Willow (season 1)
“‘What are you doing?’ ‘I’m rescuing you.’ ‘Was no one else available?'”
Willow season 1, aired in 2022-23
I don’t usually review TV shows that I didn’t watch all of, but I have things to say about this one. I would likely give it 3.5/5.
The movie Willow was one of my favourites as a teenager. This story takes place 20 years later.
Prince Arik is taken away during an attack on the castle, and Queen Sorsha knows that she must send an expedition to find him. That expedition will include her daughter, Princess Kit, and it will need to find the only sorcerer in the land — Willow. When the expedition meets Willow, everyone is surprised to find that hidden amongst them is Elora Danan — including Elora herself, who had previously been a baker in the castle.
The story is not as unique as I would like. They could have adjusted the dialogue just a bit — the young people in the show talk a bit too much like people in our world and not in Willow’s world. Also, there are too many arguments for flimsy reasons, and too many things in general that don’t make sense.
Elora is asked how she knows where to go and she says she was born there. Which is true, but nonsensical because she didn’t grow up there.
There’s terrific scenery as they travel across the land. It has a nice sense of humour.
The best character in the show, Hubert, is around for 10 minutes or so in episode 3. She lives with her friend in the middle of the forest, and her discussion with Elora is delightful.
The beautiful music is by James Newton Howard and Xander Rodzinski, and contains hints of James Horner’s glorious original soundtrack.
It’s wonderful to see Warwick Davis as Willow and Joanne Whalley as Sorsha again.
Stars Erin Kellyman, Ruby Cruz, and Tony Revolori.
Created by Jonathan Kasdan (writer on Solo: A Star Wars Story).