The Adventures of Sinbad

"The Adventures of Sinbad" was a short lived, but entertaining action and adventure show from an era of television that appears to have been lost to the world here in 2007. It was like "Hercules" and "Xena" in some ways, no matter how light or dark it was. But it also had its own charm and was its own show. It ran for two seasons. The first was lighter. The second took a slightly darker turn, as did the show's title character, but he wasn't arrogant, self-centered, or evil like some people claim. He had seen a less than perfect world and lost a friend(s). Had the show had a third season, things would have balanced themselves out. Give both seasons a chance. They are both special and have their share of good and bad episodes. Even heroes have issues to work out, which is part of what makes them and their stories legendary and human.

This series was one of three adventure series that I watched when I was a child, besides Xena and Hercules. The first season was lighter. I was fallen for this series, as soon as I had watched the first episode. The casts were talented, except Maeve, who has so-so acting skill. However, Sinbad and her have kind of dynamic and interesting relationship. I agree that they had great chemistry, even they only kissed once and the rest was just "eyes communication".

The second season, just like the first season, also has great potential. I'm not Maeve fan, so I still followed this season. However, unfortunately, I lost the feeling that I had gotten in first season. Bryn's acting skill was much better than Maeve, but Sinbad and her didn't have such a chemistry as the previous cast. This season was darker but it was not interesting anymore. This season, obviously, had a huge hole in the storyline, if you try to connect its story with the end of the first season. Maeve's departure was such a big loss for this series. Most of my favorite quotes ever from this series came from the first season. Personally, I prefer the first season and based from the series rating, I believe most audiences agree with me.

Of course, this series has some weakness. The special effect, the setting, and some of the plot stories were ridiculous and just kept repeating. Sinbad kissed almost all of the females cast so it kinda boring. But then, I wouldn't expect more from this series in 1996. I won't compare it with 'high-quality story or expensive special effect' series, but this series still good to watch. Anyway, the Maeve theme song (which was played in most of Sinbad-Maeve scenes) was so memorable, and I still remember it until now.

This is one of those shows that you love, but the only people you tell are your best friends. It was funny, adventurous, exciting, and had terrific cast. It was sad when Maeve left the show, because everything went downhill from there. One thing I loved was the way the special effects resembled the old Sinbad movies. This was a highly underated TV program. If it ever comes on in syndication, I suggest everyone watch at least one episode (preferably from season one).

Yeah, I admit it; when this series aired I used to catch it on my lunch break every so often. It's really a kids adventure show, and not meant to be anything more than that. Shot in, I believe, South Africa, the show had a kind of campy appeal to it. Every time Sinbad and crew arrived at a "new" village, it was actually the same old village they'd built for the show, only shot at a different angle.

As usual Sinbads "Arab" origins are veiled by Anglo actors due to demographics... oh well. Myself, I think the show would've done just as well with a culturally authentic cast. It is after all a show for kids, and kids are pretty forgiving when it comes to perceptions. But that's neither here nor there.

The CGI and other effects were what they were, and the plots were pretty basic. The acting, for what the show was, was passable. I found it to be good mindless fun as I chowed down a salad in front of the tube.

If it ever comes to DVD, and by that I mean a good quality transfer and not some knockoff, then I'll buy a copy.

That little summary pretty much describes this series. While it was on TV, Sinbad seemed like a great little show. There was swashbuckling, action, humour, and creatures. Sure the FX were a little bad, but they were really still in their infancy then as far as TV shows go. Even the Hercules The Legendary Journeys effects seemed great then but are very poor now. I still enjoyed the show. It was great too how Sinbad grew up as the show progressed. I just wish there had been a third season to tie up some of the loose ends. Even a TV movie would have been great. Hopefully, the DVD release of season one will prompt others to go back and experience the nostalgia of a Saturday afternoon watching Sinbad.