The Quest

Competitive Reality TV... A genre of television that was generally spoken of with distaste by many, including me. The Quest changed that. The show proved that reality TV can be entertaining without embarrassing or exposing its contestants, that reality does not necessarily mean showing the lowest places in people's life, illuminating every dark corner of and grabbing at every chance of drama. The Quest gives you 12 people that are firmly rooted in life, but at the same time well-traveled in the realms of fantasy, who get the chance every fantasy fan dreams of. They get transported to a fantasy world where they get to fight against impending darkness, sometimes through teamwork, sometimes through competition. The competitive aspect is a strong one in this show, yet there is no exaggerated drama or open hostility between the contestants like that which usually wears out my nerves speedily in other competitive shows. Some might assume that this lack of clashing personalities and drama would make the show boring to watch, that it would be a teletubbyesk love peace and harmony compilation. Way off the mark! Since the competition for becoming the one true hero is embedded into the background story of a dark invasion that threatens to take over the last free kingdom of twelve, there is plenty of conflict, mystery, treachery and danger. The professional actors that carry this background story do an extraordinary job. Crio, the Dreamer, played by Jan Hutter who made a character his own that was planned to be played by a much older, stouter actor and who delivers marvelously as the paladins' first and truest friend in Everealm and the Queen's loyal steward. The Queen herself, played by Susanne Gschwendtner as regal and aloof as a Queen can be, got to little screen time for my taste, but what we see of her is great. Especially her warming towards the paladins is beautiful to witness. The same holds true for the head of her army, Sir Ansgar, played by Peter Windhofer. He is the one who gives the paladins their battle training, criticizing and pushing them mercilessly. Yet when he cracks a smile once in a while, he raises the heart rates of both female contestants and viewers alike. His counterpart is the Grand Vizier, magician and consultant to the Queen and rather hostile towards the paladins, played wonderfully dislikable by Marcella De Nardo. Around these four a colorful group of monsters, magic beings of hostile or benign nature and numerous medievalish extras ensures that paladins and viewers alike can totally immerse in the "land of beauty and great magical power". My friends and I have been on the edge of our seats for the newest episode every Thursday night, eager for another exciting forty minutes of dreams and magic, treachery and loyalty, friendship and fate. I guess this sums up why I give ten stars to this show. There may be tiniest inconsistencies in the plot line, but the endearing, sweeping character of the whole show covers them with ease. I DO hope there will be a 2nd season!

I don't watch many reality shows, but I have really enjoyed this one, largely because of the immersion of the contestants into the fantasy realm. For many of the contestants, this show is like a dream come true: getting to live in a castle, practice the medieval arts, and fight to save a kingdom.

The set design is absolutely fantastic, and there are so many wonderful pieces of costume and little details sprinkled throughout the show that really help pull in the characters and the audience.

Unfortunately, I think the acting of the most of the non-contestants is often a bit stilted, especially toward the beginning of the season. I'm about half way through, and it seems to be getting a little better.

Furthermore, the story is quite generic and unoriginal so far, but I don't think this is a bad thing so much as simply drawing from all the familiar clichés of fantasy in order to be true to the genre.

That said, the reality show aspect is written in quite well with the story, and I love how the rules are explained without breaking character at all. And I do have to say, they did an excellent job with the Fates!

Overall, a wonderful show that I hope will only get better if it continues on for more seasons!

This is by far my favorite show on TV. I kinda think the few people that dislike it come on here and rate it, whereas the vast majority that love it aren't taking the time to rate it because the rating should be much higher than it is. ;)

The whole concept is fascinating and intriguing. I had no idea what it was when I first saw it on Hulu Plus. I thought I'd give it a try, and I loved it right away. When I watched episode #2, and seeing how they develop the story along with the competition, it only deepened my love of the show, as I didn't realize when I first started watching it that there would be such an awesome story to go along with it.

It's like a first person player video game that the contestants are in. The story goes along, and they get to put their skills to the test.

My husband is a busy guy and doesn't watch much TV, but he watches this show. It captured his interest quickly as well.

I love the contestants. I hate when someone gets banished. I wish there was a way for the show to let the players that get banished to continue on in the show...just in a different position or something.

Anyway, to the group of people that came up with this show, and all the actors/actresses and contestants - thanks for making such a wonderful show!! I really hope it continues on for many seasons.

I stumbled across this show somewhat on accident and I'm really glad I did. This is the best reality show and probably one of the best shows in general that I have ever seen.

The fact that it is not your typical reality show is what first piqued my interest. The show is set in a fantasy realm complete with characters and creatures that would be perfectly at home in any fantasy tale. However, twelve people are summoned from the real world to this fantasy realm to aid its citizens in defeating evil.

Another reason I really like the show is that it emphasizes positivity and the good in people. Yes, the contestants or "Paladins" as they are called are whittled down one by one as is the case in most reality shows but these "banishments" do not include much of the backstabbing and politics that seem to be inherent to so many reality shows. The Paladins seem to truly care about each other and just want to do what they believe is for the good of the Quest not worrying about their personal feelings towards each other.

I could not have been happier with this show. I can't wait for season 2+. This is the kind of show that I have been waiting for since I was a kid, and never thought it would exist. If you haven't seen it, you're behind the times and need to catch up. This is the most original idea that I have seen on TV...ever. The world has finally become more interested in the fantasy world that has captivated so many of us since childhood. This show is exciting, dramatic, fun, challenging, awesome, bad@$$, hardcore, Epic and amazing all at once. The characters interact with the contestants perfectly, and the contestants are obviously completely dedicated and immersed in the world that has been created for them. As a viewer I wanted to jump into my TV and join along in their quest, be challenged by the fates, and fight for Sanctum and the security of Everealm.