Episode 3, “Broken,” Discussion
November 21, 2009 12:00 pm
November 21, 2009 12:00 pm
Hi, seems someone, possibly me, forgot to post the Episode 2, “Baneling,” Discussion last week. Oops. But here you can post comments discussing your thoughts and feelings on Season 2, Episode 3 entitled “Broken.” Have fun!
Tags: LotS
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Discussions | Chris
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By Charlie Schmidt, November 21, 2009 @ 6:56 pm
Broken was an outstanding episode. The episode showed what made Cara into the callous person that she is. Note that Cara is too proud to ever beg for mercy.
Bridget Regan did an excellent job with Kahlan. Richard’s line, “I believe that people can change.” is significant.
It’s ironic that Cara’s father loved Cara so much that the Mord’Sith’s never broke him, but when Cara found out the truth, then she broke. “Confess me! I deserve it!”
Kahlan would have been justified in killing Cara, but when she realized how Cara had been victimized and brutalized, Kahlan chose mercy.
Broken was very well written. Season Two is starting off with two A’s (Marked and Baneling) and an A+ (Broken).
Richard, Kahlan and Zedd are all good-hearted, but is Cara basically good, or is she bad? It seems that Cara is struggling. Like the Lex Luthor character in Smallville, Cara seems to be a bad person struggling to be good. Let’s hope she continues on her road to redemption.
Legend of the Seeker is a great series. Not only does it have thrilling adventure, romance, believable characters and clever plots, but many episodes have morals, like Broken. Broken seems to be saying “Don’t judge another man until you’ve walked a mile in his moccasins” and “People can change.”
By Chris, November 22, 2009 @ 1:22 am
I agree with your assessment of the episode, Charlie. Especially the A+ for Broken. It’s been one of my favorite episodes so far because it did such a marvelous job of showing us deep into the hearts of many of the major characters, especially Cara. But Bridget was fantastic. She had to walk a very thin line in this episode, with Kahlan’s conflicting emotions, torn between revenge, duty, and just generally the right thing to do. It was not an easy role to play but she did a great job. Thanks for kicking off our discussion!
By fuat atalayer, November 22, 2009 @ 5:25 am
nothing left to say
chris and charlie said everything. its A+ .
Once again Ms. Bridget Regan proved how great actress she was. she is outstanding with Kahlan. salute
By Sara, November 22, 2009 @ 5:53 am
Ditto! It was a great episode!
By Charlie Schmidt, November 22, 2009 @ 7:16 am
There is a slight problem with the episode “Broken”. In the episode “Marked”, Kahlan is about to confess Cara when Richard stops her. Didn’t Kahlan know that confessing Cara would kill her?
By Alessia, November 22, 2009 @ 10:32 am
Con Dar is GREAT!and Bridget plays it in a great way!
By Patricia, November 22, 2009 @ 10:45 am
I agree, the acting was superb in this one. The writing was also outstanding – the best so far this season. How easy would it have been to have Cara all repentant in the end – sorry for what she did, seeing the error of her ways, etc. etc. Plausible but they kept her defiant and proud of who she is, even as Richard is defending her and her life is at stake, right to the end. She may have a new understanding and be a bit softer around the edges but she remained a Mord Sith throughout. Definitely the harder path to write and they did it flawlessly.
I also liked the way they kept Cara a member of the group. I wondered how they were going to reconcile Kahlan’s and Zed’s anxiety about Cara being with them and I kept waiting for Richard to say get over it and deal with it but again the writers gave us two really significant points – in the end Richard chose Kahlan’s feelings over his own and over Cara by sending her away and secondly, it was Kahlan’s decision that Cara rejoin them. Not as pals but it sets up a whole new and interesting dynamic in the group.
And the Kahlan/Richard dynamic is back. Their discussion/argument toward the beginning was fantastic and reminiscent of last season. Each of them sticking to their guns and not backing down, agreeing on a trial as a compromise. And, at the end their conversation was amazing. It even got so intense that Kahlan had to take a step backwards. Again, great writing but also great acting to pull it off so well.
By Sarah, November 22, 2009 @ 10:58 am
Charlie, I thought too that there was an inconsistency with the “death by confession” and her wanting to confess the truth out of Cara before, but I don’t think so now. When she confessed the Mord’Sith schoolteacher there was a point where she was broken enough and had to tell the truth, and saved Cara in doing so, but she hadn’t been confessed to death. It must have needed to continue. So I think Death by Confession is something more than she intended for Cara.
By Sarah, November 22, 2009 @ 11:01 am
All great reviews! The acting all around was superb, the characters have so much more dimension and it’s only three episodes in. I also think all the production (visuals especially) and staff are also raising the bar this season. I loved the surrealism in Kahlan’s dream and even if I didn’t already love this show that would have captivated me.
By Charlie Schmidt, November 22, 2009 @ 11:19 am
The writers of Broken should submit that script for consideration in the Humanitas Prize at http://www.humanitasprize.org/. The Humanitas Prize is awarded to TV scripts that are inspiring, and Broken is inspiring. In Season One, the episode SACRIFICE is another example of an inspiring script, in that it dealt with infanticide. As Richard said, “I’m not going to let you kill this baby.”
As to Broken, it seems like Kahlan trusts Cara since Kahlan asked Cara to rejoin the group. That’s significant. Cara had no home – her sister’s husband despised her, and the only family she had – Richard, Kahlan and Zedd – wanted her to leave. Cara’s soul was broken by the knowledge that she had unjustifiably killed her own father, and she felt great guilt. So Cara rejoined the group, seeking a family and redemption.
By Flip, November 22, 2009 @ 5:17 pm
Yep, best one so far. More interpersonal drama. They are good actors, so they can handle it well. The show does not have to be a carnival of sword fights to be good.
By Flip, November 22, 2009 @ 5:19 pm
I was thinking Richard’s mention of “I almost killed the person I loved most”, took the jealous edge off Kahlan. If Kahlan had seen Cara in the travern with her “sweet” she might have changed her mind!!!!
By Flip, November 22, 2009 @ 5:21 pm
So WHY does Richard REALLY defend Cara so much? Any guesses?
By Patricia, November 22, 2009 @ 6:23 pm
Charlie, yes, I agree; while watching this one I was thinking about SACRIFICE from last season. Very strong perfomances in both eps.
By Cait, November 22, 2009 @ 6:52 pm
I just finished watching this episode and it was awesome. The best so far. The episodes just keep getting better!
By Charlie Schmidt, November 22, 2009 @ 7:12 pm
I wonder if Cara will ever apologize to Kahlan for having killed her sister. And will Kahlan ever forgive Cara.
As Thomas Fuller said, “He that cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he must pass himself; for every man has need to be forgiven.”
By Sarah, November 22, 2009 @ 9:13 pm
As to why Richard so badly wants to believe Cara can change, he is the warrior for hope as the tagline states. He needs to believe that people want a chance for redemption or else his battle doesn’t stand a chance. It’s his nature to look for integrity in people, especially when it’s lost on others. Cara is the best example possible of this.
Kahlan’s relationship with Cara as a Confessor and Mord’Sith couldn’t be more fraught and distrustful, even more so now that it’s personal. I think to Kahlan, the fact that Richard would give Cara the benefit of the doubt makes him vulnerable, and makes her feel that much more protective of him and antagonistic toward Cara. I don’t think this is your traditional irrationally jealous girlfriend love triangle at all, at least not at heart. It’s two powerful opposing women who would protect two versions of the same man – Richard the Seeker, and Lord Richard Rahl.
I hope there is an apology from Cara but it may be a while since I hope it is genuine, and not flippantly added on or sardonic in any way. Cara is a great character in the making, and I hope it doesn’t come until she’s ready to mean it.
By Charlie Schmidt, November 22, 2009 @ 10:39 pm
My gut tells me that Kahlan’s sister Denee is not dead. Cara may have killed some confessors, but Denee probably escaped unharmed.
By fuat atalayer, November 22, 2009 @ 11:52 pm
Agree with Charlie. Kahlan’s psycology as the last remaining confessor would be different as in the first book. And on last scene we had signs. in my opinion, writters should spare at least one confessor behind so that the story can continue smooth between Kahlan and Richard. On the other hand they will also spice up the story with this last confessor standing thing. And we will see how Kahlan react the situation. Those are my opinions may be right or wrong. But i am sure of, Brigdet will rock. anyway
KAHLAN POWEEEEER :p 
By skave69, November 23, 2009 @ 11:22 am
I loved that 3rd Episode , had everthing I have missing so far. As of everbody else I would rate the first 2 Episodes in Season 2 als average. As the first was so dark I got lost and the second made the impression that they spend so much buck on that fort that they wanted to use it , but didnt hat the story for.
The Third was A+ had everthing I missed in the first, tention between Kathlan/Richard , story with wit and humor ( particulary that “evil” Thief lol ) , and on Top of it Cara with an oustanding , proud show and a nice twist on the end. Great !
Its funny I dont like the new look with that dark, glossy lipstick on Kathlan, it not really such a big deal BUT that distracted greatly from Kathlans BLUE Eyes .. and looks wierd in a dark forest , with “vamp” like lipstick style.
By flip, November 23, 2009 @ 11:58 am
@Sarah, nice write-up. Cara has become the most interesting character of late. Full of surprises.
Clearly Richard lining up with a Mord’Sith means it lines him up with the forces that are against him in the first place. A good political move. They don’t seem to be making a point of that in the plot.
By Marcus, November 23, 2009 @ 12:44 pm
It was amazing this show should be on for many years to come!
By flip, November 23, 2009 @ 12:53 pm
Here is the promo for this weekend…
http://www.spoilertv.com/2009/11/legend-of-seeker-episode-204-touched_22.html
By flip, November 23, 2009 @ 1:01 pm
The problem with Cara…is she takes too much Kahlan TV air time.
I made up my mind, she has to go…:-)
By Charlie Schmidt, November 23, 2009 @ 8:55 pm
Here’s a funny commentary on BROKEN:
http://users.livejournal.com/_deejay_/114351.html?view=990895#t990895
By angeldcharmed1, November 23, 2009 @ 11:00 pm
@Charlie Schmidt: haha! Thanks for the link! That was hilarious! Cara and Kahlan fantasy! waaahahahahahah!!!!!
By Charlie Schmidt, November 24, 2009 @ 9:28 pm
Here’s another review of BROKEN:
http://tv.ign.com/articles/104/1048812p1.html
Many posters at LotS forums have commented that BROKEN is the best episode to date.
By flip, November 25, 2009 @ 8:30 am
Actually I have spent a bit of time looking at ratings and a little how they work. It is a curious. It appears once a show gets a dependable following it can last a long time. I guess this is obvious, so the key is getting thru the first few years and not bankrupt the production firm.
LOTS seems to have taken the approach of hiring generally little known actors to star and bring in star power on different occasions. Likely a good business decision. If the ratings fall they can cut the fat paychecks more easily than remove a main character from the show. It seems to me a better formula to success.
Maybe filming in NZ is non-union too. What has worried me about LOTS is the massive production costs versus a sitcom staged in basically one room. Those shows are very profitable.
I have not seen the ratings on the second episode yet but come to find out the 2.54m viewers was not that bad (45th or so), possibly what Disney expected. But a disappointment from over 5.4m in year 1 first episode, that was a blow out. Last year they averaged 4m, so I have been confused on the big drop this year, especially for the first episode. So getting the rating for show 2 is important. But a better time slot would really help.
By flip, November 25, 2009 @ 1:06 pm
some of you may enjoy “Merlin”. Not nearly as full and entertaining at LOTS but interesting story lines for us fantasy followers. The first season had its weak moments but season 2 is starting off much better. But you need parts of one to get the story line.
This person has all the episodes. http://www.youtube.com/user/Laurastina1234
By KP, November 25, 2009 @ 11:11 pm
Great episode…I agree with all of you. It was interesting though in the end when Kahlan gave that little speech about “being the last Confessor and if she dies the line of Confessors will be in danger”, that could set up some very great tension between her and Richard if the writers play up the fact that if she needs to continue the line of Confessors by taking a mate that couldn’t (at least now) be Richard. It would be fun to see the actors play that out.
By Charlie Schmidt, November 26, 2009 @ 8:28 am
The late columnist Sydney J Harris wrote, “The hardest things are not physical acts but moral ones: to return hate for love, to include the excluded, and to admit you were wrong.” For example, if someone had done you a terrible wrong – killed your child or blinded you – could you forgive that person? It is hard to forswear revenge.
Kahlan as a confessor was very fair to Cara during the trial, in spite of her animosity towards Cara. As a judge, she needed to determine if Cara was redeemable. If Cara had no conscience and was a sociopath, the death penalty would be justified. But Cara showed no remorse during the trial, and Kahlan couldn’t “read” her to see if felt any regret.
Kahlan had a chance at revenge, but she chose mercy when she saw that Cara was remorseful, indicating that Cara had a good conscience. Kahlan also admitted that she was wrong when she admitted that her prior decision to sentence Cara to death was wrong. And Kahlan “included the excluded” when she asked Cara to rejoin the group.
As Kahlan said, “I have looked into this woman’s eyes and have seen genuine remorse. Years ago her life was cruelly taken from her; I will not take it from her a second time.” Kahlan has a good heart.
By Charlie Schmidt, November 26, 2009 @ 8:57 am
Oops. I mistyped above. That should be “to return love for hatred.”
By Alexandria, November 26, 2009 @ 10:08 pm
i would like to say that broken was maybe my favorite episode because of mostly the dialogue. and the dream sequence was awesome! i like the whole portraying roses as confessors.
Everyone knows about the whole having bridget playing wonder woman. well i found a drawing of wonder woman and I freaked out because it looks so much like bridget! its like they cartooned her or something
By Deidre, November 27, 2009 @ 4:10 pm
First three shows have been AWESOME! I am in complete anticipation every week. I love the way the writers are building the season. I agree “Broken” the best so far! Cant wait for tomorrow!
By icarts, November 29, 2009 @ 2:49 pm
that commentary was great! thanks charlie!
By Charlie Schmidt, November 30, 2009 @ 10:27 am
The episode “Broken” is now available for free viewing at Hulu.com, at this link:
http://www.hulu.com/watch/111205/legend-of-the-seeker-broken
By Dennis, December 1, 2009 @ 3:17 pm
Charlie Schmidt: a murderer’s remose should have no bearing on whether they are put to death. Its a matter of justice in a fair society that one who has deliberately taken life (as Cara has) to not be granted a life of their own. How is it fair for Cara (or any murderer) to keep and enjoy what she has taken from others? Remorse really is irrelevant. This episode played to the ever too prevelant false notion that killers are themselves victims; a reversal that is itself distructive to a good society. The reasons she murdered in cold blood should not really matter at all.
See the current case of Maurice Clemens who’s sentence was commuted in Arkansas by then Gov Huckabee. Bad people should not be let loose onto a good society, no matter their perceived victimhood. Poor Killer Clemens was only 15 yrs old, so cut his sentence in half because he was a “victim” and had shown remose. Balderdash! Now 4 good cops are dead.
That said, putting Cara to death in this fantasy world doesn’t really help since she would just likely come back as a Baneling, and is probably more use to Richard alive, and is very physically very attractive for viewers and ratings. So I’m okay with Cara being pardoned. But the “message” from this episode is truly intellectually flawed.
By Bill, December 1, 2009 @ 5:32 pm
@Dennis — I respect your thinking, and I think it’s interesting to examine both sides of this argument. On one hand, doesn’t the person who takes the life of a killer place a burden on him/herself by having to carry the memory of taking a life (not that they should feel guilty, but any good person may be haunted by having to carry out the execution).
And on the other hand, it’s a little idealistic to say that we shouldn’t “bring ourselves down to that level”, the level of someone who takes lives. Now, I think it’s good to have ideals and I respect Charlie’s analysis, but I tend to agree that this line of thinking just isn’t practical or even responsible in many cases.
It’s easy to feel remorse once you’ve already killed and been apprehended by the authorities. Whether the person is simply sorry they were caught or if they truly see their crime as wrong, they’ve proven that they have the capacity for extreme violence. And even if you somehow KNEW they’d never do it again, does that mean that they deserve to live? We could go all day with this.
Personally, I like to look at situations on a case by case basis. Generalizations can bite you right in the arse. I believe that our justice system is too generalized, but it’s not like they can put out a suggestion box in front of the supreme court. I believe in self defense, and hell, I even believe there should be reduced sentencing for parents who kill their child’s rapist, but that’s just me. I’m not trying to convince anyone of anything.
As far as “Broken” and Cara’s case specifically, I had to wonder “so what if she’s sorry about killing the father? What about the other innocent people she killed over the years?”. After considering it, I don’t think Kahlan was letting her off the hook for those murders. I think that Cara’s survival can be equated to someone getting off with the “insanity plea”. The remorse she felt was purely for her father’s death, which acted as the main catalyst in her ultimate manipulation by the Mord Sith. She acknowledged that it was wrong, which suggests that she had the ability to love before her mind was twisted by the Mord Sith’s lies. Basically, everything that happened after that could be seen as (not forgivable, but) a direct result of her psychological deterioration at the hands of the ‘sith. If it weren’t for them, all those people Cara killed might have lived.
So her sentence was more about whether she acknowledged her own “insanity” than absolving her for every murder she ever committed. It was about establishing that Cara has, in fact, been two different people throughout her life. One she is responsible for (the little girl) and one that can be blamed almost entirely on the Mord Sith. Kahlan absolved the little girl who took her father’s life under false pretenses. Should she be forgiven? Loved? Not necessarily, but considering her obedience to Richard’s title and the fact that he’ll be taking full responsibility for her from now on, it’s not a wholly irresponsible verdict.
Wow. That was a mouthful.
-Bill