Mark Beesley Movies

This first-run syndicated fantasy series from producer Sam Rami follows in the footsteps of Rami's previous efforts, like Xena: Warrior Princess and Hercules. Based on the Sword of Truth series of novels by author Terry Goodkind, the series takes place in a fantasy world, where modern technology hasn't developed - but magic has. However, under the iron fist of the dictator Darken Rahl, people are forbidden to use magic, and have been taught to fear it. The only one who can free the world's people from a lifetime under the thumb of a tyrant is a hero spoken of in the prophecies of old - the Seeker. The time has finally come for the Seeker to appear, but when the caviler young woodsman Richard Cypher learns that he is in fact the one, dusty old predictions take a decidedly cowboyish twist, as Richard may have the inborn abilities set forth in the prophecy, but this carefree lad also has an attitude to match. ~ Cammila Collar, Rovi

In the second of the series' musical episodes, Xena (Lucy Lawless) tries to negotiate a truce between the Amazons and the warlord Draco (Jay Lagai'aia). To that end, she proposes a Battle of the Bands, with songs rather than swords used to determine the outcome. Meanwhile, Xena's mom, Cyrene (Darien Takle), gets the matchmaking urge, and Joxer (Ted Raimi) again crosses paths with his disreputable brother, Jace. Highlights include a group of archaic villagers singing "The Telephone Hour" from Bye Bye Birdie and Xena's down-and-dirty lyre rendition of her TV series' theme song. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Upon learning that she may inherit the throne of Hell from Mephistopheles, Xena (Lucy Lawless) vows to do everything she can to avoid this "honor." Alas, she is already taking on demonic characteristics, and her heart is growing harder with each passing day. Will the devilishly handsome angel who calls himself Lucifer (Alex Mendoza) be able to talk Xena into fulfilling her destiny? And why has Virgil (William Gregory Lee), sweet-tempered son of Joxer, suddenly turned so sour? ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

The birth of Xena's baby, Eve, is greeted with a strangely familiar series of rituals, including gifts from a trio of Magi. Meanwhile, the Olympian Gods, determined that the baby will not fulfill the prophecy that will bring about their doom (and angered over the reason demise of Zeus), set about to destroy both mother and daughter. As for Gabrielle (Renee O'Connor), she has her hands full seeking out an antidote to save the poisoned Joxer (Ted Raimi). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

The sixth and final season of Hercules: The Legendary Journeys begins as female criminal Arciana (Katie Holmes) breaks out of prison in search of the all-powerful Sword of Hera. Arciana is inexorably linked to the demon Xerxos (Jeremy Roberts), who long ago murdered the family of Hercules' friend and traveling companion Iolaus (Michael Hurst). In their efforts to track down Arciana, Iolaus and especially Hercules (Kevin Sorbo) face an additional challenge in the form of the sinister lookalike of Hercules' lost love Serena (Sam Sorbo). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

The scene is Brittania in the Middle Ages. To teach the despotic warlord Arthur of Camelot (Neill Rea) to mend his ways, Merlin the magician (Norman Forsey) sends him back 1,000 years in time. Here, the young Arthur recruits Hercules (Kevin Sorbo), who has likewise been transported to ancient Brittania by Merlin. Unfortunately, also on hand is Arthur's evil advisor, the sorceress Mab (Sara Wiseman), who is not about to relinquish her control over the "one and future king." Need it be added that the Sword Excalibur figures prominently into the outcome of the story? ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

In the conclusion of a two-part story, the evil Callisto (Hudson Leick) has traveled back in time to prevent the birth of Hercules (Kevin Sorbo) by murdering the hero's future mother Alcmene (Kim Michalis). To prevent this, Hercules' friend Iolaus (Michael Hurst) likewise ventures "forward into the past." Meanwhile, Hercules and his despotic parallel-dimension lookalike, the Sovereign (also Kevin Sorbo), are trapped in the netherworld. Even if Hercules manages to escape, how will he bring Iolaus back to the present? ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

After battling Gabrielle (Renee O'Connor) in the previous episode "The Quest," ferocious Amazon warrior Velasca (Melinda Clarke) manages to become an immortal god by consuming mass quantities of ambrosia. As the unkillable Velasca prepares to destroy Gabrielle, Xena (Lucy Lawless) realizes that only an Immortal can battle another Immortal. Thus, she summons her arch enemy Callisto (Renee O'Connor), now a god herself, to save Gabrielle from harm. Callisto agrees -- but first, she demands a stiff and daunting price for her services. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Ludwig van Beethoven was one of the most important symphonic composers of the classical era, but Fidelio, the story of one man's struggle for freedom, independence, and love, was his only attempt at an opera. This video documents a production of Fidelio staged at Great Britain's Royal Opera House, with Gabriela Benackova, Josef Protschka, and Neill Archer leading the cast; Christoph von Dohnamyi conducts the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi