For those of you expecting Edgar Rice Burroughs' classic version of Tarzan, a la Johnny Weissmuller in loincloth, swinging on vines and fighting random crocodiles, this isn't it. The WB network took a real risk with the jungle lord, and decided to update him for a modern audience. That idea could have backfired in so many ways, but instead, what the viewer gets is an entirely new Tarzan mythology, and surprise! it's good, too. Extremely good, in fact.
Tarzan has been transplanted from the jungle to New York City; instead of battling the jungle denizens, he now climbs skyscrapers and hangs from gargoyles while battling the evil machinations of his uncle, the head of Greystoke Industries. Jane is also not the typical heroine in distress; instead, she is a strong, capable NYC police detective, who finds herself increasingly drawn to the mysterious and dangerous Tarzan. Dangerous? Oh yes, I forgot to mention -- the Tarzan writers were brave enough to let the hero's dark side show through, making for a much more intriguing protagonist. This Tarzan is capable of sudden bouts of violence and anger one moment, while the next moment may see him comforting a small child or protecting Jane. While most of his violence has to do with protecting Jane, paradoxically, some of Tarzan's actions often result in putting Jane in danger. The jungle is never far away from this story, even if it is a jungle made of concrete.
Travis Fimmel, an Australian ex-Calvin Klein model is Tarzan, and Sarah Wayne Callies, another newcomer, plays Jane. Both actors are better than one would expect, lending the Tarzan and Jane romance plenty of heat and spark, without even a kiss, as yet. In fact, some of the most powerful scenes between the two of them, have no dialogue at all -- just a glance here, a blush there. But somehow, it works. Fimmel also impresses by doing most of his own stunts, something which no worthwhile show about Tarzan could be without. His Tarzan is strong, proud, fierce, has a child's innocence, and always battles for what he believes is right. That's quite a performance to manage, but Fimmel is able to get the job done.
Lucy Lawless, Mitch Pileggi and Miguel A. Nunez, Jr all lend their considerable skills in supporting roles. Lucy plays Tarzan's feisty and smart Aunt Kathleen, Pileggi gives a deliciously Machiavellian take on Uncle Richard, and Nunez (who often has the best lines in the series), plays Jane's NYPD partner, Sam Sullivan.
Although there are only 8 episodes of the series, the WB's Tarzan is a little undiscovered gem of a show. Each episode improves upon the last, and don't be surprised if you find yourself quoting some of Sam's lines from the show or humming one of the terrific songs from a particular episode's soundtrack. This Tarzan is worth watching, especially if you appreciate great dialogue, plenty of action, and two characters that fight to stay with each other, no matter the odds.
