The final episode of Highlander: The Series, titled “Something Wicked,” concluded with Duncan MacLeod willingly sacrificing his immortality to defeat the ultimate evil, Ahriman, who had possessed Richie Ryan. However, in a surprising twist, Joe Dawson reappears and reveals that Duncan is not truly dead, his sacrifice having merely stripped Ahriman of his power and restored Richie.
A Bitter Victory: The Price of Defeating Ahriman
“Something Wicked” is not a triumphant celebration but rather a somber reflection on loss, sacrifice, and the burden of immortality. The episode opens with Richie Ryan, now completely consumed by Ahriman, spreading chaos and destruction. His actions are far more malicious and calculated than anything Richie himself would ever do, highlighting the corrupting influence of the ancient evil.
Duncan, burdened by the knowledge that he must kill his protégé, grapples with the impossible choice. He consults Methos, who reiterates the severity of the situation: Ahriman must be stopped, no matter the cost. The episode is rife with internal conflict, forcing Duncan to confront the darker aspects of his nature and the sacrifices he’s had to make throughout his immortal life. He understands that defeating Ahriman requires more than just brute force; it demands a profound act of selflessness.
The ultimate confrontation takes place in the Sanctuary, a sacred ground intended to protect immortals. Duncan, using his cunning and familiarity with Richie’s fighting style, manages to weaken Ahriman’s hold. He lures Ahriman into the Sanctuary’s protective barriers, knowing that crossing them would strip him of his immortal powers. However, this act of sacrifice also means Duncan himself will lose his immortality and become mortal, rendering him vulnerable.
He does so, willingly sacrificing his immortality to save the world from Ahriman. The energy from Ahriman is released, seemingly killing both Richie and Duncan. This moment is a gut-wrenching culmination of the entire series, forcing viewers to question the true meaning of victory. Is the world truly saved if it comes at such a devastating personal cost?
The Epilogue: Hope Amidst the Ruins
Despite the apparent finality of Duncan’s death, the episode offers a sliver of hope. Joe Dawson, who had supposedly died earlier in the series, mysteriously reappears. He reveals to Amanda that Duncan is not truly dead but merely mortal, having successfully purged Ahriman from Richie. Richie is also resurrected, freed from the evil’s influence.
This ambiguous ending leaves the door open for interpretation. While Duncan is no longer immortal, he is alive and free from the burden of his past. Richie, having faced the ultimate evil and survived, has a renewed appreciation for life. The series concludes not with a definitive resolution, but with the promise of a new beginning, albeit one tinged with the bittersweet knowledge of what was lost.
FAQs: Unpacking the Legacy of “Something Wicked”
What exactly is Ahriman and why is he so dangerous?
Ahriman is an ancient evil entity, a primordial force of chaos and destruction. Unlike other immortals who seek power or control, Ahriman’s sole purpose is to corrupt and destroy. He embodies pure evil, feeding on negativity and using his hosts to spread suffering. He is dangerous because his influence can corrupt even the purest of souls, as seen with Richie Ryan. He represents a fundamental threat to the balance of good and evil.
How did Ahriman possess Richie Ryan?
Ahriman possessed Richie after Richie accidentally released him from his ancient prison during a quest for artifacts with Methos. The specifics of the prison are deliberately vague, adding to Ahriman’s mystique. Richie’s vulnerability at that moment, coupled with Ahriman’s immense power, allowed the entity to latch onto him and slowly consume his identity.
Why did Duncan have to be the one to defeat Ahriman? Couldn’t another immortal have done it?
Duncan’s connection to Richie made him the only one who could truly reach him, even when possessed by Ahriman. His familiarity with Richie’s fighting style and his deep emotional connection provided him with a unique advantage. More importantly, his willingness to sacrifice himself for the greater good made him the only one capable of taking the drastic action required to defeat Ahriman. No other immortal possessed both the skills and the selfless motivation.
What was the significance of the Sanctuary in the final battle?
The Sanctuary was a sacred ground designed to offer protection to immortals, rendering them mortal within its confines. Duncan strategically used this vulnerability to his advantage. By luring Ahriman into the Sanctuary, he knew the entity would be stripped of its power, albeit at the cost of his own immortality. The Sanctuary symbolized the ultimate sacrifice and the willingness to relinquish power for the sake of others.
How is it possible that Joe Dawson reappeared after seemingly dying earlier in the series?
The reappearance of Joe Dawson is one of the most debated aspects of the finale. The explanation offered is vague, suggesting that his death was somehow orchestrated or faked to serve a greater purpose. Some theories suggest Joe may have used his Watcher resources to manipulate events or that he had a contingency plan in place in case of his “death.” The ambiguity surrounding his return adds to the mystical and unresolved nature of the ending.
If Duncan is now mortal, what does that mean for his future?
Becoming mortal means that Duncan is now subject to the same limitations as ordinary humans: aging, illness, and death. He would no longer be able to wield the Quickening or possess superhuman strength or endurance. While this significantly alters his capabilities, it also offers him a chance to experience life from a new perspective, free from the burden of immortality. He can now build a life with Amanda, potentially finding the peace he had long sought.
Did Richie Ryan retain any memory of being possessed by Ahriman?
The episode doesn’t explicitly state whether Richie remembers his time possessed by Ahriman. However, it’s implied that he retains some recollection of the events, as he expresses remorse and regret for his actions. The trauma of being controlled by such an evil entity would undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on his psyche, shaping his future choices and actions.
What happened to Amanda after the series ended?
While the series finale doesn’t show Amanda’s direct future, the implication is that she stays with Duncan, helping him adjust to his newfound mortality. Their relationship was one of the most enduring aspects of the series, and it’s likely they would build a life together, navigating the challenges of Duncan’s mortality and Amanda’s continued immortality. Spin-offs and comic books have explored her adventures following the main show.
Why did the writers choose such a bittersweet ending for the series?
The bittersweet ending reflects the themes explored throughout Highlander: The Series: sacrifice, loss, and the burden of immortality. A completely happy ending would have felt disingenuous given the dark and often tragic nature of the show. The ambiguous conclusion allows viewers to contemplate the true meaning of victory and the lasting impact of Duncan’s choices. It also allows for future stories to be told, keeping the Highlander universe alive.
Were there any alternative endings considered for the final episode?
Yes, there were several alternative endings considered. Some involved Duncan remaining immortal, others involved Richie’s permanent death. The chosen ending was ultimately deemed the most fitting, as it provided a sense of closure while still leaving room for interpretation and future possibilities. The creators wanted an ending that was both impactful and reflective of the show’s complex themes.
How does “Something Wicked” connect to the Highlander movie continuity?
The series and the original movie occupy separate continuities. The series retconned several elements established in the film, and “Something Wicked” remains within that series-specific canon. While both share the same core concepts, they are considered distinct universes. The canonicity of each sequel to the first Highlander movie is heavily debated.
What is the overall legacy and impact of Highlander: The Series, particularly its final episode?
Highlander: The Series built a dedicated fanbase due to its compelling characters, engaging storylines, and exploration of profound themes. “Something Wicked,” despite its controversial ending, remains a highly debated and analyzed episode. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made for the greater good and the enduring power of hope, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. The series expanded the Highlander universe and cemented its place in popular culture, leaving a lasting impact on the fantasy genre.