Tales of the South Seas

"Tales of the South Seas" was based on the book "A Son of the Sun" by Jack London. Sadly, it just used the character of David Grief and the one-time ally, Mauriri. The rest was fan fiction.

The best parts of the book were not even mentioned, like - collecting debts the rude way - difficult manners of man-eaters on the Solomon Islands - buying found gold coins from savages for a few pennies - getting sieged by pirates and sieging them back - a crook being spanked with "a particularly dead pig" - survival of a typhoon ... and, and, and...

Perhaps you like the series better if you have not read the book.

The acting is weak, characters under-developed and the storylines are weak in this television series. The only thing that save the show is the breathtaking scenery where it is shot. It is suprising any television networks even picked up the show.

TOTSS has plenty for everyone. You want gorgeous scenery? It's there. You want handsome heros (Will Snow as David Grief and Rene Naufahu as his partner Mauriri)? They're there! Want smart, sassy and beautiful women (Rachel Blakely, Rowena King and Kimberly Joseph)? Yep, this show has that too. The narrative, while probably not as well scripted as it *could* be, is still worth a look. This is an action show with a dash of romance and doesn't really pretend to be anything else. One never knows what is going to happen next. With the exception of, possibly, the relationship forming between Grief and Isabelle Reed (Blakely) everything is fast pace! By the way, Snow and Blakely, when in a scene together, simply sizzle. Would personally love to see this show come out on DVD. It has never been seen in the U.S.A.

... interaction between William Snow and Rachel Blakely.

These two were great together. You could see a great working chemistry between the actors and it was unfortunate that those behind the show chose to keep their characters, for the most part, away from each other. What is wrong with Grief anyway? Even after he dumps his island honey, Lavinia, he still won't get smoochy with gorgeous Isabelle Reed who was obviously very hot for him.

But it was a great show, terrific scenery, acting and characters, and I'm sorry it only ran for a year. Am also mightily sorry it never showed in the U.S.A. where TALES OF THE SOUTH SEAS would have a huge following because of the THE LOST WORLD connection (Blakely and Snow again).