Ep 1. The Gathering
- TV-14
- September 28, 1992
- 48 min
-
7.3 (463)
In the opening episode of Highlander: The Series, we are introduced to Duncan MacLeod, an immortal warrior who resides in modern-day Seattle. The episode begins with a flashback to 1622 in the Scottish Highlands, where we see a younger Duncan fighting for his life against an enemy clan. After defeating his foe, he is approached by a mysterious figure who tells him that he is an immortal and that he must now live with the knowledge that he can never die.
Jumping back to the present day, we see Duncan living a relatively peaceful life as an antiques dealer. However, his quiet existence is abruptly interrupted when he is approached by another immortal, Connor MacLeod. Connor is surprised to see Duncan, having believed him to be dead for centuries. The two share a tense exchange before it is revealed that they have been summoned to a gathering of immortals, where they will face off against each other until only one remains.
The gathering itself takes place in a desolate warehouse, with a group of immortals arriving one by one to engage in combat. The fights are brutal and intense, each one ending with the loser being decapitated. Through it all, Duncan and Connor maintain a cautious alliance, knowing that they will eventually have to face each other.
Alongside the gathering, there is a sub-plot involving Duncan's relationship with his mortal girlfriend Tessa and his attempts to keep his immortality a secret from her. This thread is woven throughout the episode, offering moments of tenderness and vulnerability amidst the bloodshed.
Overall, The Gathering serves as a strong introduction to the world of Highlander and its mythos of immortals. The fights are well-choreographed and thrilling to watch, with the added tension of knowing that the outcome will be fatal for some of the combatants. The episode also does an excellent job of establishing Duncan's character, showing him to be both a battle-hardened warrior and a sensitive, introspective person. By the end of the episode, we are left with a sense of anticipation for what is to come, both for Duncan and the wider world of immortals that he inhabits.
