what is
highlander

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.
-- "Highlander: The Series," season 1

If you're reading this, chances are you're a little fuzzy on the whole Highlander concept. So, here's your crash course.

Every so often, an immortal is born, and he is immortal from birth. He is always an orphan. The immortal is normally unaware of his gift until the First Death and he wakes up without even a scar from whatever killed him.

From that moment on, the immortal is involved in the Game -- the main rule is "There can be only one." Immortals can sense each other's presence and can only kill each other by beheading their opponents and taking their vital energy through a spectacular lightning display called a Quickening. They aren't allowed to take heads on holy ground, which is their only refuge. The last immortal will gain the Prize, and possess all the power of all the immortals who ever lived.

The Watchers are a secret society of mortals who observe and record the actions of immortals, but they never interfere. The Watchers have existed for hundreds of years, perhaps thousands, and few immortals know that they are constantly monitored by this dedicated organization. This aspect of the Highlander concept appeared during the second season of the TV series.

The concept started with the movie "Highlander," starring Christopher Lambert as Connor MacLeod. Then came two more movies about Connor and a television series about Connor's clansman Duncan MacLeod, played by Adrian Paul, who was born about 50 years after Connor. The TV show ran for six seasons and was canceled in May 1998. Next came the movie, "Highlander: Endgame," which brought Connor and Duncan together on the big screen.

Other major characters of the TV series are Tessa Noelle, Richie Ryan, Dr. Anne, Charlie DeSota, Amanda, Joe Dawson and Methos . A spinoff series, "Highlander: The Raven," staring Elizabeth Gracen as Amanda, began in September 1998 and ran for one season. Another series is rumored to be in the works, and there is also an online series called The Methos Chronicles.


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