Richard Cypher and Kahlan Amnell
I’ve been following the first season of Legend of the Seeker, which in turn inspired me to go buy book one of Terry Goodkind’s series, “The Sword of Truth,” book one being called Wizard’s First Rule. Toggling between book and show, I’ve been noticing a few things which makes the difference between the two world’s apart.
The book, of course, is vastly superior to the show from what I’ve read this far…and I’m only 5 chapters into it. The characters seem much more confident and lively and not as corny and…let’s face it…stupid. My wife decided she would watch an episode with me to see what the show was like. Her first comment…”Richard is kind of stupid.” And I agree – but that sentiment extends to all the characters for me.
In chapters 1 – 5, Richard takes up a very careful but strong approach during his initial journey with Kahlan, still remaining as cheesy as possible but giving off a more real and human sentimentality. Kahlan herself has a personality which exceeds that of Bridget Regan’s interpretation of the character.
However, the actors shouldn’t be faulted as they do a tremendous job for what they are given. The guilt falls more upon the script. But, as we all know, a TV show must be handled differently, in the literary sense, then the novel it’s based off of.
Much of what makes the characters so interesting in the book is the connection they have to each other. The show makes gives Kahlan and Richard this “Romeo and Juliet” feel – No real time to develop their relationship properly….It all happened to quickly. Terry Goodkind gives both Kahlan and Richard the connection needed to properly develop their bond which, as I’m sure it’ll happen, will give the love connect much more depth and personality.
The book has me hooked, as does the show. Both are quite campy and full of clichés. The difference…one is written well! I’ll let you guess at which one that is.
