Willow: Review

Fantasy series based on beloved movies are always a risk.

Either you brilliantly build on the world previously created and create something deep and wondrous, or you risk alienating your fandom with a series that feels padded out, and saddled with stories that weren't necessary.

It's a massive relief to say that Willow falls into the first category - a wonderful family fantasy series that catapults the hero of the 1988 movie into the next chapter of his life.

Warwick Davis once again plays Willow Ufgood, the Nelwyn dwarf sorcerer. This time, Willow is charged with leading a ragtag group of seemingly out of their depth heroes on a quest to rescue a kidnapped prince.

But on the journey, each of them faces their own inner demons...

With its comedic edges and its pure heart, Willow is a real treat of a series.

Taking its time to develop its characters and give them all reasonable arcs as well as time to shine, the show builds depth to an already beloved film with ease.

But it doesn't shy away from the fantasy edges either.

With enemies that are both sinister and terrifying enough for a younger audience, plus the spooky atmosphere throughout, this series proves to be the perfect mix of ingredients for anyone wanting a viewing escape.

Anchoring it all is Davis, whose mix of the comedy and the growth of his own character, proves to be the dramatic tonic the show needs. As Willow stumbles trying to find his footing once again, Davis seizes on every opportunity to maximum effect.

It's a combination of the right time, right place for Willow - the TV Series.

With enemies that are well realised, a quest that works episodically rather than just in a longer arc and a depth of backstories evolving for each character, as well as some surprises throughout, Willow is more than just a fantasy romp.

It's heartfelt, earnest and above all, highly enjoyable.

The world of the Nelwyn is ripe for the picking again - and while there are hints the first season will wrap it all up nicely with hints of callbacks from the film, the idea of spending a second season with Willow and his fellow characters is a highly and utterly appealing one.

Willow begins streaming on Disney+ from Wednesday November 30. Episodes 1-7 of the 8 episode series were screened for the purposes of this review