Watch Spellbinder
- 1995
- 2 Seasons
-
8.2 (2,306)
Spellbinder is an Australian fantasy television series that aired on Nine Network from 1995 to 1997. It was created by Mark Shirrefs and John Thomson and produced by Film Australia and Malaysia's Sunway Group. The show follows the adventures of a young boy named Paul Reynolds (played by Zbych Trofimiuk) who finds himself transported to a parallel world where magic exists, called the Spellbinder world.
The Spellbinder world is a dystopian society where technology is limited and ruled by a powerful elite group called the Spellbinders, who possess magical powers. Paul finds himself caught up in a conspiracy when he accidentally meets a girl named Riana (played by Heather Mitchell) who is on the run from the Spellbinders. They embark on a quest to find a way for Paul to return home, but soon realize that they are being pursued by the Spellbinders and that they have inadvertently become involved in a power struggle for control of the Spellbinder world.
Throughout the series, Paul and Riana encounter a variety of different factions within the Spellbinder world, including rebels, sympathizers, and other travelers like themselves. They also discover more about the magic that exists in this world, including the existence of powerful artifacts called Power Objects that are linked to the Spellbinders' abilities.
One of the great strengths of Spellbinder is its believable and fleshed-out characters. Zbych Trofimiuk is excellent as the protagonist Paul Reynolds, portraying him as resourceful and adaptable. Heather Mitchell's performance as Riana is also notable, bringing a unique mix of curiosity, intelligence, and vulnerability to the role. The supporting cast is equally strong, with standout performances from Andrew McFarlane as the conflicted high ruler Ashka, and Brian Rooney as the roguish engineer Gryvon.
The show is also notable for its impressive production values, particularly its use of special effects to bring the magical elements of the Spellbinder world to life. The Spellbinders' abilities are shown using clever use of CGI and practical effects, and the various locations in the show are well-realized, from the claustrophobic confines of the Spellbinder's city to the wilds of the outlands.
Another strength of the show is its willingness to tackle complex themes, including power, control, and the nature of authority. The Spellbinder world is a society in which power is unequally distributed, and the struggle for control over that power drives the narrative of the show. At the same time, the show doesn't shy away from exploring the moral gray areas that can arise when someone gains power, or the ways in which people can react to that power. This results in a show that is both exciting and thought-provoking.
Overall, Spellbinder is a great example of Australian television that still holds up today. It's an ambitious show that takes its storytelling seriously, and it's made with the kind of quality that would make it stand out even in today's crowded television landscape. It's no surprise that it gained a dedicated fanbase during its original run, and it's definitely worth revisiting for fans of the fantasy genre.
Spellbinder is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (52 episodes). The series first aired on January 9, 1995.
