53 reviews
Enjoyable light hearted action series about a sort of feminine Indiana Jones travelling around the world in search or ancient relics. The series greatly benefit of main character Sydney Fox, played with conviction by Tia Carrere, accompanied by her assistant Nigel Bailey (Christien Anholt) and a right humour touch that makes it a nice entertainment. A predecessor of the librarians in the same line as Hercules and Xena without monsters. Recommended to spend a good time. If you like this series will probably enjoy Hooten and the Lady.
- MegaSuperstar
- Dec 18, 2019
- Permalink
I watch a lot of TV shows and a show doesn't have to have a gigantic budget to keep me entertained. If it's witty, charming and has likable characters you don't mind cheap sets and more often than not bad actors around the main characters. I really like Tia Carrere in this show and... well that's almost about it.
In everything I read about Relic Hunter before watching it myself the figures Indiana Jones and Lara Croft were brought up. Let me put it in few and simple words where the similarities lie: * Indiana Jones is a university professor -> Sydney Fox is, too * Indiana Jones looks for relics -> Sydney Fox does, too * Lara Croft got martial arts skills -> Sydney Fox does, too
Now let's take a look at the differences: * Indy Jones is a really intelligent man who knows very much and has to figure out intriguing riddles -> Sydney Fox never gives the impression she is a top professor with a vast knowledge about what she does. When she solves a riddle its more like putting a puzzle together than using a lot of wit. * Lara Croft is just completely kick-ass in everything she does -> Sydney Fox shows some vulnerability here and there (not a bad thing in general), and being kick-ass mostly focuses on the fight scenes.
In most shows there is the concept of the hero of the show and the comic relief sidekick. In this case the sidekick would be Nigel, nerdy teaching assistant from England with his slightly distinguished British accent and manner. This would be a good mix if the Sydney character was actually really knowledgeable and kick-ass and the sidekick really nerdy and funny. Thing is they're both just not all that extreme in their ways so you sometimes wonder who plays who's part.
The one thing that is really above average about this show are the fight scenes. Those are well executed and pretty often have some slapstick element to them that is actually funny. And Tia Carrere is really good in her role. I'm not a fanboy but have to say, if it wasn't for her charisma I wouldn't have gotten past the first episode.
I give this show a 5/10 because of Tia, the fight scenes and the general concept of the show.
In everything I read about Relic Hunter before watching it myself the figures Indiana Jones and Lara Croft were brought up. Let me put it in few and simple words where the similarities lie: * Indiana Jones is a university professor -> Sydney Fox is, too * Indiana Jones looks for relics -> Sydney Fox does, too * Lara Croft got martial arts skills -> Sydney Fox does, too
Now let's take a look at the differences: * Indy Jones is a really intelligent man who knows very much and has to figure out intriguing riddles -> Sydney Fox never gives the impression she is a top professor with a vast knowledge about what she does. When she solves a riddle its more like putting a puzzle together than using a lot of wit. * Lara Croft is just completely kick-ass in everything she does -> Sydney Fox shows some vulnerability here and there (not a bad thing in general), and being kick-ass mostly focuses on the fight scenes.
In most shows there is the concept of the hero of the show and the comic relief sidekick. In this case the sidekick would be Nigel, nerdy teaching assistant from England with his slightly distinguished British accent and manner. This would be a good mix if the Sydney character was actually really knowledgeable and kick-ass and the sidekick really nerdy and funny. Thing is they're both just not all that extreme in their ways so you sometimes wonder who plays who's part.
The one thing that is really above average about this show are the fight scenes. Those are well executed and pretty often have some slapstick element to them that is actually funny. And Tia Carrere is really good in her role. I'm not a fanboy but have to say, if it wasn't for her charisma I wouldn't have gotten past the first episode.
I give this show a 5/10 because of Tia, the fight scenes and the general concept of the show.
- AndreasHardcastle
- Aug 23, 2011
- Permalink
Sydney Fox (Tia Carrere) is a university professor and black belt who globe-trots all around the world after lost, robbed and rumored to exist strange artifacts , relics , jewels and treasures . Her main passion, however, is adventure , history and antiquities . With her mild-mannered and shy English assistant Nigel (Christen Anholt) , they travel across the world finding lost treasures which have fallen into the wrong hands . Her scholarly brilliant English academic assistant, Nigel Bailey, has his reservations about being dragged along all over the world on most of her treasure hunts . The third and fourth ordinary cast members are their office secretary, who joined during most seasons as the vain airhead as well as little competent Claudia (Lindy Booth) whose wealthy daddy is frightfully well-connected, notably with the chancellor, later the far more expert Karen Petrusky (Tanja Reichert) . Along the way they have to take on several risks , dangers and adventures until reach their aims. As they often end up fighting rival hunters seeking out objects for the money . Beauty. Brains. Black Belt. History Professor, Adventurer, Relic Hunter...
Emotion , fun , and funny adventures with frenetic action series formed by 66 episodes in 3 seasons . Starred by an explosive and sexy archaeologist Sydney Fox/Tia Carrere (66 episodes) and with the help of her faithful assistant from England Nigel Bailey/Christien Anholt (66 episodes) , both of whom moonlight as brave relic hunters. Together they travel around the globe in search for stolen relics to be returned to museum always risking their lives . Thery are well accompanied on some occasion getting to play a more active part , at times , by Lindy Booth as the somewhat air-headed secretary Claudia in 44 episodes, and the gorgeous Tanja Reichert in 22 episodes and in both cases tend to make use of their female charms too .The series mingles comedy , suspense , intrigue , tension , action-packed , pursuits , history and adventures ; and it results to be very amusing and fun . It's a moving and typical action/adventure series in Indiana Jones and Tomb Raider style . It's a run-of-the-mill show , as from the beginning to the end , the unstopped action and the fast movement is continuous . The series was inspired by the success of the video game Tomb Raider , featuring Sydney Fox as Lara Croft's lookalike . Despite the series' worldwide locales, it was actually shot in Uxbridge, Ontario, Canada and Toronto, Ontario, Canada , as the production team rarely left Metropolitan Toronto . There are also several guest stars playing notorious roles throughout the series , such as : Thomas Kretschmann , Tony Rosato , Sara Kestelman , Blu Mankuma ,Jane March , Julie McCullough , Ralph Moller ,Michael Culkin , Ian McNeice , Katheryn Winnick , Claudia Christian , James Faulkner ,Colin Fox , Roger Cross , Tasha de Vasconcelos ,James Callis , Kenneth Colley , Matt Bomer , Nigel Bennett , Nicholas Rowe , Malin Akerman and Simon MacCorkindale , producer too . The series was professionally directed by Paolo Barzman ,John Bell ,Terry Ingram , Ian Toynton ,George Mendeluk, Jeff King , Mark Roper , David Wu , Steve DiMarco , Jorge Montesi , among others . Rating . 6/10 , acceptable and passable series .
Emotion , fun , and funny adventures with frenetic action series formed by 66 episodes in 3 seasons . Starred by an explosive and sexy archaeologist Sydney Fox/Tia Carrere (66 episodes) and with the help of her faithful assistant from England Nigel Bailey/Christien Anholt (66 episodes) , both of whom moonlight as brave relic hunters. Together they travel around the globe in search for stolen relics to be returned to museum always risking their lives . Thery are well accompanied on some occasion getting to play a more active part , at times , by Lindy Booth as the somewhat air-headed secretary Claudia in 44 episodes, and the gorgeous Tanja Reichert in 22 episodes and in both cases tend to make use of their female charms too .The series mingles comedy , suspense , intrigue , tension , action-packed , pursuits , history and adventures ; and it results to be very amusing and fun . It's a moving and typical action/adventure series in Indiana Jones and Tomb Raider style . It's a run-of-the-mill show , as from the beginning to the end , the unstopped action and the fast movement is continuous . The series was inspired by the success of the video game Tomb Raider , featuring Sydney Fox as Lara Croft's lookalike . Despite the series' worldwide locales, it was actually shot in Uxbridge, Ontario, Canada and Toronto, Ontario, Canada , as the production team rarely left Metropolitan Toronto . There are also several guest stars playing notorious roles throughout the series , such as : Thomas Kretschmann , Tony Rosato , Sara Kestelman , Blu Mankuma ,Jane March , Julie McCullough , Ralph Moller ,Michael Culkin , Ian McNeice , Katheryn Winnick , Claudia Christian , James Faulkner ,Colin Fox , Roger Cross , Tasha de Vasconcelos ,James Callis , Kenneth Colley , Matt Bomer , Nigel Bennett , Nicholas Rowe , Malin Akerman and Simon MacCorkindale , producer too . The series was professionally directed by Paolo Barzman ,John Bell ,Terry Ingram , Ian Toynton ,George Mendeluk, Jeff King , Mark Roper , David Wu , Steve DiMarco , Jorge Montesi , among others . Rating . 6/10 , acceptable and passable series .
Relic Hunter is sort of a cross between Indiana Jones and Tomb Raider, Tia Carrere is the "Dr Jones" character of the series who goes on adventures to solver mysteries, find ancient relics, of course she runs into the occasional rival relic hunter and normally ends up fighting herself and her colleges out of dangerous situations.
Not a bad show, certainly better than some of the shows that currently air on TV these days.
Not a bad show, certainly better than some of the shows that currently air on TV these days.
An interesting TV show that make us want to watch for the adventure part and the treasures that she can bring. I found it pretty pleasant to watch. The story of each characters and the story of Sydney Fox make the whole thivgs more interesting. It was pretty funny and i need to say that i didnt know that tv show have so much sexual sides. I forgot but good anyway.
- AvionPrince16
- Apr 21, 2022
- Permalink
- stevehorvath59-515-490534
- Nov 3, 2023
- Permalink
This series marked my childhood but seeing it again now is embarrassing. There are episodes that make no sense and clumsy or naive registic choices as well as disconcerting plots.
- stefanozucchelli
- Feb 18, 2022
- Permalink
I loved this show when it first ran, and wish there had been more than 3 seasons (why did it end so soon - was it too exhausting for the actors?)! I love archaeology (have seen most of the major ruins around the world - 56 countries and counting). Also love Indiana Jones, Tomb Raider, and martial arts, and love that the show had a strong, intelligent, beautiful female lead in Sydney! I also thoroughly enjoyed Nigel, the British sidekick and comedy relief - not an easy part to play! The sets were awesome, the scripts were varied and fun, and they had great guest stars every week. I recently bought the 3 season set and loved it all over again! Wish Tia would come back to TV in that kind of role!!
The series is made by a Canadian company, and has a different look and feel from its Hollywood adventure / action counterparts.
The series may have been inspired by Eidos' "Tomb Raider" game that was popular around the time this series was made.
Professor Sydney Fox works for the archeology department at Trinity College - a fictitious school in "north east" area of Americas (which can be either in Canada, or the US). She spends most of her time relic hunting that takes her to many exotic locations around the world. She's an expert in ancient cultures, and martial arts. She's accompanied by her assistant Nigel Baley who's intelligent, but aren't nearly as tough as she is. In most episodes she goes into a somewhat scary situation where she and Nigel has to fend for their lives using their charm, intelligence, and martial arts skills. The episodes are much more story driven compared to American made TV series of this type. Ethnic mixture of part Hawaiian Tia Cerrerie, British Christien Anholt, and Canadian Lindy Booth (Tanja Reichert in the third season) is also unique in TV series.
What's stellar about this series is it's production. The producers of this series knew what they were doing. The characters, the stories, and the location are all superbly in good taste that holds up to repeat viewing. One very honorable mention goes to the series' cinematographer. You can freeze frame any part of the episode, and they all look like a perfectly framed, and exposed Kodachrome shot. No messed up computer graphics, or effects to kill the atmosphere of the story, and this in my opinion is one of the attraction of this series.
Stories are great, acting is great, so no wonder there's still a fan base to this series that's requesting more episodes to be made. If they are going to make another series, I'd like to request the original team that made these episodes come back, because the look and feel of the series was superb.
This is one of the best television series, and deserves further development in the future.
The series may have been inspired by Eidos' "Tomb Raider" game that was popular around the time this series was made.
Professor Sydney Fox works for the archeology department at Trinity College - a fictitious school in "north east" area of Americas (which can be either in Canada, or the US). She spends most of her time relic hunting that takes her to many exotic locations around the world. She's an expert in ancient cultures, and martial arts. She's accompanied by her assistant Nigel Baley who's intelligent, but aren't nearly as tough as she is. In most episodes she goes into a somewhat scary situation where she and Nigel has to fend for their lives using their charm, intelligence, and martial arts skills. The episodes are much more story driven compared to American made TV series of this type. Ethnic mixture of part Hawaiian Tia Cerrerie, British Christien Anholt, and Canadian Lindy Booth (Tanja Reichert in the third season) is also unique in TV series.
What's stellar about this series is it's production. The producers of this series knew what they were doing. The characters, the stories, and the location are all superbly in good taste that holds up to repeat viewing. One very honorable mention goes to the series' cinematographer. You can freeze frame any part of the episode, and they all look like a perfectly framed, and exposed Kodachrome shot. No messed up computer graphics, or effects to kill the atmosphere of the story, and this in my opinion is one of the attraction of this series.
Stories are great, acting is great, so no wonder there's still a fan base to this series that's requesting more episodes to be made. If they are going to make another series, I'd like to request the original team that made these episodes come back, because the look and feel of the series was superb.
This is one of the best television series, and deserves further development in the future.
The show is enjoyable as a brainless action series with a good humored side kick. But, it does hurt the religious sentiments of a lot of people outside the Christian religion with its blatant disregard for historical/ mythological credence.
Whoever the writer is, he sure is very interested in showing most old and living cultures as uncivilized. Do I smell a zealot here? The writer needs to go back to a proper school and get the basic facts right.
In a few episodes, the sets and locations of the places where the scene is supposed to have happened are just not believable and in most cases erroneous.
Finally, the series just does not warrant any comparison whatsoever with Indiana Jones and Lara Croft.
Whoever the writer is, he sure is very interested in showing most old and living cultures as uncivilized. Do I smell a zealot here? The writer needs to go back to a proper school and get the basic facts right.
In a few episodes, the sets and locations of the places where the scene is supposed to have happened are just not believable and in most cases erroneous.
Finally, the series just does not warrant any comparison whatsoever with Indiana Jones and Lara Croft.
- bharathkishore
- Oct 2, 2012
- Permalink
"Relic Hunter" was promoted as a fun adventure series, with a female Indiana Jones-style lead. Although the premise was interesting, I was quickly disappointed by the numerous flaws: cartoonish dialog, cheesy sets, failed humor and the poor knowledge of history as demonstrated by writers. The casting of the overly self-conscious Tia Carrera as lead did nothing to help things. Pretty she is; but versatile acting skills she has none.
But the death knoll for Relic Hunter definitely came with the "smart, strong woman" and "bumbling male sidekick" dynamics between the lead characters. Some viewers that enjoy this type of formula but I find it demeaning to men and pandering to we ladies.
To sum it up, I unfortunately can't think of anything "Relic Hunter" going for it. After watching two and a half episodes I was done for good with this annoying series!
But the death knoll for Relic Hunter definitely came with the "smart, strong woman" and "bumbling male sidekick" dynamics between the lead characters. Some viewers that enjoy this type of formula but I find it demeaning to men and pandering to we ladies.
To sum it up, I unfortunately can't think of anything "Relic Hunter" going for it. After watching two and a half episodes I was done for good with this annoying series!
I got hooked on Relic Hunter when I had to stay home from school for a week, because RH is on at 10 Pacific Time during the week. Although regularly I don't get to watch it. I think Sydney is good female role model, because she isn't afraid to fight back. Also, Nigel is the trusty, yet slightly clumsy sidekick and friend. Nigel and Sydney have good chemistry together. I really admire Sydney's hard working personalty. THis show is probably one if my altime favourite shows. Whenever I watch it, i'm always really engrossed in it. It's really hard to get me stop watching it. I try to watch it when ever I have a holiday off of school. Elizabeth
- lizzy-tilley
- Mar 16, 2008
- Permalink
It's hard for me to rate this show because I used to watch and like it and would laugh at it but it was just so stupid with such terrible acting. I know it wasn't supposed to be Indiana Jones or anything but it didn't have much to offer other than cheap props, bad writing, bad acting, and Tia Carrere in tight clothes not very appropriate for treasure hunting in haha.
- MisterKevin
- Oct 20, 2018
- Permalink
- anders-loennqvist
- Jun 21, 2014
- Permalink
I will start off by saying that Tia Carrere is one of the most stunningly attractive actresses I ever seen. She has great wit and charm as well. I probably would not have made it through more than 2 episodes without her.
It is also clear that the producers were well aware of her sexiness, as barely an episode goes by when her character does not strip down to bra and panties or something else revealing.
The shows moves at a fast pace and has good supporting characters as well but this is nothing more than a fun watch, which it was meant be and was since it ran as long as it did. I recommend sitting through a few episodes and see what you think. Available for free on many streaming services.
It is also clear that the producers were well aware of her sexiness, as barely an episode goes by when her character does not strip down to bra and panties or something else revealing.
The shows moves at a fast pace and has good supporting characters as well but this is nothing more than a fun watch, which it was meant be and was since it ran as long as it did. I recommend sitting through a few episodes and see what you think. Available for free on many streaming services.
"Relic Hunter" is a really nicely done, fun TV show. People are obviously going to compare it to Tomb Raider, but other than the female protagonist, RH is a lot closer to Indiana Jones. But the best thing about Relic Hunter is that it doesn't take itself too seriously. There's lots of loose humor mixed into the interesting plotlines, which, again, are very Indian Jones-like. Tia Carrere and Christien Anholt are great actors and have great chemistry, although they aren't ever romantically with eachother. Lindy Booth was a great complimentary character as Claudia, and it's a shame that she left the show. The new girl(s) just don't do anything. I didn't expect much from this show at first, but the cast is really great, and Sydney and Nigel feel like good friends. Overall, Relic Hunter isn't a hard-as-stone drama or a throw-away action flick. It's an entertaining, fairly realistic show (in relation to a lot of what's on TV) that isn't afraid to laugh at itself in the process of doing its thing. I don't go crazy if I miss an episode, but I'm always up for watching it when I'm around. And Tia Carrere is a fabulously talented woman. She is a beautiful model, a talented singer, and a smart actress. "Nigel, duck!"
Being a fan of anything not ordinary, I have now watched each episode about 3 times, yet I'm still not a 100% convinced. The first thing that I'd criticize is the quality of the scripts, at least for most of the series. Too often, the dialogue seems to focus on the unnecessary rather than conveying the plot. The characters themselves seem rather stereotype: the know-it-all main character, the clumsy sidekick, the man-eating secretary, and so forth.
And then there's this dreaded hidden mechanism in every episode, that opens a secret chamber. Isn't there a thousand other ways to uncover mysteries?
And too often than not, the locations where the story takes place look a damn side more like a Canadian forest than some exotic place.
The series could have been a lot better but despite all that maintains a certain charme.
- thomasmatzeit
- Dec 16, 2020
- Permalink
- amorse-99777
- Sep 3, 2021
- Permalink
I watched this show thoroughly when it first aired and I was around 11/12 years old (thanks to my love of series like Carmen Sandiego and Mummies Alive! That stoked my interest in history/archeology), and since then I watched every rerun I could for the next 20 years. It's one of my favorite Canadian-made shows of all time, and a source of national pride for me, personally.
The best way to describe Sydney Fox is something in between Indiana Jones and Lara Croft (love both those series too btw, well mostly the early Tomb Raider games). She's got Lara Croft's drive, but with the moral integrity of Jones, while being just as intelligent and tough as them, and a combination of their personalities. Oh, and instead of snakes she hates roaches, which I totally relate to! But of course, this show may not have ever existed without those other series. I always liked how they made a point of showing how she hated guns, unlike what the Tomb Raider series is partly known for, especially these days. This show can also get creative with its definition of what a relic is, such as one episode where Syd uses her love and knowledge about Baseball to track down an infamous old baseball glove. They also make a point in numerous episodes of contrasting her against other rival Relic Hunters that have lost their moral compass.
Me being a guy, I also loved the partnership and friendship between her and Nigel. Some sexual tension between them would be expected... well, mostly.... no, entirely on his part, but who can blame him? Syd demonstrates on numerous occasions that she has a uniquely relaxed, liberated, and pre-Abrahamic perspective on the human body and sexuality. But what I really like is this rare example of a man that is more brain than brawn supporting a great woman in every way he can, and remaining friends throughout his long-term professional relationship with her. Not to mention they can be pretty hilarious together. It's a rare kind of dynamic duo I have yet to see replicated in any other series, personally. People who have complained that this is a case of "Hollywood lifting up the badass female protagonist using a bumbling stupid male sidekick" clearly haven't watched the show, at least not enough. Sydney has made it a point that she absolutely needs Nigel, on multiple occasions... she is in fact not a "one woman army" (see S3E1, when Nigel wants to abort their next trip once he sees Karen for the first time, offering to stay and help Karen get adjusted in her new job... Sydney wasn't having any of it).
It's too bad the series couldn't go on for a few more seasons, as season 3 has always been my favorite! We got more insight into Syd's past and how she became who she is, as well as more higher stakes storylines with the recurring shadowy group "The Gurel Nataz" and giving her an arch-nemesis, Deviega (who's story they obviously only resolved so quickly because they knew there wasn't gonna be another season). And even though Claudia's character improved in S2, I still much preferred Karen replacing her as secretary in S3. One of the reasons I wanted a S4 is that in her first episode (and I think once or twice in later episodes), she made a point that she took the job to help support her brother... it's so obvious that they planned an episode that would go deeper into that. Even worse is that her actress, Tanja Reichert, somehow dropped off the film/tv map after this series.... it's too bad, as besides being a capable actress, she is probably the most gorgeous Canadian in film of all time, certainly from BC... sorry Pamela, lol.
My favorite episode is really tough to choose, but maybe the Warlock episode in S3 or Gypsy Jigsaw in S2 (though as Nigel points out, I'm glad, the correct term is Roma). My least favorite is The Executioner's Mask, though I can't decide if it's lazy or awesome that one of the S3 episodes basically followed the story of The Thing but with a mummy instead of a Thing, but it gets points for Karen being in it (even if just a little bit). I also wish that the episode related to India could have had a more original idea than just copying the whole Kali cult from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Even the way they did the one "clip episode" was alright as it brought back some familiar faces and actually used the clips to reflect on things like Syd's friendship with Nigel and how things have come along since he first took the "teaching assistant" job.
If I could have any real nitpick against the show, other than not having enough seasons, it's that it reused actors in new roles thinking we wouldn't notice (one was the Kali zealot who also returned in The Light of Truth episode, but I'm sure there was at least one other instance I'm forgetting). Also, both main protagonists kept going through romantic interests and picking up new ones out of nowhere as if the ones before never even happened. But that's not enough to make me want to give the show any less than a 10.
One last thing, I think all great shows need to have a great intro and intro/main theme music, and this show definitely checks that box.
Of course, this show isn't scientifically or historically accurate all the time, but that's not something Indiana Jones or Tomb Raider are known for either, yet they're beloved series that are considered classic and have even inspired multiple people to pursue study and careers in actual archeology (even if it means slowly and methodically digging in dirt rather than raiding tombs and fighting off rival relic hunters). This show is fun entertainment in a kind of genre that hasn't been tapped into enough (archeological action-adventure). All that said, unlike Indiana Jones or Tomb Raider, this series actually does take the time at least once to show actual, realistic typical archeological work (multiple people having to patiently and carefully dig in sectioned-off areas), and they even make it a point to say "this is where the real archelogy happens" or something to that extent.
The best way to describe Sydney Fox is something in between Indiana Jones and Lara Croft (love both those series too btw, well mostly the early Tomb Raider games). She's got Lara Croft's drive, but with the moral integrity of Jones, while being just as intelligent and tough as them, and a combination of their personalities. Oh, and instead of snakes she hates roaches, which I totally relate to! But of course, this show may not have ever existed without those other series. I always liked how they made a point of showing how she hated guns, unlike what the Tomb Raider series is partly known for, especially these days. This show can also get creative with its definition of what a relic is, such as one episode where Syd uses her love and knowledge about Baseball to track down an infamous old baseball glove. They also make a point in numerous episodes of contrasting her against other rival Relic Hunters that have lost their moral compass.
Me being a guy, I also loved the partnership and friendship between her and Nigel. Some sexual tension between them would be expected... well, mostly.... no, entirely on his part, but who can blame him? Syd demonstrates on numerous occasions that she has a uniquely relaxed, liberated, and pre-Abrahamic perspective on the human body and sexuality. But what I really like is this rare example of a man that is more brain than brawn supporting a great woman in every way he can, and remaining friends throughout his long-term professional relationship with her. Not to mention they can be pretty hilarious together. It's a rare kind of dynamic duo I have yet to see replicated in any other series, personally. People who have complained that this is a case of "Hollywood lifting up the badass female protagonist using a bumbling stupid male sidekick" clearly haven't watched the show, at least not enough. Sydney has made it a point that she absolutely needs Nigel, on multiple occasions... she is in fact not a "one woman army" (see S3E1, when Nigel wants to abort their next trip once he sees Karen for the first time, offering to stay and help Karen get adjusted in her new job... Sydney wasn't having any of it).
It's too bad the series couldn't go on for a few more seasons, as season 3 has always been my favorite! We got more insight into Syd's past and how she became who she is, as well as more higher stakes storylines with the recurring shadowy group "The Gurel Nataz" and giving her an arch-nemesis, Deviega (who's story they obviously only resolved so quickly because they knew there wasn't gonna be another season). And even though Claudia's character improved in S2, I still much preferred Karen replacing her as secretary in S3. One of the reasons I wanted a S4 is that in her first episode (and I think once or twice in later episodes), she made a point that she took the job to help support her brother... it's so obvious that they planned an episode that would go deeper into that. Even worse is that her actress, Tanja Reichert, somehow dropped off the film/tv map after this series.... it's too bad, as besides being a capable actress, she is probably the most gorgeous Canadian in film of all time, certainly from BC... sorry Pamela, lol.
My favorite episode is really tough to choose, but maybe the Warlock episode in S3 or Gypsy Jigsaw in S2 (though as Nigel points out, I'm glad, the correct term is Roma). My least favorite is The Executioner's Mask, though I can't decide if it's lazy or awesome that one of the S3 episodes basically followed the story of The Thing but with a mummy instead of a Thing, but it gets points for Karen being in it (even if just a little bit). I also wish that the episode related to India could have had a more original idea than just copying the whole Kali cult from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Even the way they did the one "clip episode" was alright as it brought back some familiar faces and actually used the clips to reflect on things like Syd's friendship with Nigel and how things have come along since he first took the "teaching assistant" job.
If I could have any real nitpick against the show, other than not having enough seasons, it's that it reused actors in new roles thinking we wouldn't notice (one was the Kali zealot who also returned in The Light of Truth episode, but I'm sure there was at least one other instance I'm forgetting). Also, both main protagonists kept going through romantic interests and picking up new ones out of nowhere as if the ones before never even happened. But that's not enough to make me want to give the show any less than a 10.
One last thing, I think all great shows need to have a great intro and intro/main theme music, and this show definitely checks that box.
Of course, this show isn't scientifically or historically accurate all the time, but that's not something Indiana Jones or Tomb Raider are known for either, yet they're beloved series that are considered classic and have even inspired multiple people to pursue study and careers in actual archeology (even if it means slowly and methodically digging in dirt rather than raiding tombs and fighting off rival relic hunters). This show is fun entertainment in a kind of genre that hasn't been tapped into enough (archeological action-adventure). All that said, unlike Indiana Jones or Tomb Raider, this series actually does take the time at least once to show actual, realistic typical archeological work (multiple people having to patiently and carefully dig in sectioned-off areas), and they even make it a point to say "this is where the real archelogy happens" or something to that extent.
- oninagiinochi
- Oct 5, 2022
- Permalink
This is the type of show I really enjoy and in view of previous comments I have read I must say how much I have enjoyed Lindy Booth in the series - she is just so funny!. I am pleased that all of season 2 is now available on DVD and hope that season 1 will be released soon. Love it!
What you do when you can't pitch Tomb Raider for yourself. You take inspiration from it sprincle a little bit of Indiana Jones and bunch of other adventure titles mix it all up and further expand it with your twist onto it and into a bigger thing which this show is. So I am glad that this existed as it is and wish there was more.
Enjoyed it watching as a early teen and I think today's young generation should watch this too. Certainly there are mild mature themes in this but lets be honest no adult will ever watch even tho I know some who did and this just like for example other media was mostly consumed by kids even tho written off to 18+. Let's be honest whoever is a bit older we all grew up on Mad Max trilogy which was specifically adult content because it have lots of disturbing scenes. Especially the original cuts which I wish they come back now that we talk about it.
Just like the mentioned ones. It isn't historically accurate or in any means part documentary. It's fiction and simple fun. However there are some things that can be learned from too.
So if you want another adventure show don't be a stranger watch this.
Enjoyed it watching as a early teen and I think today's young generation should watch this too. Certainly there are mild mature themes in this but lets be honest no adult will ever watch even tho I know some who did and this just like for example other media was mostly consumed by kids even tho written off to 18+. Let's be honest whoever is a bit older we all grew up on Mad Max trilogy which was specifically adult content because it have lots of disturbing scenes. Especially the original cuts which I wish they come back now that we talk about it.
Just like the mentioned ones. It isn't historically accurate or in any means part documentary. It's fiction and simple fun. However there are some things that can be learned from too.
So if you want another adventure show don't be a stranger watch this.
Watching this show as it's now Widely available to watch for free online it has Great adventure and humour and pacing which is missed very much in modern television it has a nice production and Great cast the episodes are very easy to binge watch and find
great enjoyment out of it
Really fun characters of Sidney and Nigel as they work tremendously together The shows formula is very simple and basic but it's great adventure fun and there's plenty of fun Guest star's featured within the show And Tia Carrare is a fantastic actress which it was really nice to see her in the leading Role for a change.
Really fun characters of Sidney and Nigel as they work tremendously together The shows formula is very simple and basic but it's great adventure fun and there's plenty of fun Guest star's featured within the show And Tia Carrare is a fantastic actress which it was really nice to see her in the leading Role for a change.
- jack_thompson-49084
- Feb 28, 2024
- Permalink
Relic hunter is hilarious and tottally entertaining. The sexual frustration between sydney and nigel is hilarious and makes it very funny to watch. It may not be a multi million dollar program but it is definately worth seeing. I have spent over a hundred quid on relic hunter DVD's and i will buy more as they come out. top class entertainment!!!!!!!!!!!
- vixen_taylor2003
- Dec 16, 2003
- Permalink