1X12 THE SERPENT

Aired Weeks of: 1/15/01

An infamous bandit, El Serpiente, targets Santa Helena, inadvertently pitting the Queen of Swords and Doctor Helm against each other. The Serpent, injured by the Queen, has the doctor kidnaped. Helm feels bound by his professional oath to save his life, while the Queen cannot understand helping a killer. Can they save Santa Helena from El Serpiente - and themselves from one another?

WRITER: Steve Roberts
DIRECTOR: Jorge Montesi

GUEST STARRING:

DAVID CARRADINE as The Serpent
PEDRO BEA as Leandro
JORGE BOSSO as Don Santos
DOMINGO BELTRÁN as Arnaldo

"The Serpent" is by far another fine new episode for QoS. The writer introduced interesting developments between the Queen and Dr. Helm, along with the threat of an evil enemy, El Serpienté. I thoroughly enjoyed the concept of this storyline involving the dilemmas of killing vs. saving lives and the continued flourishing attraction between the Queen and the good Doctor. The episode also gave us breathtaking scenarios and landscapes for viewing. Those hills, valley's and canyon lending an excellent location for the backdrop of this story.

GUEST STAR:

Seasoned veteran actor David Carradine looks more mature with the passing of time with his Kung Fu days buried so long ago. But even though he is an actor not rarely seen on TV, his role and character of the ruthless bandit known as The Serpent suited him well. He brought The Serpent to life and was a great enemy to both the Queen and Dr. Helm. It was amusing to hear him speak Spanish in the first dialog of his scene, "No es sufficiente". His pronunciation was very good. Tacho González graced us with his presence in this episode. Although he is not a character we see often in the episodes and since he is a part of the cast, it is always a delight to see this man make an appearance as one of "The Dons".

THE STUNTS:

The first encounter with the Serpent and Queen during the prelude of the episode gave us a wonderful opportunity with the return appearance of the bullwhip, an alternative weapon used by the Queen not often seen in the series, but always welcomed. I usually watch a scene over again to observe how the action takes place and I strongly believe that it is Tessie who is handling the bullwhip herself. I especially like the way the bullwhip is coiled around her body like a snake embracing its prey.

The first sword duel between Serpent and the Queen was interesting to watch. Again, observation leads me to believe that the stunt woman who doubled for Tessie this time was Gaelle and not Natalia. To me her body composure appears somewhat different then skinny Natalia. Although the fight showed both close-ups and faraway shots, it was possible to distinguish that this scene did not involve the work of Natalia. As noted in many of the previous episodes and also from the comments made by former stunt master/coordinator Anthony DeLongis in his "Behind the Scenes" memoirs, Natalia can pass off as a Tessie lookalikes very easily. It has been commented before that when filming any of the stunt scenes the camera can come so close and the viewer wouldn't know the difference between the lead actress or her stunt double. Once again, the clue of the boots helped me to figure it out. The leap from the horse was performed by either Natalia or Mary Jose.

Another fascinating choice of weapon introduced in this episode was the use of the bolo (ropes with balls on the ends, formerly used by the Argentinean cowboy to lasso or as a weapon). I was delighted to see that the stunt department used another new interesting weapon. It was a welcomed gadget and a wonderful addition to the Queen's arsenal. I also enjoyed and thought was entertaining to see the Queen riding her horse at full gallop and swinging her sword above her head attacking her oncoming opponent. The footage for this scene was splendid and it gave the viewer another opportunity to see our heroine in action doing what she does best. The bolo makes another appearance in the scene involving the situation of Dr. Helm almost being killed by The Serpent. The Queen uses this weapon to unhand the machete, which was about to cut off the Doctors head.

The valley scene involving Dr. Helm being lead back to the pueblo by Leandro was a very intense scene to the story. While Dr. Helm is blindfolded and hand tied on his horse, the Queen comes to his rescue. The Queen, galloping on her horse, charges towards her enemy Leandro, leaps off the horse and knocks down her opponent to the ground to begin their fight. During this scene, the Queen and her attacker roll around and struggle for the gun when suddenly a shot is fired. Leandro and the Queen both stare at each other and then the man slumps over dead on the ground. What an interesting turn of events. The Queen, in her effort to save the Doctor, is forced to kill by accident the right hand man of the Serpent which leads to retribution against the pueblo. The storyline causes for the Queen to kill once again in order to defend her life.

SOME OBSERVATIONS:

I have noticed that the Queen is not being presented as a super hero. The writers and directors seem to ensure that even though her opponents can be stronger than her, she can hold her own (i.e., while parrying arm and arm with her adversary, she is knocked down on the ground, temporarily left in capable of defending herself, indicating that the Queen is not a super human with power and strength to always dominate and control her enemies). Instead we see the Queen show she's an intelligent woman with her own capabilities and during her ordeals uses her brains to ascertain the situation and make quick decisions.

There is a scene in the episode, which also leads me to believe both Tessie and Peter may have performed this stunt themselves. After watching it two different times, the scene happens where the Queen and Dr. Helm are riding away while being chased by the Serpent's men and arrive at the foot of the mountain and dismount the horse to continue on foot. I noticed an interesting view. The camera never left the scene to break away for any close-ups. The action footage was shot using a distant view and when you see the two riders on horseback approaching the camera, the two people who dismount the horse were Tessie and Peter (Tessie, because of her boots and Peter you could see him clearly). If this was actually done by them, then it is great to see that action sequences or simple stunts can be performed by the actors themselves. I hope that this is true.

THE STORYLINE:

I was impressed with the storyline of this episode. Writer Steve Roberts did an excellent job in developing the characters of both the Queen and Dr. Helm. Director Jorge Montesi, a new name and first Latin director mentioned, did a magnificent task of ensuring all the acting and stunts blended well with the storyline. I believe the director and producer Tony Thatcher made an outstanding choice in casting David Carradine as the villain in the episode. He played the role of the Serpent so well. The writer made the Serpent a character to be feared. The villain gets to demonstrate power and evil. It is one of the first episodes in which the role of the guest star is not viewed as a weak adversary, but as a strong one.

I found it amusing how the writers particularize the plots and continue to harass Colonel Montoya. It seems that in the two new episodes, Colonel Montoya is placed under scrutiny for his incompetence or incapability's of performing his job as the authority of Santa Helena. Colonel Montoya is once again pressured by "The Dons" to protect them and reminded that they pay his salary. It is fun to see how Colonel Montoya manages to always ensure his abilities as the military commander in charge are never jeopardized. He knows how to manage and prove he can not be deposed from his authority or command.

The dialog between Tessa and Colonel Montoya had me laughing. I enjoyed seeing Marta just standing there watching and hearing the conversation. It looked like she was relishing the quarrel of words. The expression on both Tessa's and Marta's faces indicated that they loved playing with Colonel Montoya. Too bad Colonel Montoya did not know the real reason behind those smiles.

This episode shows the Doctor's true concern and commitment for being a healer. When he was forced to tend to the wounds of the Serpent he did so under duress, but at the same time it was his vocation. He knew that the Serpent was a bandit and murderer, but he went against his logical judgement and his own principles to heal the wound as a doctor should. Even though he took a oath to save lives, he still remembers his days as a soldier. Dr. Helm proved he also has a cute sense of humor that can somehow get him into trouble.

The writer sure knew how to reveal secrets in this storyline. Dr. Helm admits to the Queen his reasons for not wanting to kill. He questions hers and wants to know how many she's killed and if she remembered their faces. He lets her know that after killing so many men, their faces become a blur, he is unable to differentiate between good or evil and what is left is only blood and death. The Queen realizes he must be referring to a war and comprehends. The storyline gives an impression of what was Dr. Helm's past and his reasons for not killing anymore.

The storyline also presents Dr. Helm's first indications of his feelings for the Queen. The love/hate relationship the Queen and Dr. Helm showed in the previous episodes is beginning to take a whole new direction. Even though Dr. Helm is not fond of Tessa, he is surely developing more of an attraction for the Queen and the writer has introduced this evolution well. For saving her life, the Queen gets to express her gratitude by giving Dr. Helm a kiss, which he accepts. He is stunned by her reaction and his too. This is clearly an indication that the writers could pursue the concept of their attraction for one another and allow it to flourish in future episodes. It will be a welcomed challenge to see how this relationship will grow.

The writer introduced engaging points throughout the episode:

1. The Serpent's intuition about Dr. Helm's past.
2. Dr. Helm defending himself and remembering his skills as a former soldier.
3. How Dr. Helm continues to be tormented by his conscience of his past kills.
4. The dedication to save lives and his oath as a Doctor.
5. Dr. Helm's predicament of his feelings for the Queen, and not approving of her ways for justice.

The storyline involved several scenes in which the Queen saved Dr. Helm or Dr. Helm saved the Queen. Both of their lives were placed at risk during the entire episode, a chain of events revolving around their common enemy the Serpent:

1. Dr. Helm accuses the Queen of killing another man. She tells him he appeared to be in danger and was saving him.
2. The Queen arrives just in time to save Dr. Helm from being beheaded by the Serpent and rescues him from death.
3. Dr. Helm saves the Queen's life when he shoots a snake with their only weapon while being pursued by the Serpent.
4. The Queen appears to save an unconscious Dr. Helm when the Serpent is about to kill him.
5. Dr. Helm saves the Queen's life when he picks up her dagger and throws it at the Serpent, thus killing him.

CRUCIAL OR BEST LINES IN THE STORY:

DON GASPAR HIDALGO: "Colonel, must we turn to the Queen of Swords to save us…..it seems that even a mere woman is capable of doing what you are not".

COLONEL MONTOYA: "Not quite as clever as she thinks….do not fear Maria Teresa, soon the Queen and the Serpent will be dead and then this little pueblo of ours will…..once again be a paradise."
TESSA: "But remember Colonel, even the garden of Eden had its serpent…..apple".

DR. HELM: "Another one"
QUEEN: "It was an accident Doctor…looked like you needed the help"
DR. HELM: "I did not need help…this man was guiding me home"
QUEEN: "Blindfolded and with your hands tied"
DR. HELM: "Matter of fact…yes"
QUEEN: "He's one of the Serpents men isn't he?…..is his boss still alive?"
DR. HELM: It's a confidential matter between Doctor and patient"
QUEEN: "He isn't just any patient Doctor"
DR. HELM: "To me he is"
QUEEN: "He's a killer"
DR. HELM: "I guess you two have something in common"

QUEEN: "Take me to him"
DR. HELM: "I beg your pardon"
QUEEN: "You heard me"
DR. HELM: "I'm busy"
QUEEN: "Be that…busy cleaning up the Serpents mess…if you hadn't saved his life none of this would have happened"
DR. HELM: "I tended to an injured patient"
QUEEN: "Whose a murderer!"
DR. HELM: "I don't judge, I heal"
QUEEN: "Let the law judge him….where is he?"
DR. HELM: "I can't"
QUEEN: "Oh for Gods sake…why?"
DR. HELM: "Because I swore an oath to protect the sick"
QUEEN: "Your oath is more important than these people lives?"
DR. HELM: "Its not as simple as that….this is a matter of honor"
QUEEN: Don't fool yourself Doctor…there's no honor in protecting a murderer….only vanity"

TESSA: "You know…I envy you"
DR. HELM: "Your not serious"
TESSA: "No I really do…You have a sacred duty to save lives…so much honor in that…you must be very proud"
DR. HELM: "Perhaps I'm just vain"
TESSA: "Doctor I wouldn't dare call you that"
DR. HELM: "You wouldn't"
TESSA: "Anyone who would say such a thing is callous and ignorant"
DR. HELM: "No she's not"
TESSA: "A woman?"
DR. HELM: "Supposedly the most remarkable woman I've ever met"

In the end, Colonel Montoya is viewed as a hero for killing the Serpent (Dr. Helm bargains for his life with Colonel Montoya and gives him the credit he needs to pacify "The Dons"). Dr. Helm is left with his guilty conscience of killing a man instead of saving a life. The remorse of dealing with the demons of his past are evident in his display of suffering by drinking to forget. Tessa is left with mixed feelings knowing that Dr. Helm is attracted to the Queen, but not to Tessa Alvarado. I missed not seeing Captain Grisham or Vera in this episode. Maybe they were having their own rendezvous somewhere else. I must credit the writer, director and producer of "The Serpent for an exceptional episode. The storyline was interesting, exciting, entertaining and very dramatic. Thanks for a refreshing episode. Looking forward to the next thrilling adventure.

~Margie~