The Magnificent Seven: The Complete Series (1998–2000)

The Magnificent Seven (1998–2000)

22 episodes, approx 60 mins each.

It doesn't take place before or after the films. It's its own thing in terms of both tone and continuity. And the characters are new, with the possible exception of Chris Larabee (Michael Biehn), who's clearly a small screen version of Chris Adams, the leader of the Seven as first portrayed by Yul Brynner in the films; although the TV version of Chris is rightfully his own man, too, not a carbon copy of movie Chris.

With it being an ongoing series it made sense to localise the group, to give them a single, identifiable town from which to operate, with the added benefit that it would provide a place that we as viewers can also form an attachment to. Although not always operating within the parameters of established law, the seven men nevertheless become the town's unofficial protectors. The unique traits and skills that each one has is put to good use for its betterment; e.g. one is a healer, one is an ex-preacher, etc.

Most of the time they get on well with each other, but because they have such different temperaments and goals in life there are occasional internal conflicts. It's a credit to the writers that the characters remain likeable even when they're doing something morally wrong - mostly that means Ezra Standish (Anthony Starke). In truth, not one of them earned permanent derision, perhaps because collectively they represent feelings or failings that most of us will have experienced or struggled with at some point in our life; they're pleasingly relatable.

A number of recurring secondary characters play an important role, quite often as a voice of conscience or a lure of the heart, deepening and/or complicating the determination to defend and preserve the town. Yes, that sometimes means there's romance plots or subplots, but, thankfully, it's not always as straightforward as that statement might imply.

Season Two introduces Robert Vaughn as a Judge; Vaughn was one of the actors in the first Magnificent Seven (1960) film, but he played a different character in it.

Ironically, every once in a while the only reason the townspeople get placed in danger is because the bad guy(s) go there in order to confront or kill one or all of the Seven! But that's just how life is, right? It's a very imperfect world and even good deeds have ill consequences.