The Quest

I could not have been happier with this show. I can't wait for season 2+. This is the kind of show that I have been waiting for since I was a kid, and never thought it would exist. If you haven't seen it, you're behind the times and need to catch up. This is the most original idea that I have seen on TV...ever. The world has finally become more interested in the fantasy world that has captivated so many of us since childhood. This show is exciting, dramatic, fun, challenging, awesome, bad@$$, hardcore, Epic and amazing all at once. The characters interact with the contestants perfectly, and the contestants are obviously completely dedicated and immersed in the world that has been created for them. As a viewer I wanted to jump into my TV and join along in their quest, be challenged by the fates, and fight for Sanctum and the security of Everealm.

I will update this review later, but here is a description of this show.

"The Quest" is part Renaissance Faire, part cosplay, part fantasy novel, and part Big Brother. Twelve paladins, who have been carefully chosen for their love of fantasy, are assembled to complete a quest that takes place in Everealm. In the first episode, this fantasy adventure is beautifully staged and one can sense the excitement of the competitors as they are immersed in a "realistic" fantasy world and delivered to Castle Saenctum. (The word paladin, by the way, has come to mean a chivalrous hero.)

The mythology surrounding the game is explained to the paladins along the way. Each is given a piece of the Sunspear, entitling them to fight for the preservation of Everealm against the evil Verlox. They must compete to stay in the quest. At the end of episode one, a bow and arrow competition was used to select the two in jeopardy. Then the other paladins chose the one to be eliminated.

Part of the magic is the total immersion of the paladins in the Renaissance world of the castle, where they live during the competition. The environs surrounding the castle are filled with period actors. And they are guided through the adventure by Crio "The Dreamer", who is an excellent actor. He gives the action an authentic air. The tools in use, the weapons, the costumes--so far, everything lends itself to the creation of this Renaissance illusion.

So what we have here is a fusion of reality show and fantasy, part scripted, part unscripted. Unlike some reality shows, it appears some "action" is created and presented only for viewers, to maintain the illusion.

This should be enjoyable for anyone who engages in fantasy gaming, fantasy novels, cosplay, etc. or for fans of superheroes. What a dream, to be allowed to live and compete in this world. The production values are excellent. At one point, you can hear a competitor say, "This feels real."

Interestingly enough, seven of the twelve paladins are women. But that did not seem to affect the dynamics of the first episode.

One poster on the bulletin board asked what the winner wins. Good question. Apparently, the reward is being the surviving hero of Everealm. That seems like more than enough for those permitted to live the dream.

I think most viewers will root for their favorite paladin. I have already chosen Lina as my champion.

Update 8/17/14: After three episodes--and three eliminations--we find that the social part of the game is significant. If the other competitors like you, it is much more difficult to be eliminated.

The actors that surround the paladins are convincing. The challenges the paladins must face have been interesting (e.g. breaching a series of doors to obtain ingredients necessary for a potion). The paladins themselves are fully engaged. Though their enthusiasm might feel cheesy at times, it fuels the show.

I was hooked after watching 5 minutes of this show.

The production value is insane, the cast & crew were chosen perfectly, and the storyline is actually incredibly well written.

I'm three episodes in it's just getting better, and better. The would-be hero's are hopelessly enthralled with the world, which just helps improve the immersion. This show is the ultimate dream for anyone who's ever wanted to be involved in a fantasy world, and I'm convinced anyone with a creative spirit and a strong imagination who gives this show a chance will completely fall in love.

Amazing, I hope this show gets 10 seasons.

Competitive Reality TV... A genre of television that was generally spoken of with distaste by many, including me. The Quest changed that. The show proved that reality TV can be entertaining without embarrassing or exposing its contestants, that reality does not necessarily mean showing the lowest places in people's life, illuminating every dark corner of and grabbing at every chance of drama. The Quest gives you 12 people that are firmly rooted in life, but at the same time well-traveled in the realms of fantasy, who get the chance every fantasy fan dreams of. They get transported to a fantasy world where they get to fight against impending darkness, sometimes through teamwork, sometimes through competition. The competitive aspect is a strong one in this show, yet there is no exaggerated drama or open hostility between the contestants like that which usually wears out my nerves speedily in other competitive shows. Some might assume that this lack of clashing personalities and drama would make the show boring to watch, that it would be a teletubbyesk love peace and harmony compilation. Way off the mark! Since the competition for becoming the one true hero is embedded into the background story of a dark invasion that threatens to take over the last free kingdom of twelve, there is plenty of conflict, mystery, treachery and danger. The professional actors that carry this background story do an extraordinary job. Crio, the Dreamer, played by Jan Hutter who made a character his own that was planned to be played by a much older, stouter actor and who delivers marvelously as the paladins' first and truest friend in Everealm and the Queen's loyal steward. The Queen herself, played by Susanne Gschwendtner as regal and aloof as a Queen can be, got to little screen time for my taste, but what we see of her is great. Especially her warming towards the paladins is beautiful to witness. The same holds true for the head of her army, Sir Ansgar, played by Peter Windhofer. He is the one who gives the paladins their battle training, criticizing and pushing them mercilessly. Yet when he cracks a smile once in a while, he raises the heart rates of both female contestants and viewers alike. His counterpart is the Grand Vizier, magician and consultant to the Queen and rather hostile towards the paladins, played wonderfully dislikable by Marcella De Nardo. Around these four a colorful group of monsters, magic beings of hostile or benign nature and numerous medievalish extras ensures that paladins and viewers alike can totally immerse in the "land of beauty and great magical power". My friends and I have been on the edge of our seats for the newest episode every Thursday night, eager for another exciting forty minutes of dreams and magic, treachery and loyalty, friendship and fate. I guess this sums up why I give ten stars to this show. There may be tiniest inconsistencies in the plot line, but the endearing, sweeping character of the whole show covers them with ease. I DO hope there will be a 2nd season!

I just finished S1 on Netflix last night! What a remarkable show! As the media is inevitably taking over our children's lives...it is imperative that the television content they watch reinforce positive values good morals and lasting life lessons. The Quest delivered on every level in a fun and magical way! Would you rather your child watch a wholesome, feel good and team building series or the latest episode of The Jersey Shore or Housewives of Atlanta? Really hoping these TV networks wise up and allow for positive programming that enriches in a fun way like the Quest. Remember TV 20-30 years ago? It was family oriented with positive undertones, and a prominent take away after each episode. The Quest is the answer to reintroducing a lot of what is missing in today's television! Cheers -