor, directed by Robin Davis (I)Roland Gift as Xavier St Cloud (rock star 'Fine Young Cannibals') (I)Werner Stocker as Darius Hugues Leforestier as Inspector Lebrun MacLeod stumbles across the trail of an Immortal, Xavier, who has lived in hedonistic splendor down through the ages by ruthlessly robbing and killing innocent men and women. MacLeod had nearly fallen victim to this remorseless killer behind the front lines during World War One, when Xavier first began using poison gas. In modern day Paris, MacLeod must track down him down before he kills again. -Shows that Immortals succumb to poisons as quickly as mortals. -Introduces the question 'Can Immortals regenerate body parts?' after Duncan cuts off Xavier's hand. 16) The Beast Below 92123-16 Written by Marie-Chantal Droney, directed by Daniel Vigne (I)Christian Van Acker as Ursa Dee Dee Bridgewater as Carolyn (I)Werner Stocker as Darius A mysterious death at the Paris Opera re-acquaints Duncan with Ursa, one of the strangest Immortals he has met. Ursa is a hulking giant that is more beast than man and has lived in a cave in the vast empty wilderness of the Alps. Persecuted by men, Ursa was taken to an abbey as a place of refuge by Duncan centuries ago. Ursa now makes the sewers and mysterious catacombs under the streets of Paris his home. Over the years, Ursa has listened to the music that emanates from the opera and fallen in love with the beautiful singer, Carolyn. Carolyn however, is not the Beauty to his Beast nor Christine to his Phantom. She is a vindictive, ambitious woman that tries to use Ursa's innocent soul to murder her rival. Macleod must keep this sometimes dangerous giant from being exploited by this woman, who uses all of her wiles to turn Ursa against Duncan. -This episodes show that Immortals are not superior beings. That even someone with less than average intelligence can be an Immortal. 17) Saving Grace 92120-17 Written by Elizabeth Baxter and Martin Broussellet Directed by Ray Austin (I)Julia Stemberger as Grace (I)Georges Corraface as Carlos Sendaro (I)Werner Stocker as Darius Grace Chandler, a good Immortal, has been working for the betterment of mankind as a scientist over the centuries. Her tragic flaw is another Immortal, Carlos Sendaro. A former conquistador and intrepid explorer, Carlos possesses an obsessive love for Grace which will admit no rivals. Sendaro, in modern day Paris, slays Grace's lover. When she refuses to run off with him, he pins the murder on her. She turns to Duncan for help and although she realizes that there may be only one in the end, she wants no harm to come to either of these two Immortal men. -We still haven't figured out how Grace has managed to keep her head all these years. She has no apparent fighting skills. -Sendaro is beheaded by a subway train. Duncan gets the Quickening because he is the closer Immortal. 18) The Lady and the Tiger 92121-18 Written by Philip John Taylor, directed by Robin Davis (I)Elizabeth Gracen as Amanda (I)Jason Isaacs as Zachary Blaine A day at the circus becomes a high wire act for MacLeod when he is reunited with an Immortal femme-fatale, Amanda, who has always meant big trouble for him. This time he is in a deadly triangle as Amanda plots a daring, high stakes burglary and tries to avoid the vengeance of her former partner who has escaped from prison and wants her head. -Amanda takes Zachary's head and Quickening after Duncan has almost defeated him. The Quickening seems to thrust Duncan away while enveloping Amanda. 19) Avenging Angel 92122-20 Written by Fabrice Ziolkowski, directed by Paolo Barzman (I)Martin Kemp as Alfred Cahill Sandra Nelson as Elaine A brand-new Immortal turns vigilante, obsessed with the idea that he has been chosen to wage a crusade against "perversion" cuts a bloody path through Paris, menacing an old friend of Tessa,s. MacLeod alone knows this killer and can stop him. -Shows that becoming Immortal will not cure insanity. In fact the shock of it can put someone over the edge. -Shows Duncan becoming aware of Cahill as he is 'dying' for the first time. -This episode started a long argument as to whether the Templars' shrine qualified as Holy Ground at one time but it is no longer because the Templars were excommunicated. 20) Eye of the Beholder 92124-19 Written by Christian Bouveron and Larry Shore, directed by Dennis Berry (I)Nigel Terry as Garbiel Piton (movies: Excalibur, TV: 'Covington Cross') Katia Douvalian as Maya Richie meets a beautiful young woman who leads him into the world of Haute couture. His youthful jealousy causes him to run afoul of a world-class fashion designer, who is actually a deadly Immortal. -Richie sets Piton on fire and Piton shows no scars later. 21) Nowhere to Run 92125-21 Written by David Abramowitz, directed by Dennis Berry (I)Peter Guinness as Colonel Everett Bellian Anthony Head as Allan Rothwood ("Taster's Choice" commercials) Jason Riddington as Mark Rothwood Marion Cotillard as Lori Bellian The step-daughter of an Immortal mercenary is raped by the son of a diplomat, and Duncan must protect Tessa, Richie, and the guilty young man from the mercenary's vengeance. 22) The Hunters 92126-22 Written by Kevin Droney, directed by Paolo Barzman (I)Roger Daltrey as Hugh Fitzcairn (rock star 'The Who') (I)Werner Stocker as Darius Peter Hudson as Horton Duncan teams up with another immortal to find out why their immortal friends are disappearing without a trace -- including Darius. -Introduction of the Watchers and their renegade sub-group, the Hunters. -Establishes the practice of the Hunters killing themselves rather than be held captive. -All footage of Darius is from previous episodes because Werner Stocker was too ill to appear. (See biographies in Section 3.2) 3.1.3) Second Season Episode Details Note: Most of the episodes summaries are directly from the Highlander producers. Regular Cast Adrian Paul as Duncan Macleod Alexandra Vandernoot as Tessa Noel (last episode #4) Stan Kirsch as Richie Ryan Jim Byrnes as Joe Dawson Philip Akin as Charlie DeSalvo Text from the beginning of each episode (spoken by Joe Dawson) "He is immortal, born in the highlands of Scotland 400 years ago. He is not alone. There are others like him, some good, some evil. For centuries he has battled the forces of Darkness, with Holy Ground his only refuge. He cannot die - unless you take his head, and with it his power. In the end There Can Be Only One. He is Duncan Macleod, The Highlander." Episode Details (SPOILERS) 1) #93201 THE WATCHERS Writer: Marie-Chantal Droney Director: Clay Borris Jim Byrnes as Joe Dawson (introduction) Peter Hudson as James Horton Keli O'Bryne as Lynn Horton Cameron Bancroft as Robert Determined to investigate the death of his old friend Darius (in the first season finale, "The Hunters"), MacLeod follows a lead back to his old stomping grounds in the Pacific Northwest. He meets JOE DAWSON, a bookstore owner with a secret; he soon learns that Dawson is a high-ranking member of an ancient secret organization known as THE WATCHERS, who observe and record the lives of the Immortals, passing their archives down from generation to generation. Unbeknownst to Dawson, his brother-in- law, JAMES HORTON (the man who killed Darius), has been recruiting Watchers to kill Immortals. Horton dies in a battle with Duncan where Duncan 'dies', too. We are left with the knowledge that other renegade Watchers may be waiting to try for MacLeod's head. -The following was printed out from Dawson's database on Immortals (Note the various contradictions to facts from the movie, especially the Kurgan's age. Fans have tried to justify the inconsistencies by rationalizing that the Watchers 'database can't be perfect because all the information is gathered by observation only. The writers didn't start using a writer's 'bible' and timeline until after this episode was completed.): "Subject: Kurgan Origin: Northern Russia Immortality: March 20, 1452 Sightings: 1453 to 1535 located Moscow 1536 to 1610 located Scottish Highlands 1611 to 1619 located Milan 1700 to 1755 located Northern Africa 1756 to 1985 UNKNOWN 1985 DECEASED (Connor MacLeod) Encounters: Stosch Basalok 1525 Connor MacLeod 1536 Juan Sanchez Villa Lopez Ramirez 1601 (almost beheaded) Aman Fasil 1640 Sundra Kastagar 1750 Quickenings: Ivan Trotski 1472 Juan Sanchez Villa Lopez Ramirez 1601 Flavin Parocchi 1663 Sundra Kastagar 1985 Stosch Basalok 1985" 2) #93202 STUDIES IN LIGHT Writer: Naomi Janzen Director: Peter Ellis (I)Joel Wyner as Gregor Powers Sheila Moore as Linda Plager Gillian Carfra as Young Linda MacLeod's old friend GREG POWERS has become a photographer, and invites Mac to see his work. Mac is disturbed by the violent images in his friend's work, and is distressed to find that the sensitive Gregor he knew has been replaced by a hardened cynic. Another photograph in the exhibit, taken of MacLeod 50 years ago, triggers a flashback of his meeting young photographer LINDA PLAGER. Then, the now-73-year-old Linda recognizes Duncan as her old mentor and lover, convincing her nurse that she's thoroughly senile -- after all, Duncan MacLeod would be an old man by now, wouldn't he? Learning that Linda is dying, MacLeod longs to tell her the truth, but isn't sure how. Meanwhile, Greg seduces Richie into his destructive lifestyle -- fascinated by the rush of fear that accompanies near death, he coaxes Richie into a dangerous motorcycle stunt. After a confrontation with MacLeod, Greg snaps -- frustrated by his inability to feel any real emotion because of the insulation from death his Immortality gives him, he attacks Richie, then Linda, then fights MacLeod on the roof of the hospital. Only when MacLeod's sword is inches from his neck does Greg break down and face the truth that he doesn't want to die. -Richie does not heal quicker than mortals for he hasn't gained full Immortality yet and he won't until he dies in the fourth episode. 3) #93203 TURNABOUT Writer: David Tynan Director: Clay Borris (I)Geraint Wyn Davies as Michael Moore (TV: 'Forever Knight') John Tierney as Old Father Morton Alan Robertson as Judge Marvin Singer Gaetana Korbin as Jeanette Thirty years ago, evil Immortal QUENTEN BARNES was executed in the electric chair, and promised he'd be back. He's been trapped in a tomb ever since; but now, Joe Dawson informs MacLeod, he's out, and killing the people involved in his execution. Mac declines to get involved unless Barnes gets in his way, but when his old friend MICHAEL MOORE comes to town, a Flashback shows us that Barnes killed Michael's wife and has a longstanding grudge against Michael. Now Mac is involved. He convinces Dawson to share the Watchers' surveillance file on Barnes with him. However, the file isn't much help. As the prosecutor and priest who were at Barnes' execution are killed off one by one, it becomes clear that Barnes will come after Michael next. However, it is only after Mac finds the body of the man Dawson sent with the file that the penny drops and he realizes that Barnes, a multiple personality, is Michael -- and Mac left him home with Tessa and Richie! In the end, at Michael's tortured urging, MacLeod must kill Michael to kill Barnes. -Duncan performs a long kata exercise showing his martial arts expertise. 4) #93204 THE DARKNESS Writers: Christian Bouveron & Lawrence Shore Director: Paolo Barzman Introducing Philip Akin as Charlie DeSalvo Traci Lords as Greta (porn movie star) Andrew Jackson as Pallin Wolf Frank C. Turner as Harry Lisa Vultaggio as Carmen (I)Adrian Hughes as James A mortal named PALLIN WOLF, one of the renegade Watchers who believes the Immortals must be eliminated, lures an Immortal to his house and kills him, getting the advantage by tricking him into a sealed room that is completely dark, then stalking him with night vision goggles. Meanwhile, a Gypsy fortuneteller they- meet in a restaurant, GRETA, warns Tessa that she is in danger. When Tessa is kidnapped by Wolf, MacLeod returns to Greta, asking for her help. But she's mostly a hustler, and not accustomed to getting actual visions, so the clues she is able to provide are meager. Finally, Mac finds Wolf's house, where Wolf is waiting for him. He meets Wolf in the dark room and all seems hopeless until he remembers a matchbook Greta gave him with her phone number in it. Lighting the matches, he regains the advantage and kills Wolf. However, as Tessa and Richie are heading for the car, a young junkie accosts them for money, and in an act of senseless violence, shoots them both. As Mac mourns, Richie tentatively sits up, healing -- he is an Immortal. But Tessa is gone. -Featuring Duncan's controversial trick of lighting the matches with his sword. Many fans feel that this feat is impossible, especially in the dark. -The song played while Duncan grieves for Tessa following her death, "Dust in the Wind" is by the group Kansas from the album "Point of Know Return" 5) #93205 EYE FOR AN EYE Writers: Elizabeth Baxter & Martin Brossellet Director: Dennis Berry (I)Sheena Easton as Annie Devlin (rock star) Philip Akin as Charlie DeSalvo (introduction) When MacLeod and Richie are witness to a terrorist attack on an Ambassador, Richie dives in like a Superhero, cocky with Immortality. In the resulting confusion, one of the terrorists is killed, and another, ANNIE DEVLIN, an Immortal, is captured. She swears revenge on Richie, and when she escapes from custody, MacLeod takes on the task of educating Richie so that he will have a chance in combat against her. Meanwhile, Flashbacks reveal an earlier friendship between MacLeod and Annie. Mac renews the friendship, and the two Immortals who have both recently lost their lovers find solace in one another. In the end, Richie defeats Annie but can't bring himself to kill her, and MacLeod convinces her to pursue the blood debt no further. -Richie refuses to take Annie's head. It's hard to learn to kill. -Duncan buys Charlie DeSalvo's martial arts dojo and moves into the loft apartment above it. -At the end Duncan gives Richie his own single-handed sword. This is curious because throughout the episode he practiced with a two-handed katana. -The Irish phrase that Annie yells at her confederates as they flee is 'teach solas' pronounced 'chukh solus' or, as Richie thought, maybe a baseball player Chuck Sollas. It means 'light house'. 6) #93206 THE ZONE Writer: Peter Mohan Director: Clay Borris Santino Buda as Canaan Sandra P. Grant as Asia Alphonso Quijada as Tio Leam Blackwood as Tom McGee The Zone is a burned-out urban wasteland, abandoned by the police, who figure it's easier to just 'let the animals kill each other.' Now the Zone is being taken over by CANAAN, a charismatic leader who urges his followers to take the material possessions that have been denied to them. JOE DAWSON comes to MacLeod for help -- one of his men, who was observing Canaan, has been killed. Charlie accompanies MacLeod down to his old neighborhood in the Zone and introduces him to ASIA, a nurse at the local clinic, one of few people who haven't given up on the neighborhood. After MacLeod learns that Dawson was mistaken, and- Canaan is not an Immortal, Dawson is ready to drop it. But MacLeod has seen the misery in the Zone, and is determined to break Canaan's hold. He convinces Asia that it's time to stand up for their rights, and she helps him arrange a meeting of neighborhood residents who want to take back their streets. But Asia is involved with Canaan, and she's used as bait to lure him to his apparent death. Canaan busts up the neighborhood meeting, but when MacLeod arrives and defeats Canaan hand to hand, the cult leader's hold on the people is broken. -Notice that we never actually see the elevator for Duncan's loft and the dojo move between floors. 7) #93209 THE RETURN OF AMANDA Writers: Guy Mullaly and David Tynan Director: Dennis Berry (I)Elizabeth Gracen as Amanda Don S. Davis as FBI agent Palance Robert Wisden as FBI agent Werner Jano Franden as Rutger Joe Maffe as Harry the Jeweler Michael Puttonen as Lev Arkin AMANDA, the beautiful Immortal cat-burglar from the first season episode THE LADY AND THE TIGER, returns to town, telling MacLeod she's retired from her life of crime. Who can blame Duncan for not believing her? -- especially when two guys start shooting at them. Duncan thinks the guys might be Watchers, but in fact they are FBI Agents. Amanda is in possession of some plates for counterfeit money, stolen in Germany before WWII. She's looking for an engraver to change the dates, figuring since she's sworn to give up stealing money, she'll have to print some up. PALANCE, one of the FBI Agents, sets MacLeod and Amanda up to take the fall for his partner's murder, and demands that they turn the plates over. Mac and Amanda are forced to "die" on videotape to catch Palance. -Historical flaw: the United States switched over from Silver Certificates in the 1960's, thus engraving plates made during WWII wouldn't be good for forgeries in the present day. -We get a full view of Duncan's apartment. 8) #93208 REVENGE OF THE SWORD Writer: Aubrey Solomon Director: Clay Borris Dustin Nguyen as Jimmy Sang Debbie Podowski as Lisa Robert Ito as Johnny Leong (TV: 'Quincy') JIMMY SANG, a former student of Charlie's, is an up-and-coming martial arts movie star. His latest movie is filming some scenes in the dojo. When a stuntman is "accidentally" killed, MacLeod is the first to realize that Jimmy's life is in danger. It turns out that the movie is based on Jimmy's youthful experiences as an enforcer for a powerful gang, and now his former boss wants to see him dead. -Dustin Nguyen is the only actor, so far, to play more than one role on Highlander. 9) #93209 RUN FOR YOUR LIFE Writer: Naomi Janzen Director: Dennis Berry (I)Bruce Young as Carl (TV: 'ER') Geza Kovacs as Carter Roman Podhora as Kenny Biski Gughese as Ricky CARL ROBINSON is an Immortal who MacLeod first met in 1929 when he rescued him from a KKK lynch mob. Back then, Carl was full of plans -- to be a Major League Ballplayer, to be President. But today Carl has given up hope. He and MacLeod meet up again when Carl steals Charlie's car. Mac tries to rekindle Carl's belief in himself, but Carl doesn't want to listen. When a white cop named CARTER tries to kill him, Carl attributes the incident to racism, until MacLeod explains about the Watchers who are hunting them. After Carter's partner (also white) helps Carl and MacLeod bring Carter down, Carl decides to give the world another chance. 10) #93210 EPITAPH FOR TOMMY Writer: Philip John Taylor Director: Clay Borris (I)Roddy Piper as Gallen (WWF wrestler) Andrea Roth as Suzanne Ken Camroux as Honniger Jan D'Arcy as Betty Bannen TOMMY is an innocent bystander who's accidentally killed during a swordfight between MacLeod and the Immortal GALLEN. Haunted by the unnecessary death, MacLeod tries to find out more about the dead man -- and discovers he isn't exactly the innocent bystander he appeared. {The synopses for the next episodes are sketchy because I'm having trouble getting the synopses from my source -Debbie Douglass} 11) #93213 BLESS THE CHILD Writer: Elizabeth Baxter and Martin Brossollet Director: Clay Boris Michelle Thrush as Sara Lightfoot Ed Lauter as Avery Hoskins Doug Abrahams as Luke Hoskins Charlie and MacLeod come to the aid of SARA LIGHTFOOT, an Indian woman on the run with a baby. She tells them AVERY HOSKINS is trying to steal her baby. Hoskins and his brothers come after them, and they are forced to flee overland. After a rugged flight through a mountain canyon, MacLeod learns that the baby is in fact Hoskins' son, taken by Sara in retribution for her own child, killed by runoff from Hoskins' mines. -Duncan shows that he has quite a lot of experience with caring for babies; they reveal how deeply not being able to father children affects him. 12) #93211 THE FIGHTER Writer: Morrie Ruvinsky Director: Peter Ellis (I)Bruce Weitz as Thomas Sullivan (TV: Hill Street Blues) Wren Roberts as Belcher Calli Timmins as Iris Nicholas Lea as Rodney MacLeod's old friend TOMMY SULLIVAN is a scrappy little Irishman, a one-time boxer turned trainer, who can charm anyone into anything. He charms MacLeod into backing his current boxer and charms Charlie into playing Cyrano to help him woo a shy waitress. But when a rival manager who was trying to steal Sully's fighter turns up dead, MacLeod's opinion of his old friend begins to be altered forever. -It looks like Duncan tries to refuse the Quickening of Sullivan but a fan with access to the script says that this impression was not intended by the writers and the producers. 13) #93212 UNDER COLOR OF AUTHORITY Writer: Peter Mohan Director: Clay Borris (I)Johnathan Banks as Mako (TV: Wiseguy) Deanna Milligan as Laura Lochlyn Munro as Tim Richie wants to protect LAURA DANIELS, a young woman who's on the run from an Immortal bounty hunter, MAKO. MacLeod has met Mako before and doesn't like his methods, but he knows the other man is lawful. He questions whether Laura is necessarily innocent. Richie doesn't care, he wants to help her anyway, no matter what it takes. MacLeod is torn between doing what's right and helping his friend. Richie defeats Mako and receives his first Quickening, and he and MacLeod realize it's time for him to move on. -Mako is a lawman of the Old West school, guily until proven innocent. -Richie receives his first Quickening and Duncan sends him off on his own, his training is now complete. 14) #93214 UNHOLY ALLIANCE Part I Writer: David Tynan Director: Peter Ellis (I)Roland Gift as Xavier St.Cloud (Rock: Fine Young Cannibals) Peter Hudson as James Horton Stacy Travis as Renee Delaney XAVIER ST. CLOUD returns, killing Immortals with the help of mortal mercenaries who shoot his prey, making his kill easy. His next target is MacLeod but, warned by Dawson, Duncan and Charlie just manage to escape death -- though the dojo is all but destroyed in the gunfight. RENEE DELANEY, a CID agent investigating the mercenary angle, gets on the case. MacLeod goes after Xavier himself, and Charlie insists on coming along. During his battle with St. Cloud, MacLeod spots JAMES HORTON, the Hunter who killed Darius. Distracted, Duncan is 'killed' and falls down an elevator shaft out of beheading range, and Charlie is badly wounded and lies near death. Blaming Dawson for helping Horton escape alive, MacLeod warns him not to cross his path again. Immortals are showing up dead by strange means, first shot by mortals then beheaded by an Immortal. -Xavier St.Cloud lost a hand in a fight with Duncan last season in the episode 'For Tomorrow We Die') -James Horton was presumed dead after a battle with Duncan at the close of "The Watchers" (second season premiere). 15) #93215 UNHOLY ALLIANCE Part II Writer: David Tynan Director: Peter Ellis (I)Roland Gift as Xavier St.Cloud Peter Hudson as James Horton Stacey Travis as Renee Delaney Michel Modo as Maurice As Charlie regains strength, MacLeod accepts help from Dawson one last time, and barely misses catching Xavier and Horton. He then follows their trail to Paris -- accompanied by the persistent Renee Delaney. They track down Horton, and when he almost escapes, he is shot by Joe Dawson. MacLeod, with the help of his humorous new neighbor MAURICE, then tracks down Xavier and finally takes his head. In a coda, however, we learn that Horton still lives. 16) #93216 THE VAMPIRE Writer: J.P. Couture Director: Dennis Berry (I)Jeremy Brudenell as Nicholas Ward Denis Lill as Baines Trevor Peacock as Jacom Tonya Kinziger as Juliette Nathalie Presles as Helene MacLeod comes up against NICHOLAS WARD, an Immortal who conceals his murders by disguising them as popular hysterias. In the 1840's, Ward created a vampire myth in order to conceal the true motive behind his killing the owners of a business he wanted. Mac managed to prevent Ward from marrying (and murdering) the heiress, but Ward escaped. In the present, Mac teams up with Joe Dawson to discover what Ward is up to and protect the young woman he's set his sights on this time. 17) #93217 WARMONGER Writers: Christian Bouveron & Lawrence Shore Director: Bruno Gantillon (I)Peter Firth as Drake Angeline Ball as Beth Tom Watson as Eli Michel Modo as Maurice In 1918 in the Soviet Union, MacLeod promised the Immortal DRAKOV that he would not fight him, in return for seeing lives spared. Today Drakov, now called Arthur Drake, still operates behind the scenes of international politics, a cruel puppetmaster who is dragging Eastern Europe toward anarchy. Eli Jarmel, an old man whose family was destroyed by Drake, urges MacLeod to recant his promise, while Beth Vaughn, a reporter, puts her life in danger by investigating both Drake and MacLeod. 3.2) Biographies 3.2.1) Adrian Paul (Duncan Macleod) A cross between Errol Flynn and Douglas Fairbanks, Adrian Paul was born (May 29, 1959) and raised in London. His family was not very drama-oriented and they didn't exactly know how to react when Adrian informed them that he wanted to become an actor. He studied Shakespeare and performed in school plays, but his focus was always on sports. He played semi-pro soccer and then traveled around Europe to model. In Europe, he danced and choreographed for six years and then moved to Los Angeles to dance and seek out acting roles. His first acting experience was on the ABC Television series "The Colbys." Adrian portrayed a Russian dancer, which was based on the Baryshnikov character in the motion picture "White Nights." After a year on "The Colbys," Adrian appeared with Tom Berenger in the motion picture "Last Rites." Adrian was a series regular on "War of the Worlds" and has made guest appearances on shows such as "Murder, She Wrote," "Dark Shadows," and "Beauty and the Beast." His wife, Meilani, is one of the 'Uh-Huh Girls," who appears in the popular Diet Pepsi commercials with Ray Charles. Meilani, along with her two counterparts, has been given the dubious honor of "Women We Love," in a recent Esquire magazine. Says Paul, "Everywhere we go, people are singing 'uh-huh'. In the HIGHLANDER, the saying is 'there can be only one,' so Meilani and I are going to combine the slogans, which will read 'there can be only one -- uh-huh." His most recent acting job, other than Highlander, was 'The Cover Girl Murders' a TV movie which he did during the summer hiatus in 1993. It aired on the USA Channel in late November, 1993. 3.2.2) Alexandra Vandernoot (Tessa Noel) Alexandra Vandernoot has been living in France for the past six years, but is originally from Belgium. She comes from an arts-related family. Her late father was a symphony conductor, and her mother was a dancer. She studied drama, earning a degree at the Conservatory in Brussels. After graduation, she started to work immediately in the theater. After appearing in a number of plays, she decided to move to Paris. Two years later, she went back to school to continue her acting education before making the jump to American television. Her first American acting role was opposite Timothy Hutton in the HBO movie 'Strangers'. She also guest starred in an episode of the syndicated series "Counterstrike:. Vandernoot lives in Paris. During her free time, she renovates her recently purchased country house. (Taken from the HIGHLANDER: THE SERIES press kit.)" Update: Alexandra Vandernoot left the series after the fourth episode of the second season. She wished to continue with her feature film career and did not wish to be separated from her family in Paris for the part of the year neccessary for filming in Canada. 3.2.3) Stan Kirsch (Richie Ryan) Stan Kirsch (25), originally from New York City, moved to Los Angeles three years ago. "I'm an urban kid who grew up in the city with a sister and two great parents." His first acting experience was a Campbell's Soup commercial when he was 4 years old, which was followed by a few modeling jobs. He left the business for a while, but returned to it in high school at St. Paul's Boarding School in New Hampshire. While attending Duke University as a political science major, Kirsch worked on his acting skills with a master trainer of acting. "I went through the whole spectrum of acting, movement, and voice work, which was all geared toward Shakespeare and regional theatre." Kirsch performed in summer stock and fell in love with the profession. "I made $24 a night to perform in a play six times a week in the mountains of North Carolina. It was the greatest summer I'd ever had and I couldn't get rid of the acting bug." After graduating from Duke, he moved to New York, and within six months, he signed with an agent, got his Screen Actors Guild card and headed out to Los Angeles. Kirsch has made guest appearances on the ABC soap "General Hospital;" Fox Broadcasting's "true Colors;" and recently starred in "the Streets of Beverly Hills," an ABC Television pilot.] For the second season of Highlander, the character of Richie Ryan will only be appearing in approximately half of the episodes. 3.2.4) Werner Stocker (Darius - recurring character from first season Paris episodes) Highlander fans grew to love the character of the Immortal priest Darius (who was first introduced in "Band of Brothers") and we were all shocked when this character was killed off in the first season's closing episode "The Hunters". Then we were greatly saddened last July to hear belated news of the death Werner Stocker, the actor who portrayed him. Gradually details trickled in from various sources. The original subplot was that the character Darius would appear in 5 episodes and would be killed off in the fifth one, the season finale. Shortly before filming was supposed to start on "The Hunters", Werner Stocker informed the producers that he was too sick to report to the set in Paris. The writers frantically rewrote the episode script in three days. (All the scenes containing Darius in this episode came from footage shot for previous episodes). A month and a half later Mr. Stocker died of a cerebral tumor. Werner Stocker was born on April 7,1955 in Flintsbach, Bavaria and died in May 1993. He stood 6'3" and had green eyes and light brown hair. He began to study acting at The New Munich Acting School and later at the Falckenberg School. In 1978, he got his first role in a French TV movie, "Les Rebelles." He then played in several German TV series. In 1989, he won the Bavarian Movie Award for his role in the film "Herbstmilch." In 1991 he starred in "Rama Dama" (the sequel to Herbstmilch). Werner Stocker was not married and had no children. 3.2.5) Jim Byrnes (Joe Dawson, second season recurring character) Jim Byrnes grew up in St,Louis, the middle child of a middle class family. He learned to play blues guitar at age 13-- and continues to play on his favorite guitar, a Gibson 1969 Hummingbird. An eclectic individual, he studied for the priesthood in a seminary, and was even a professional shepherd at one point. He studied acting at Boston University and St.Louis University. Byrnes is a gifted actor and an inspiring individual. He lost both his legs in an automobile accident Feb. 26,1972-- the same day he landed his pivotal "Wiseguy" role as Lifeguard fifteen years later. 3.2.6) Philip Akin (Charlie DeSalvo, second season recurring character) Philip Akins brings to HIGHLANDER, an extensive list of film, television and theater credits. A serious martial artist himself, Philip holds a fourth degree black belt in Yoshinkan Aikido. He also studies Kung Fu and Tai Chi at a dojo near his home in Toronto. An avid bicyclist, Philip has been known to cycle everywhere, including the audition that got him the job on Highlander. 3.2.7) Bob Anderson? Bob Anderson is the sword master on both of the Highlander movies and the majority of the TV series episodes. His career spans several decades and his extensive credits include 'Star Wars', 'The Princess Bride', and the new 'The Three Musketeers' movie. 3.3) U.S.A. vs. Rest of the World Each episode sold for U.S. syndication is four minutes shorter than the episodes sold for the European market. This is due to the longer commercial time allocated in the U.S. market. 3.4) List of Immortals First Season (episode number in parentheses) Duncan Macleod Connor Macleod (1) Slan Quince (1) (deceased, killed by Duncan) Lucas Desiree (2) (deceased, killed by Howard Cromley) Howard Crowley (2) (deceased, killed by Duncan) Kiem Sun (3) Felicia Martins (5) Devereux (5) (deceased, killed by Felicia Martins) Caleb (7) (deceased, killed by Duncan) Carl the Hermit (7) (deceased, killed by Caleb) (there is some debate as to Carl's immortality) Walter Reinhardt (8) (deceased, killed by Duncan) Alexei Voshin (9) (deceased, killed by his ship's propellers) Andrew Ballin (10) (deceased, killed by Duncan) Marcus Korolus (12) (deceased, killed by Duncan in the 1920's) Grayson (13) (deceased, killed by Duncan) Darius (13,15-17,22) (deceased, killed by mortals) Kuyler (14) (deceased, killed by Duncan) Xavier St Cloud (15) (dis-armed by Duncan) Ursa (16) Grace (17) Carlos Sendaro (17) (deceased, beheaded by subway train) Amanda (18) Zachary Blaine (18) (deceased, killed by Amanda) Alfred Cahill (19) (deceased, killed by Duncan) Gabriel Piton (20) (deceased, killed by Duncan) Col. Everett Bellian (21) Hugh Fitzcairn (22) Second Season (episode number in parentheses) Gregor Powers (2) Michael Moore/Quenten Barnes (3) (deceased, killed by Duncan) Richie Ryan (4) Annie Devlin (5) Amanda (7) Carl (9) Gallen (10) (deceased, killed by Duncan) Thomas Sullivan (12) (deceased, killed by Duncan) Mako (13) (deceased, killed by Richie) Xavier (14) 3.5) What does Duncan drive? In Vancouver, he drives a black 1965 Thunderbird Convertible. The Washington State (USA) license plate numbers are 827-KEG. The 1965 Thunderbird is sought by collectors because it was the 10th Anniversary Edition--the first T-Birds were 1955 models (released in late '54). In Paris during the first season, he drive a black French Citroen. {Perhaps some of our European fans could help identify this car's year and model? -Debbie Douglass} 3.6) What was that drink that Kuyler was drinking in "For Evil's Sake"? Absinthe, a milky white liquor made from wormwood and gradually causes madness and death in those who drink it. It is illegal in most countries today. 3.7) Addresses Send mail concerning the series and/or the actors to either of the following addresses: SSA PUBLIC RELATIONS RYSHER TPE 15060 VENTURA BLVD 3400 RIVERSIDE DRIVE SUITE 360 SUITE 600 SHERMAN OAKS CA 91403 BURBANK CA 91505 3.8) Where in the World are we? The first 13 episodes of the first season and the first 14 episodes of the second are filmed in Vancouver, BC, Canada. No attempt is made to avoid or disguise major landmarks. This was never specifically stated in the series. It is thought that the producers of the show simply want it to be a "Generic, Nondescript American City." All the vehicles have Washington State (USA) license plates as if it were supposed to be Seattle. Throughout this FAQ, it has been called Vancouver, BC. Though some of the fans jokingly refer to it as Seacouver. The last 9 episodes of the first season and the last 8 of the second are filmed in Paris, France. This is specifically stated in the series. Filming for the Paris episodes started early in January. This is due to the fact that Highlander is a joint Canadian/French venture. 3.9) Was Richie's Immortality planned in advance? In an early version of the script for the pilot "The Gathering" Richie was killed and discovered that he was Immortal. By the time the pilot was filmed, this subplot had been discarded. What we had left was, at the end, Connor telling Duncan that 'the kid' needed watching. This subplot was revived for the second season. *4.0) _HIGHLANDER II, The Quickening_ 4.1) Summary This was a rather disjointed movie that taken by itself was an OK action/adventure film, but, taken as a sequel of the original movie, was a major disappointment to HIGHLANDER fans. We are told that Immortals are actually political exiles sent to Earth from another planet, Zeist, 500 years ago and we are introduced to a rather convoluted redefinition of the Rules of Immortality to fit this scenario. We learn that Connor MacLeod, after winning the Prize, lead the effort to erect a planet-covering Shield to protect the Earth from the Sun's radiation since we've almost totally destroyed the Ozone layer by pollution. And that during their relationship on Zeist Connor and Ramirez had become linked by the magic of the Quickening, enabling Ramirez to come whenever Connor calls. Twenty-five years pass before we encounter Macleod again, now an old man, rambling along, living out his remaining years, at ease with the fruits of his past glory as a world renown scientist. The Earth now has a universal climate of moderately hot and humid due to the hothouse effect caused by years under the Shield. The corporation that maintains the Shield has grown into an all-powerful tyrant that resists any threat to its continued existence, even though some have started to suspect that the Ozone layer has now repaired itself and the Shield Corporation prefers to continue it's monopoly as the world's energy provider and savior. A terrorist organization called Cobalt, headed up by Louise Marcus, is currently conducting raids on the Shield installations trying to obtain concrete evidence of the Ozone layer's condition. After Louise acquires the evidence, she seeks out the elderly Macleod, in hope that he can do something about taking down the Shield. Meanwhile back on Zeist, General Katana becomes anxious that, now that Macleod has 'Won' the Prize, that he'll return to his home planet to resume leadership of the rebellion there. So he transports two goons to Earth to kill Macleod once and for all. They attack the elderly Macleod and after a long dramatic, and sometimes airborne, battle, complete with pyrotechnics, Macleod defeats the two goons. During the battle Connor calls out for Ramirez. Just at the end of the battle a semi-tractor trailer hauling a tankload of some sort of highly volatile fuel breaks free and crashes into the victorious Macleod. Especially distinctive is the imagery of the huge pair of lips painted on the end of the trailer as it careens toward him, to give him the 'kiss of death' as it explodes. A rejuvenated Macleod walks out of the flames to greet the dumbfounded Louise Marcus. Connor's 'call' bounces off the Shield to Glencoe, Scotland and resurrects Ramirez. He suddenly appears on the stage of a production of Hamlet, just as the actor portraying Hamlet starts the soliloquy with the skull of Yoric. Once Ramirez realizes that he is on a stage in the middle of a play he bows and exits gracefully, absconding with the actor's sword. {Curiously he uses this sword, presumably a stage prop, as a real weapon later while dueling with Connor} As he walks backstage to the theater exit, he spies himself in a mirror, flexes his neck, and comments "Rather glad the magic works" as he reassures himself that he is now whole again. After encountering some of the wonders of the twentieth century, Ramirez makes his way to a tailor to get a new suit since his clothes are somewhat worse for wear after his final battle with the Kurgan in a crumbling castle. He is greeted by the proprietor with "We are the oldest gentlemen's tailor in Scotland" to which he replies "Well then, I've come to the right place; since I am, without a doubt, the oldest gentleman in Scotland." This results in one of the funnier sequences in the movie as a whole shop full of tailor hurry about to complete Ramirez' suit in one afternoon for the price of his huge pearl earring (hanging from his _pierced_ ear). Back on Zeist, General Katana realizes that his henchmen have failed so he transports himself to Earth to take care of things in person. He proceeds to the Shield Corporation and take over the Board of Directors by a demonstration of his power. Meanwhile, Ramirez travels to New York and rejoins Connor. Together with Louise they go to MAX, a maximum security prison controlled by the Shield Corp, to rescue Alan Newman, Connor's friend who helped design and build the Shield. While there, they are trapped in a room with a large deadly fan bearing down on them, ready to slice them to pieces. Ramirez gives his life by using the concentrated 'magic' of his Quickening to hold the fan above their heads for a few moments while Connor and Louise make their escape. Connor and Louise fight their way to the main Beam room where Connor battles General Katana to the death. Victorious, he steps into the Shield Beam and destroys the Shield, restoring the world to normal sky and a normal Ozone layer. 4.2) The Revised Rules of Immortality In Connor's house Louise restates the rules that Connor has told her to see if she has them correct: Louise: "OK. Now let me just see if I cant get this straight. You come from another planet. And you're mortal there. But you're immortal here, until you kill all the guys from there who have come here -- and then you're mortal here. Unless, you go back there -- or some more guys from there come here. In which case you become Immortal here -- again. Connor: "Something like that." Louise:[sardonically] "Of course, it would be 'something like that,' wouldn't it." 4.3) Miscellaneous tidbits Ramirez says that he is 'the chief metallurgist of King Philip of Spain' rather than King Charles V as in the first movie. Connor drives an off-white Porsche convertible, though it is a different model from the one used in HIGHLANDER I. When General Katana first arrives on our planet, he is the first Immortal to exhibit the snapping and popping of re-aligning and healing bones after a 'fatal' fall when he crashes to Earth, or rather through it, into the subway car. Katana reminds Connor of one of the Rules "Remember the Golden Rule, Highlander. We must never fight on Holy Ground." In contrast to the first movie, Immortals actually seem to die from 'fatal' wounds, but recover quickly. After they recover from being shot to pieces entering MAX, Connor proudly counts 108 bullet holes and then is outdone when Ramirez announces that he got a total of 112. When they proceed to the lower levels of MAX, Ramirez has his sword from the first movie (presumably Connor returned it to its former owner after their duel at his apartment) and Connor carries the sword he acquired from one of the Zeistian goons. Ramirez' sword is with him when Louise and Connor leave him to his death in the giant fan room, standing stuck in the floor. But later as Louise and Connor flee through MAX, Connor sometimes has the Zeistian sword and sometimes has Ramirez' sword. During the final battle with Katana, Connor fights with Ramirez' katana. *5.0) _Highlander: The Series_ Drinking Game* by Lady Johanna Constantine Mark V - July 29, 1993 This game was born one evening over Spring break when the author was showing her friend all the episodes she had on tape. They were viewed consecutively over a 9 hour period, very late at night, in Carbondale, Illinois. Oddly enough, no alcohol was involved, and the author is ashamed to admit she came up with mark I completely sober. Additions and corrections from all the fine folks on USENET, a few from "The Raven" (a Forever Knight letterzine), and a woman in Cleveland who shall be known only as Maddog. Units of measurement One Drink = one swallow or sip. Or, if you are feeling really daring, m&m's or Reeses peanut butter cups can be substituted for beverages, if you prefer to be able to walk the following morning. Vocabulary notes immie = USENET slang for a Highlander-style immortal *the* leather jacket = That black, dimensionally transcendental leather jacket that Duncan hides 3 feet of steel yet is still able to do jumps, kicks, and rolls without any sign of the damn thing. dimensionally transcendental = does the word TARDIS mean anything to you? ie, bigger on the inside than on the outside. Masamune = The Japanese guy mentioned from the movie who made Ramirez's sword, not to be confused with Masamune Shirow (no Appleseed here, folks) warning: this game has apparently caused people to burst into audible laughter. If you are in a public place, proceed with caution. You have been warned. Someone who is supposedly American sounds suspiciously Canadian for some reason - One drink Someone who is watching the episode with you suddenly remarks "Hey, that looks like Vancouver." - One drink You point out the Washington State license plates to them in an attempt to assist the suspension of disbelief - Three drinks Duncan kisses Tessa - One drink Duncan tells Richie to stay, and Richie ignores him - One drink A rearranged "Who Wants to Live Forever?" is used for incidental music - One drink A Queen song is playing in background - One drink An immie says "Who wants to live forever?" - One drink A mortal says "Who wants to live forever?" - One drink Randi or the law enforcement officer of your choice says "What are you, MacLeod? FBI? CIA?" or any variation thereof - Two drinks Tessa works on a sculpture - Two drinks Tessa is threatened by an immie - One drink Tessa is threatened by a mortal - One drink A sword is drawn - One drink That sword is a katana/daito - One drink That sword is a Masamune katana/daito (other than Duncan's) - Two drinks Duncan meets an immie on holy ground - One drink Duncan meets with Darius - One drink Duncan wears *the* leather jacket - One drink Duncan is wearing *the* leather jacket and suddenly whips out his katana - Two drinks (where *does* he hide it?) Duncan wears any of his numerous trenchcoats - One drink Duncan says "I am Duncan MacLeod of the clan MacLeod." - Two drinks Duncan speaks with a Scots accent - One drink Duncan says "there can be only one" - Two drinks (Three drinks if he says it and then doesn't take their head) Any other immie says "there can be only one" - One drink Duncan wears his hair down - One drink Duncan wears his hair down in a sequence other than a flashback - Two drinks A flashback starts - One drink That flashback involves hair extensions of any kind - Two drinks A flashback ends - One drink You are in one of the cities that edits the episodes heavily and you hear the sound effect of a flashback starting, but then there is no flashback - Two drinks An immortal woman is introduced - One drink That immortal woman was one of Duncan's lovers - Two drinks That immortal woman introduced is one whom Duncan hasn't slept with - Four drinks (it's so rare) Duncan senses another immie (Quickening/spider sense) - Two drinks Duncan draws blood - One drink Duncan is wounded - One drink Duncan beheads another immie - Three drinks They actually show the headless corpse - Four drinks Duncan lets another immie live - Two drinks Duncan uses something other than a sword to parry (ie: wood, a pipe, a body part, etc.) - One drink Duncan uses a sword that is not his Masamune katana - Two drinks Duncan is witness to a crime - One drink A rock singer guest stars as an immie - Four drinks Duncan takes after someone at a sprint - One drink Duncan takes his shirt off - Four drinks One of LeBrun's officers speaks perfect, unaccented English - Three drinks One of LeBrun's officers' voices is looped in by someone who speaks perfect, unaccented English - One drink Someone in Paris starts a conversation in English for no apparent reason save that subtitles would cost too much, and might be distracting - Two drinks Duncan uses the phone *while* he is also using the modem - Three drinks There are more than two immies in the same episode - One drink (this includes Duncan and Darius) There are more than two immies in the same scene - Two drinks There are more than three immies in the same episode - Three drinks There is more than three immies in the same scene - Four drinks Richie refers to Duncan as "Mac" - One drink Tessa refers to Duncan as "Mac" - Two drinks (after the pilot, she almost never does this. Take care while watching "The Gathering", and do not operate heavy machinery afterwards. This may include your vcr) Richie tries to speak French - One drink for every word correct Questions for the girls: You are watching the show with a guy who makes a lewd comment about Alexandra, and you are forced to hit him - One drink You make a lewd comment about Adrian, and one of the guys reminds you he is married - One drink -- tara@hydra.unm.edu * "and here I stand, with this sword in my hand" Lady Johanna Constantine * - Tori Amos, "Take to the Sky" or Just plain Tara * I live on Usenet. Really.* Take note: LJC now has a new address. *6.0) MISCELLANEA* 6.1) Highlander home video (available in USA) Currently offered in the U.S. market are three Highlander home videos. 1) "Highlander", (original movie) available on VHS tape and laserdisc. 2) "Highlander II, The Quickening" available on VHS tape and laserdisc. 3) "Highlander: The Gathering", a feature length video (VHS tape) containing the first and eighth episode (edited together) from the first season of the TV Series. Hemdale, Inc. owns the home video rights to the rest of the first season and plans to offer the rest of the episodes in the future for retail purchase. 4) "Highlander" by Gary Douglas, novelisation of the original movie. You can order a copy of the Highlander novelization directly from the distributor. It can be ordered through Tiptree Distributing - phone (From U.S.) 011-44621-819-600 or from elsewhere 0621-819-600. (check out the international dialing instructions in the front of most phone books). The title is _Highlander_, by Gary Douglas c1986 Published by Severn House Publishers, Ltd. ISBN No. 0-7278-1396-X Cost - approx $19.50 US (depending on the exchange rate). VISA/MasterCard accepted. 6.2) Highlander sword replicas Note: The swords, Japanese style katanas, used by Connor in the movies and by Duncan in the series are noticeably different. The dragon head on Connor's sword is rendered in the Chinese style with a wide rounded head (similar to the dragon used in the Chinese New Year's parades) whereas the dragon head on Duncan's sword has an elongated head rendered in the Japanese style. In addition, Connor used a traditional katana with a leather-wrapped handle in "The Gathering" the pilot episode. 1) A small North Carolina company called Swordmasters, a licensed dealer for Marto USA (sword supplier for the Series), offers a replica of Duncan's katana ("The Gathering" fanclub members qualify for a special discount). Other swords from the series are available. The Dragon Head Katana is a mass produced replica. The blade is 420 Stainless Toledo Steel. The balance point is 3 inches from the hand guard. To cut costs it's scabbard is black aluminum. The sword will be shipped 'live', which means sharpened. The swords are considered decorative only and not for general use. For more information contact Diana Waldier at SWORDMASTERS, PO BOX 124, GARNER, NC, 27529, 1-800-210-7800. 2) The Noble Collection is also offering the "Dragon Head Katana" by Marto USA. The address is; The Noble Collection, P.O. Box 831, Merrifield, VA, 22116. Customer Service phone # is: (703) 242-8752. Catalogs cost $3.00. 3) For $4.00 one can obtain a *dealers* catalog directly from Marto U.S.A. The catalog has both medieval and oriental swords. Marto U.S.A. 2874 Hartland Rd. Falls Church, VA 22043 (703) 698-8603 (703) 698-8606 (FAX) 4) Call Musuem Replicas Limited for a free catalog of swords, ancient weapons, period costumes and other related merchandise. Some of Japanese swords are made by Marto USA (others too, perhaps). Museum Replicas Limited A Division of Atlanta Cutlery 2143 Gees Mill Rd. Box 840 Conyers, GA 30207 1-800-883-8838 (Toll-Free, anytime) 6.3) "Highlander III" News Filming of "Highlander III: The Magician" started on Jan 8, 1994 in Montreal, Canada. Location sequences will be filmed in Australia, and Scotland. The film will star Christopher Lambert, Mario Van Peebles, and Deborah Unger. The story begins 300 years ago in, Japan, as MacLeod and the Magician head to a mystic mountain in search of a swordmaker who also has the power of illusion. During a struggle, the mountain is destroyed and the Magician and two other Immortals are buried for hundreds of years. An archaeologist, digging in the ruins, releases the Immortals in the present day. 6.4) Convention News "THE GATHERING," the HIGHLANDER fan club, has been working on the first OFFICIAL HIGHLANDER CONVENTION. The convention will be October 7th, 8th & 9th of 1994 in Denver, Colorado. Scheduled guests so far are Adrian Paul (Duncan MacLeod), Stan Kirsch (Richie Ryan), and Bill Panzer (Executive producer of TV series and Movies). Because things are just starting to happen, Krystmas Tarr, the club director, asks that everyone interested in attending, please send a SASE to the club address for more info as it becomes available. **************************************************************** THE GATHERING - THE OFFICIAL HIGHLANDER FILMS AND SERIES FAN CLUB PO BOX 123 AURORA CO 80040-0123 6.5) Highlander fan organizations and publications THE GATHERING - THE OFFICIAL HIGHLANDER FILMS AND SERIES FAN CLUB PO BOX 123 For membership information send a SASE. AURORA CO 80040-0123 or send email to ai204@freenet.HSC.Colorado.edu HIGHLA-L An electronic mailing list available on Internet and BITNET for flame-free discussion of Highlander (the movies and the TV series), the actors, the plots, and anything else related. For more information send an email message to Debbie Douglass . HIGHLANDER BUZZ An open discussion letterzine for fans to voice c/o Valerie Meachum their feelings and opinions on HIGHLANDER. Send 1914 DEBORAH COURT a SASE for more information. 6 issues per year. COLUMBUS OH 43229 "THISTLE AND SABRE" A HIGHLANDER fanzine looking for quality Robin Schindler fiction, poetry, and artwork relating to 15982 ATITLAN DRIVE the syndicated TV series or the original HACIENDA HEIGHTS CA 91745 movie. For submission or price and ordering or information send a SASE to Robin or Christine. Christine Reynolds 1539 LODGE STREET ALCOA TN 37701 IMMORTAL TALES! A fanzine base upon HIGHLANDER is seeking Mary Anne McKinnon submissions of fiction, poetry, and art based 245 BLUNK AVENUE upon the movie or the television series. PLYMOUTH MI 48170 Submission deadline is Jan. 31, 1994. Send SASE for more information. WHO WANTS TO LIVE FOREVER? I A HIGHLANDER fanzine currently available Mystery Frank for $17.90 (includes first class 145 LaFontenay Dr. postage). One dollar discount for Louisville, Ky. 40223-3123 HIGHLA-L members. This zine contains the novella 'The Color of Our Eyes' by Claire Maier. WHO WANTS TO LIVE FOREVER? II is open for submissions. Send SASE to address above for more information. *7.0) Series Flashback Timeline* By Velia Tanner and Julie Beamer FLASHBACK TIMELINE (current to the end of 'Unholy Alliance Part II') 1592 MacLeod's birth 92102 THE GATHERING (dialogue) C. 1625 Scottish Highlands 92106 FAMILY TREE MacLeod becomes Immortal 1640's? French Countryside/Rural Abbey 92123 BEAST BELOW MacLeod is an armored soldier 1640's? Italy w/Fitzcairn 92126 THE HUNTERS MacLeod is a Duke's bodyguard C. 1660? European Countryside 92120 SAVING GRACE MacLeod meets Grace when she delivers a baby 1670 Rural Scotland 93214 UNHOLY ALLIANCE I MacLeod is tutor and weapons master to a chieftain's son C. 1680'S China 92108 ROAD NOT TAKEN MacLeod and Kiem Sun meet (dialogue) 1728 London-Dover Road 92109 REVENGE IS SWEET MacLeod protects fellow coach passengers from Reinhardt C. 1740'S Constantinople 92121 LADY & TIGER Amanda gets MacLeod in hot water (dialogue) C. 1780'S China 92108 ROAD NOT TAKEN MacLeod visits Kiem Sun on holy ground C. 1783? French Chateau 92117 FOR EVIL'S SAKE MacLeod is bodyguard to a Baron, meets Kuyler 1786? Paris 92124 EYE OF BEHOLDER MacLeod and Piton whoring and dueling 1803 English Palace 92124 EYE OF BEHOLDER MacLeod spares Piton's life 1804 Bavarian Inn 92121 LADY & TIGER Macleod, living with Amanda, has just returned from Munich EARLY Gypsy Camp 93204 THE DARKNESS l9TH CENT. Carmen tells MacLeod he will never marry 1814 French Battlefield 93215 UNHOLY ALLIANCE II MacLeod fights with a Highland Regiment 1815 French Countryside 92125 NOWHERE TO RUN MacLeod is a Napoleonic soldier 1815 Waterloo 92118 BAND OF BROTHERS MacLeod meets Darius 1816 Paris w/Darius 92118 BAND OF BROTHERS MacLeod leaves for America C. 1835 London w/Connor 92102 THE GATHERING (dialogue) C. 1838 Paris 92120 SAVING GRACE Grace leaves for South America C. 1840 Pacific Northwest Mountains 92110 MOUNTAIN MEN MacLeod learns tracking from Carl the Hermit 1863 American South 92103 THE INNOCENT MAN MacLeod is a Union Captain 1866 Annapolis, Maryland 93210 EPITAPH FOR TOMMY MacLeod's mortal lover is killed by a rival C. 1868 American Indian Encampment 92102 THE GATHERING (Holy Ground) MacLeod's village is massacred 1880 Pacific Northwest Town 93212 COLOR OF AUTHORITY MacLeod runs the newspaper 1880'S American West 93202 STUDIES IN LIGHT MacLeod helps Gregor, a doctor, during an epidemic 1890's Pacific Northwest City 93211 THE FIGHTER Sullivan talks MacLeod into a bare-knuckle brawl for $SS 1905 New York City 93208 REVENGE OF SWORD MacLeod's fruitseller friend is killed by gangsters 1917 WW I Battlefield (The Somme) 92116 TOMORROW WE DIE MacLeod is an ambulance driver 1919 Ireland 93205 EYE FOR AN EYE MacLeod refuses to join Annie Devlin's "cause" 1920 Pennsylvania Mining Town 93206 THE ZONE MacLeod tries to convince striking miners not to follow a dangerous leader 1921 Home City (Asylum) 93203 TURNABOUT MacLeod 'saves' (he thinks) Michael Moore from Quenten Barnes 1921 Home City (Theater) 92114 SEE NO EVIL MacLeod defeats Immortal serial killer Marcus 1923 New York or Boston 93213 BLESS THE CHILD New Year's Eve with the jet set; MacLeod loses Nora Dunn 1926 American Southwest 92121 LADY & TIGER MacLeod encounters Amanda (dialogue) while she tours with the circus 1926 Louisiana Bayou 93209 RUN FOR YOUR LIFE MacLeod saves Carl Robinson from the KKK 1936 Berlin 93207 RETURN OF AMANDA MacLeod smuggles a scientist out of Germany with Amanda's 'help.' 1938 Leaving Soviet Union 92112 SEA WITCH MacLeod tries to smuggle out Jewish refugees; Voshin betrays them 1938 American City 93202 STUDIES IN LIGHT MacLeod gets involved with mortal photographer Linda Plager 1939/45? France 92116 TOMORROW WE DIE MacLeod is with the French Resistance 1954 American South 93209 RUN FOR YOUR LIFE MacLeod meets Carl Robinson in a segregated diner 1980 Paris 92117 FOR EVIL'S SAKE MacLeod fights Kuyler; meets Tessa when he jumps in her Bateau Mouche *8.0) ADMINISTRIVIA* 8.1) Who Contributed? The FAQ is maintained by Debbie Douglass. A lot of the information has been gratuitously plagiarized from the 'Net. Following are the names of the people I *do* have. Many thanks to all of them. Sorry to those who have been inadvertently excluded. Sorted more or less alphabetically, they are: Catherine Beckstead, Trevor Boyce, Lady Johanna Constantine, William Dieterichm, Janet A Dornhoff, Katherine Emblom, Stacey Epstein, Sean Eric Fagan, Josh Geurink, J Bruce Howie, Stevens Jason, Dan Johnson, Susan Johnson, Rick Jones, Joe Kiniry, Jimmy Kung, Kathy Madison, William G Martin, Lab Master, Heath W McCarthy, Selma McCrory, Margaret Newman, Morpheus Nosferatu, Doug Oke, JJ Pierson, Christine Reynolds, Jeff Rupley, Phillip D Russell, Rick Savoia, Jeff Schneiter, Cherie Slasor, Ross Smith, Paul Tyma, Jeff Vavasour, Michael Vilain, Robert W Welham, Howard Wilson, Jonathan Young, Akane, Jeff, Kane, Karhu, 01fortec, cate3, IO20746, Lezlie Shell, ma_saunders, ST34675, sandman, G.E. Rule, Lab Master, Mike Andersson, Bill Reeves, Obie Slotterbeck, Roderick Lee (also known as Profess'nal Agitator), Jonathan Blum, Dave Romas, Lee Whiteside, Jeff Hansen, Julie Beamer, Christopher Lau, Velia Tanner, Krystmas Tarr (director of the fanclub), and numerous others. Additional information gratuitously plagiarized from USENET and HIGHLA-L, 8.2) Where can I get another copy of the FAQ? For the time being, just ask me, Debbie Douglass . I'll try to post this on the USENET newsgroups rec.arts.sf.tv, rec.arts.sf.movies, and alt-cult-movies with some semblance of regularity. If you don't have access to USENET or you just want a copy in-between postings you can request a copy by sending email to me at . If you include 'Send HL FAQ' in the Subject line your request will be handled automatically.