Conan on Television

Until recently, Conan has been found on Television only in animated series. However, Conan the Barbarian was launched into syndication by Universal Studios.

Conan the Barbarian Television Series

Note: Please view this page as a Review of the television series. Before any readers make decisions about the show, please watch at least one episode and do NOT take my words as truth. Watch for yourself and make up your own mind.

The Conan television series finds Conan battleing an evil Wizard, Hissah Zul, to save his homeland from destruction. He and his companions travel the coutryside fighting injustice and righting that which is wrong.

The Show stars Ralf Moeller as the Cimmerian, and he his impressive in the role to say the least. I might almost be inclined to say he is a far better "Conan" than Arnold Schwartzenegger was in the Movie adaptation.

This television show, much like the "Conan the Destroyer" movie uses some artistic liscense when presenting Conan. Tailored to the audience they are looking to attract. Unfortunatly, Conan has been distorted from Robert E. Howard's creation in several areas. These  include Conan's intentions when traveling Hyborea, his choice of companions, and the impressions of the character in general.

Conan the Barbarian was a wanderer, an adventurer, a rogue, and a warrior. Robert E. Howard never intended Conan to be Superman's Hyborean equivalent. He often came to the aid of a helpless victem of thieves or rapists. Not because "It was the right thing to do", but rather it insulted his Cimmerian code of honor that 5 men would attack a young girl or a blind beggar. He often hired himself out as a thief in direct violation of the areas laws. Conan would steal the command of a mercenary group away from its leader when possible so he could lead instead. Conan was power and honor, perhaps even an Anti-Hero.

The choice of traveling companions given to Conan the TV Series is a matter of great discussion in Fan circles. Most agree that these are useless characters as far as the Conan Saga is concerned. The inclusion of these characters as main recurring roles goes against what is consisdered essential Conan. The characters in and of themselves would be fine for a few stories, but should not be full time companions of Conan. This might be viewed as a givaway to the intended audience, but it does not sit well with fans who wished to see true Conan stories brought to the TV Media.