The ‘Willow’ TV Series Is Nostalgia At Its Finest
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Fans of the 1988 George Lucas-penned fantasy film Willow have been granted an extension in the form of a new series by the same name, now streaming on D+. The series is set approximately twenty years after the film’s events and follows the adventures of the “great” Nelwyn Sorcerer, Willow Ufgood, as he aids some new (and former) characters on a new adventure to face a new enemy. Once again, the world’s fate is threatened by a growing dark power in the form of the as-yet-seen villain, “The Crone.” Elora Danan, the child Willow protected from the evil Queen Bavmorda in the film, is once again central to the world’s survival against the growing darkness.
However, from the start of the series, we learn that Elora Danan was sent far away from the kingdom by order of Queen Sorsha of Tir Asleen (Princess Sorsha from the film) for her own protection in the years following the film. Elora is also unaware of her true identity and destiny as the world’s savior. Tir Asleen is suddenly attacked one night, and Queen Sorsha and Madmartigan’s son, Prince Airk Tanthalos, is kidnapped by some particularly nasty minions of The Crone, known as The Gales. Queen Sorsha decides to send a party out to rescue him.
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The hastily assembled group includes her rebellious daughter, Kit Tanthalos. Jade Claymore, an aspiring knight of Galladoorn (and Kit’s secret love interest), Prince Graydon Hastur of Galladoorn, who is reluctantly betrothed to Kit (and she to him), Thraxus Boorman, a roguish thief released from the dungeons by the Queen, with a promise of a pardon for his crimes upon a triumphant return. Also joining the party, albeit unexpectedly, is one of the castle’s cooks, Brunhilde, who is deeply in love with the Prince and wants to help save him, despite her apparent lack of skills other than cooking.
The new series, judging by its first two episodes, is steeped heavily in nostalgia, remembering many characters and moments from the film. Warwick Davis reprises his role as the titular character in this series, re-appearing (outside of flashbacks) at the end of the first episode. He is now the High Aldwin of the Nelwyns and is (mostly) respected among his people. There are lovely little moments that recall the movie, such as him being carried around ceremonially on a throne and “casting the bones,” even though he, like the previous High Aldwin, has no idea what they actually mean. There is also the “finger test” that the previous High Aldwin gave him in the film that he later gives to test one of the group member’s magical abilities. Willow, who was formerly a student of another sorcerer, Fin Raziel, as he struggled to learn magic in the film, has now, unexpectedly, become a teacher to a student of his own.
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Actor Val Kilmer, who chewed the scenery as the roguish but lovable character, Madmartigan in the film, was excited about the series but ultimately unable, reluctantly, to reprise his infamous role due to dealing with a bout of cancer from 2015 and ongoing concerns about exposure to COVID with his precarious health situation. In terms of the story, we are told that Madmartigan was sent away by Queen Sorsha to take Elora safely out of harm’s reach after Willow shared disturbing visions of the future with her. However, Kilmer’s appearance in a (potential) future season has not been completely ruled out. Prince Airk, the son of Queen Sorsha and Madmartigan, is named for one of Madmartigan’s friends, a knight of Galladoorn, slain in the film’s final battle.
The series does introduce the aforementioned Boorman as a Madmartigan-like member of the group. Jade, played by Erin Kellyman (Solo: A Star Wars Story, The Falcon and Winter Soldier), also fills some of that gap left by Kilmer’s inability to resume the role of Madmartigan. The late prolific film composer James Horner, who masterfully created the iconic main “Willow” theme for the film, was unable to return to compose the score for the series due to his untimely passing in 2015. However, series composer, James Newton Howard, weaves Horner’s signature theme from the film into the backdrop of his orchestral score for the series where appropriate. Also, the first two episodes of the series feature some catchy modern rock songs over the end credits, which should appeal to some of the younger viewers.
Since we are currently only two episodes into the new series, there are likely to be even more moments of nostalgia for fans of the film yet to come. However, the new adventure has started out on the right foot in terms of giving new and younger viewers and older fans of the film lots to enjoy in this series so far.
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