This show isn't trying to be great. It's not trying to be serious . It's just fun and silly. It also isn't a Warehouse 13 ripoff. It's spunoff from a series of movies called The Librarian from 2004, 5 years before Warehouse 13. Watch the movies first and you'll enjoy it more. Everyone rating this show 1 star just didn't get it. Also, who rates a show 1 star anyway? Be real, very few things are really that bad.
144 Reviews
Classic story-driven TV
sdemane345 January 2015
I was intrigued by the promos for this series, but after watching the pilot I was afraid it was a dud. But after a shaky start it quickly gained its footing. The action is cheesy, the characters have yet to dig beneath their surfaces, but in the meantime, this show provides some wonderfully quirky storytelling. To me it's reminiscent of the very early seasons of Buffy or Stargate SG-1. The production value isn't great, but not in a bad way -- it adds to the charm.
On the whole, this show uses a lot of time-worn tropes but always manages to add a fresh twist. I'm afraid it won't last in this world of too-shiny programming, but I sincerely hope that The Librarians continues for many years yet. Possibly my favorite new show of 2014.
On the whole, this show uses a lot of time-worn tropes but always manages to add a fresh twist. I'm afraid it won't last in this world of too-shiny programming, but I sincerely hope that The Librarians continues for many years yet. Possibly my favorite new show of 2014.
Fresh and good like springtime.
ralu_mustata30 June 2018
Love the show, simple as that. fun and new and hope to save the show from the rigid men and their quest for profit and scandal. it was a slow start with some strange and not pleasant performances but it came to be and now it is here and must stay for another season. please suport the show .
AWESOME SHOW PLEASE DON'T CANCEL IT!!!!!!
derektaylor01217 April 2018
I read that TNT has made the stupid decision to cancel The Librarians after this season and that the creator of the show is shopping the show around to other networks. That is the dumbest idea TNT has had in the history of the channel it seems they only want to air procedural cop dramas and shows about the drug industry or gangs these days. We have more than enough procedural cop dramas already and The Librarians is a unique franchise that I have watched since the very 1st movie The Spear of Destiny. With a show like this it could go 10 seasons with a strong following because everyone I know loves the show. My nephew and I watch it every week and play the repeats on Hulu every weekend and he is just 15 so millennials obviously love the show too. And their are so many stories that are left to tell literally hundreds of storylines can be told that haven't been touched on yet with all the ancient stories of magic and gods/goddesses and magical creatures that have never been mentioned in the show yet. So why is TNT pulling the plug on the show? It is about the only show I watch on that network anymore. Like when SYFY pulled Warehouse 13 I stopped watching it until Krypton just started playing. Maybe if TNT doesn't come to their senses and renew the show you can try Netflix, Hulu or Amazon if nothing else try WGN to continue the show, so don't stop writing and filming because I bet their is a network that will be smart enough to know a good investment when they see it and we will be there to watch it. Good Luck finding a new home for the show I desperately hope you do or hope TNT realizes what it is that they are losing and green lights it again.
fine silly fun
SnoopyStyle13 March 2018
NATO counter-terrorism Colonel Eve Baird (Rebecca Romijn) is hunting WMDs in Germany when Librarian Flynn Carsen (Noah Wyle) suddenly shows up. It's a world of magic which exists along ley lines across the globe. Magic has been fading away as it gets contained by artifacts. Librarians have been collecting those artifacts and knowledge to keep the world from falling into chaos. The Library sends Baird an invitation to be the new Guardian. They save new librarian candidates from attackers bend on stealing artifacts. The three new librarians are oil rigger Jake Stone (Christian Kane), thief Ezekiel Jones (John Harlan Kim), and janitor Cassandra Cillian (Lindy Booth) who has a brain tumor which gives her visions of knowledge. When the main library is lost in an alternate dimension, Jenkins (John Larroquette) brings them to a satellite branch.
This is perfectly fine silly TV fun. It's enjoyable without being too substantive. I've never seen the preceding movies so I have no connection with Noah Wyle's character. That's probably why I don't see the purpose of Wyle's back and forth. He comes in, he leaves, he comes in, he leaves. I'd rather have him do the pilot and leave the show to the newcomers. The group has fine chemistry but he keeps them in training wheels. This show reminds me of Warehouse 13 and it should be fun for any fans of shows like that.
This is perfectly fine silly TV fun. It's enjoyable without being too substantive. I've never seen the preceding movies so I have no connection with Noah Wyle's character. That's probably why I don't see the purpose of Wyle's back and forth. He comes in, he leaves, he comes in, he leaves. I'd rather have him do the pilot and leave the show to the newcomers. The group has fine chemistry but he keeps them in training wheels. This show reminds me of Warehouse 13 and it should be fun for any fans of shows like that.
If supernatural and warehouse 13 had a baby
p-m-p-o137 June 2018
While the premise of the show isn't completely original they do a GREAT job of masking this. I started watching this show after it was cancelled which is a d*mn shame. I had never heard of it until I stumbled upon it on Hulu. Shame on TNT for canceling such a great show after they clearly didn't advertise it very well. If you like Supernatural, Warehouse 13, Charmed, shows like that check The Librarians out
Librarian is a great show
novachevy224 January 2015
I really enjoy the non fiction light hearted detective shows. This is a great example. While the first 2 shows were a bit rocky I have really enjoyed the season but it was so short! I actually had not heard of the librarian movie prior to reading the post. I have a lot of professional friends in their 40's who also enjoy this show. Maybe it's because there is a bit of creativity and problem solving but after a hard day at the office it's an easy and fun way to unwind. I hope it returns for many more seasons that will be an actual season.
Also wish it wasn't the last season of Falling skies. That is another favorite!!
Also wish it wasn't the last season of Falling skies. That is another favorite!!
Popcorn TV aimed at teens
maligor524 December 2014
I wasn't sure what to expect firing up the Librarians. It's got some elements of Dr. Who (sci fi), Indiana Jones(adventure), and Harry Potter in it (magic). Sound ambitious? Well not really. The show is extremely light hearted to a point it hurts the shows potential.
I guess the best thing you can say about The Librarians is it knows what it wants to be. A family show aimed at younger teens but with witty enough writing adults will get a few kicks out of it as well. There are some educational tidbits thrown in regarding science and mythology. Also not one sexually charged joke or innuendo yet regarding its attractive female cast. Gotta give it points for that.
No show starts out great. The Librarians has laid a foundation to be pretty good if it can explain its story lines a little clearer, and show more human side to these characters than just the adventure side. Right now I'll give it a generous 7/10 rating.
I guess the best thing you can say about The Librarians is it knows what it wants to be. A family show aimed at younger teens but with witty enough writing adults will get a few kicks out of it as well. There are some educational tidbits thrown in regarding science and mythology. Also not one sexually charged joke or innuendo yet regarding its attractive female cast. Gotta give it points for that.
No show starts out great. The Librarians has laid a foundation to be pretty good if it can explain its story lines a little clearer, and show more human side to these characters than just the adventure side. Right now I'll give it a generous 7/10 rating.
If you liked the movies you'll love the show!
Instigator2419 December 2014
After reading the bad reviews here, I had to chime in. Most of these reviewers have obviously never watched the movies, because the first movie predates all the shows they say the library is ripping off (except Indiana Jones of course).
That being said, if you liked the movies as I did, you'll like the show. The same quirky humor and history lessons are in the show. Noah was in the first 2 episodes before leaving the new Librarians to hold down the fort while he himself takes care of some other business. As for the new characters, If you liked Leverage, you'll like Christian Kane in the Librarians. He brings the same great sense of humor. The other librarians will grow on you by the second or third episode.
Dan from Night Court, does a decent job filling in for Newhart and Rebecca is great!
That being said, if you liked the movies as I did, you'll like the show. The same quirky humor and history lessons are in the show. Noah was in the first 2 episodes before leaving the new Librarians to hold down the fort while he himself takes care of some other business. As for the new characters, If you liked Leverage, you'll like Christian Kane in the Librarians. He brings the same great sense of humor. The other librarians will grow on you by the second or third episode.
Dan from Night Court, does a decent job filling in for Newhart and Rebecca is great!
Action adventure comedy series with a new group to carry out wonderful and fantastic assignments around the world
ma-cortes4 December 2017
This is a spin-off centering around a supernatural theme from the original "The Librarian" , as Library has chosen a new bunch who must encounter ancient scepters , chalices , holy cups , facing off fairy tale's personages and other marvelous adventures , they are the followings : Jake Stone (Christian Kane) , Cassandra Cillian (Lindy Booth) , Ezekiel Jones (John Harlan Kim) and led by former agent Eve Baird (Rebecca Romijn) , being advised by the veteran Jenkins (John Larroquette) , this role , is in fact "Galahad" , one of the Knights of the Round Table . In Library they meet our intimate friend Flynn Carsen (Noah Wyle) who delivers them instructions about their new jobs , especially holding artifacts by magic and technology from around the world & throughout time . The intrepid adventurers/librarians/explorers , though quite botchers at times , get his aims after several risks , dangers , alternate universes and uncountable adventures . They have to help safeguard fantastic cursed artifacts throughout time and around the world . They are joined into the Metropolitan Library of New York where there is the ark of Noe , the fountain of youth , Excalibur or Arturo's blade and other fantastic relics . As a bunch of librarians formed by an art historian , thief , mathematician and a warrior set off on exploits in an effort to save mysterious , ancient objects , old scrolls and other enigmas . Meanwhile , they having problems , they just don't time for their lives and relationships . The incredible adventures led them to wonderful worlds , and dealing with Santa Claus (Bruce Campbell) , Pope , Dragons in the Roman Vatican and taking on nasty enemies as Dulaque (Matt Frewer) and his hoodlum as Lamia (Lesley-Ann Brandt) .
This is the TV sequel to ¨Librarian trilogy ¨ with the likable Noah Wyle , this series dealt with the sympathetic adventures of the mild-mannered as well as botcher Flynn Carsen who starred three popular episodes titled ¨The Librarian¨ franchise 1ª: Quest of the spear -2004- directed by Peter Winther and 2ª: Return to King Salomon's mines -2006- by Jonathan Frakes and third ¨The Curse of the Judas chalice¨ -2008- again by Jonathan Frakes . Here new Librarians strike again with new adventures set on exotic places , including mystery , action , fairy tales and time travel . This new team - similarly to Warehouse 13- is sent through the doorway to help bring back the others whom are protected by the Library from the evil recently released and they are assigned to execute various missions around the world and recover priceless objects guarded . Each chapter has its own genre mixed in , it is formed by 31 episodes . Along with the main stars in the series , as guest stars show up , at times , : the always great Noah Wyle , a deadpan Bob Newhart , and Jane Curtin as Charlene , all of them appeared in the classic trilogy . Furthermore , other attractive guest stars appearing in the series , such as Tricia Helfer , Rene Auberjonois , Alicia Witt , John Noble , Sean Astin , Tyler Mane , Michael Trucco , Rene Auberjonois , Clara Lago and many others . The series was well produced for TV by Dean Devlin (¨Stargate¨ , ¨Godzilla¨ , ¨Independence day¨) . Johnathan Frakes, who has directed three episodes and two of the three movies surrounding this series, also directed 13 episodes of the television and Marc Roskin made 9 episodes , Dean Devlin directed 4 episodes , and Noah Wyle realized 4 episodes . Rating : Acceptable and passable, this exciting adventure has all the imagination , magic and silliness this kind of amusing demands .
This is the TV sequel to ¨Librarian trilogy ¨ with the likable Noah Wyle , this series dealt with the sympathetic adventures of the mild-mannered as well as botcher Flynn Carsen who starred three popular episodes titled ¨The Librarian¨ franchise 1ª: Quest of the spear -2004- directed by Peter Winther and 2ª: Return to King Salomon's mines -2006- by Jonathan Frakes and third ¨The Curse of the Judas chalice¨ -2008- again by Jonathan Frakes . Here new Librarians strike again with new adventures set on exotic places , including mystery , action , fairy tales and time travel . This new team - similarly to Warehouse 13- is sent through the doorway to help bring back the others whom are protected by the Library from the evil recently released and they are assigned to execute various missions around the world and recover priceless objects guarded . Each chapter has its own genre mixed in , it is formed by 31 episodes . Along with the main stars in the series , as guest stars show up , at times , : the always great Noah Wyle , a deadpan Bob Newhart , and Jane Curtin as Charlene , all of them appeared in the classic trilogy . Furthermore , other attractive guest stars appearing in the series , such as Tricia Helfer , Rene Auberjonois , Alicia Witt , John Noble , Sean Astin , Tyler Mane , Michael Trucco , Rene Auberjonois , Clara Lago and many others . The series was well produced for TV by Dean Devlin (¨Stargate¨ , ¨Godzilla¨ , ¨Independence day¨) . Johnathan Frakes, who has directed three episodes and two of the three movies surrounding this series, also directed 13 episodes of the television and Marc Roskin made 9 episodes , Dean Devlin directed 4 episodes , and Noah Wyle realized 4 episodes . Rating : Acceptable and passable, this exciting adventure has all the imagination , magic and silliness this kind of amusing demands .
Lets just be honest.
luis-ea-bastos14 December 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Well after reading the plot and seeing a few ads i thought, "This could be entertaining. Artifacts, mythology,some magic and a group of "protectors"." But sadly, after watching the first 10 mnts, expectations dropped quite fast. Just so much unnecessary BS. I mean, 20 mnts in, we got terrorists setting a nuclear bomb, an artifact really well hidden under some SS blankets(sarcasm), ninjas and cowboys, a really weak attempt at a "good will hunting" janitor/genius character, some dude playing the next-gen "that dude in a tube from power rangers", and some Asian kid robbing a museum with a smart phone. At this point i would be laughing like crazy, if that was the show direction, but no, its all actually somewhat "serious".
Alright putting aside the lack of logic and any direction from the first impact, lets take a look at the artifacts and lore a bit. Excalibur for no good reason is portrayed as some sort of dog, happily playing with its "owner"? Meanwhile we got the spear of destiny just decorating the entrance. But whatever floats your boat, and they decided on the myth of King Arthur.And that would be fine even with the dog-sword, but the writers decided King Arthur wasn't cool enough, so now Arthur is a roman. Arthurius perhaps?
The characters: Well this one is a complete mess. We have a genius girl working as janitor that also sees equations all around her, so evolution from "Good Will Hunting" to "A beautiful mind", and very bad attempt of portraying all the social ineptitude high IQ individuals usually show. I mean, if you wanna rip-off other writers stuff at least do it properly.Also your genius shouldn't dabble on ancient language.As Enochian is not a mathematical ancient Greek language.Enochian was revealed by John Dee in the 16th century a writer from the UK.Next we have this art history/language cowboy expert?(gotta admit, sounds kind of Tarantino cool), too bad this guy is just as much of an expert at it as i am at twerking. Claiming carmine dye showed up in the 1500s is false, as it was used in Ancient Egypt.Also at the Stonehenge when he looks at a drawing of a circle in a triangle, "astrological symbology and Latin". What the...there's 0 Latin there period, also a genius relying on a pseudo-science? 190 IQ really? Step aside Einstein!
The Counter terrorist. Well i'm just like any other guy. I love a pretty girl.But only hire them if they can actually act. Like come on, her acting is insipid and dull.Zero emotion. Also, notice her fighting skills, the way she guards her face with her hands in her waist completely relaxed. Thats hardcore, its just like saying to your opponent. "Come on!hit me!" Also she seems to possess the power to expel energy from her blows as everyone seems to be falling down 50cm away from her punches. Give me a break!Just let her really hit people cause she swings so wide and slow that will feel like a gentle breeze anyway.
The Librarian. I actually don't hate this one. He has charisma unlike his female guardian, but much like the show he is all over the place. The wound scene however is (as 90% of the show) ludicrous. Considering a male of his constitution would die after losing 2.24 lts of blood, seems pretty impressive that they somehow managed to fly from Oregon to UK (average 7hours). Also pretty impressive that he suffers no effects from blood loss (elevated heart rate, cold, paleness, and shock).Rambo has nothing on our dear librarian.When he was dying (finally), i screamed "oh god, please die, and kill your partners before you perish." This show needs a recast as bad as new writers.
Im gonna stop here as i feel there is way too much to be said.Just leaving a few questions:
1-What kind of terrorists would start a nuclear bomb in a scenario where they cannot escape?? Is this that yolo thing kids keep talking about?
2- Ninjas? really?? And what kind of cultivated traditional assassins (they were like 6) get their asses kicked by a cowboy? Maybe its some sort of new ghetto crew the Nin-Jayz, and not real ninjas.
Well honestly i will give the next episodes a look as i don't think it can get any worse. So far all i can see is some really untalented writers that cant even do some basic research on the stuff they are using. I guess its easier to replace the known "lore" of things with poop.
Alright putting aside the lack of logic and any direction from the first impact, lets take a look at the artifacts and lore a bit. Excalibur for no good reason is portrayed as some sort of dog, happily playing with its "owner"? Meanwhile we got the spear of destiny just decorating the entrance. But whatever floats your boat, and they decided on the myth of King Arthur.And that would be fine even with the dog-sword, but the writers decided King Arthur wasn't cool enough, so now Arthur is a roman. Arthurius perhaps?
The characters: Well this one is a complete mess. We have a genius girl working as janitor that also sees equations all around her, so evolution from "Good Will Hunting" to "A beautiful mind", and very bad attempt of portraying all the social ineptitude high IQ individuals usually show. I mean, if you wanna rip-off other writers stuff at least do it properly.Also your genius shouldn't dabble on ancient language.As Enochian is not a mathematical ancient Greek language.Enochian was revealed by John Dee in the 16th century a writer from the UK.Next we have this art history/language cowboy expert?(gotta admit, sounds kind of Tarantino cool), too bad this guy is just as much of an expert at it as i am at twerking. Claiming carmine dye showed up in the 1500s is false, as it was used in Ancient Egypt.Also at the Stonehenge when he looks at a drawing of a circle in a triangle, "astrological symbology and Latin". What the...there's 0 Latin there period, also a genius relying on a pseudo-science? 190 IQ really? Step aside Einstein!
The Counter terrorist. Well i'm just like any other guy. I love a pretty girl.But only hire them if they can actually act. Like come on, her acting is insipid and dull.Zero emotion. Also, notice her fighting skills, the way she guards her face with her hands in her waist completely relaxed. Thats hardcore, its just like saying to your opponent. "Come on!hit me!" Also she seems to possess the power to expel energy from her blows as everyone seems to be falling down 50cm away from her punches. Give me a break!Just let her really hit people cause she swings so wide and slow that will feel like a gentle breeze anyway.
The Librarian. I actually don't hate this one. He has charisma unlike his female guardian, but much like the show he is all over the place. The wound scene however is (as 90% of the show) ludicrous. Considering a male of his constitution would die after losing 2.24 lts of blood, seems pretty impressive that they somehow managed to fly from Oregon to UK (average 7hours). Also pretty impressive that he suffers no effects from blood loss (elevated heart rate, cold, paleness, and shock).Rambo has nothing on our dear librarian.When he was dying (finally), i screamed "oh god, please die, and kill your partners before you perish." This show needs a recast as bad as new writers.
Im gonna stop here as i feel there is way too much to be said.Just leaving a few questions:
1-What kind of terrorists would start a nuclear bomb in a scenario where they cannot escape?? Is this that yolo thing kids keep talking about?
2- Ninjas? really?? And what kind of cultivated traditional assassins (they were like 6) get their asses kicked by a cowboy? Maybe its some sort of new ghetto crew the Nin-Jayz, and not real ninjas.
Well honestly i will give the next episodes a look as i don't think it can get any worse. So far all i can see is some really untalented writers that cant even do some basic research on the stuff they are using. I guess its easier to replace the known "lore" of things with poop.
Good Show if you Know About the Movies
noellegray62415 December 2014
Okay so I had to make a profile to say this about this show, NO it is not a knock of Warehouse 13, that came out in 2009, the first Librarian movie came out in 2004, the concept was knocked off by Warehouse 13, do your research. Now on to the show!
If you saw the three movies, which I have, you'll already know that this show is spot on with the movies. Same cast, same tone, everything you liked about the movies is there. It's supposed to be cheesy the concept is a library with mythical objects, Flynn is a complete nerd with 20 something degrees, he was a shut in. If you want a damn uninteresting monotone action star who thinks he's acting go watch the hundreds of Crime investigation on the air. But if you want a fun upbeat story with good characters you will like this.
If you saw the three movies, which I have, you'll already know that this show is spot on with the movies. Same cast, same tone, everything you liked about the movies is there. It's supposed to be cheesy the concept is a library with mythical objects, Flynn is a complete nerd with 20 something degrees, he was a shut in. If you want a damn uninteresting monotone action star who thinks he's acting go watch the hundreds of Crime investigation on the air. But if you want a fun upbeat story with good characters you will like this.
Good fun episodes with plenty of action and adventure.
Shopaholic355 April 2015
Television has been missing something and it's called The Librarian. It's a mix between The Warehouse, Indiana Jones and Relic Hunter with a little bit of Lara Croft thrown in for good measure. It's a ridiculous yet serious adventure drama with plenty of action and supernatural themes. If this sounds up your alley then I definitely recommend you watch it.
When I first started watching the show I realised that Noah Wyle's character who is the main librarian in the movie series was not featured in the lead cast which worried me a little. Thankfully the show works well with him being a supporting star. In fact his incredibly over the top theatrics may have brought down the show if he was in every episode.
I honestly look forward to watching a new episode of this show each week. It's lighthearted adventurous fun.
When I first started watching the show I realised that Noah Wyle's character who is the main librarian in the movie series was not featured in the lead cast which worried me a little. Thankfully the show works well with him being a supporting star. In fact his incredibly over the top theatrics may have brought down the show if he was in every episode.
I honestly look forward to watching a new episode of this show each week. It's lighthearted adventurous fun.
D for Effort.
inquisitionxenos9 December 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Awkwardness. In all things this show is bad. Choreography is horrible, action is cheesy, story premise is flimsy and acting is 'meh'.
There was a lot of potential in the mass of historic and mythological stuff behind the show (films, although they were bad as well) but the production is horrible in all aspects.
It could have been done better, the producers should have watched the pilot and said: "Nope, lets re-shoot XX% of that", and done it better. This seemed that each scene was done in one take.
Very cheesy one liners and puns. The solutions to problems where way too convenient. You know it when first scene is disarming a nuke the size of a lunch box, is a secondary priority to opening a box that contains a "mystical Nazi gem", that has just been sitting in a warehouse in Germany for 70 years. Oh and the disarm code is the same for both. Who wrote that...i mean come on.
I seriously lost interest in this with the horrible fight scenes with the 3rd rate ninja's.
No good Sci-Fi/Fantasy shows. And we know why, because no one wants to invest in them when they are done like this. This causes capitol-flight in the industry.
Sorry there is no future to this show. If there is, then there are too many people brain-dead and with low expectations. Gave it a 2, because at least the effects where half way decent for a show that obviously was on a horrible budget. And if it wasn't on a horrible budget some one must be kicking themselves now, because they just wasted a bunch of cash on a C-List Fantasy show. There are Youtube independents that are better than this.
For shame i say, for shame!
There was a lot of potential in the mass of historic and mythological stuff behind the show (films, although they were bad as well) but the production is horrible in all aspects.
It could have been done better, the producers should have watched the pilot and said: "Nope, lets re-shoot XX% of that", and done it better. This seemed that each scene was done in one take.
Very cheesy one liners and puns. The solutions to problems where way too convenient. You know it when first scene is disarming a nuke the size of a lunch box, is a secondary priority to opening a box that contains a "mystical Nazi gem", that has just been sitting in a warehouse in Germany for 70 years. Oh and the disarm code is the same for both. Who wrote that...i mean come on.
I seriously lost interest in this with the horrible fight scenes with the 3rd rate ninja's.
No good Sci-Fi/Fantasy shows. And we know why, because no one wants to invest in them when they are done like this. This causes capitol-flight in the industry.
Sorry there is no future to this show. If there is, then there are too many people brain-dead and with low expectations. Gave it a 2, because at least the effects where half way decent for a show that obviously was on a horrible budget. And if it wasn't on a horrible budget some one must be kicking themselves now, because they just wasted a bunch of cash on a C-List Fantasy show. There are Youtube independents that are better than this.
For shame i say, for shame!
Reminiscent of "Leverage"
knguyen0122 December 2014
Realizing that The Librarians spawned from the same minds that created Leverage, I was not surprised (pleasantly) in seeing the resemblance between the two television shows. I loved Leverage due to its character development past the traditional "task-oriented" crack-team setup. The characters grew close with each other as the show progressed and their antics never stopped coming. I predict that the Librarians will be the same way, and I love that each character in this show has their own quirkiness about them. I also appreciated that the show's creator did not confine the Librarians to the stereotypical nerds plagued with social awkwardness and anxiety issues. These are well thought-out individuals with their own types of personalities.
Too many TV shows nowadays have dark brooding themes and serious drama within them. I appreciate that The Librarians come off as much more light-hearted, friendly, and fun. Enjoy it for its silliness and magical wonders!
Too many TV shows nowadays have dark brooding themes and serious drama within them. I appreciate that The Librarians come off as much more light-hearted, friendly, and fun. Enjoy it for its silliness and magical wonders!
Next generation of a family-oriented adventure franchise.
Dr_Sagan15 December 2014
This is the next generation of a family-oriented adventure franchise that started in 2004 and called "The Librarian".
The Librarian is a series of made-for-TV original movies from TNT, starring Noah Wyle as a librarian who protects a secret collection of magical artifacts.
A full decade later Noah Wyle's character is still "The" Librarian but the "library", who got him the job in the first place, "feels" that he needs help to his duties. So despite the objections of "The librarian", "the library" (yes I know too many ...quotes) hires 4 more persons (3 "geniuses" and a "federal" agent played by Rebecca Romijn) for his assistance.
Noah Wyle has a certain presence in his role, but unfortunately he isn't the main protagonist in this. He is more like a recurrent special guest star. That might be a deal breaker for some of the oldest fans of the librarian franchise but maybe you have to wait and see.
The feel of the series (based on the pilot) is over-the-top adventurous and although there are some heavy themes (stabbing by a sword, deaths, brain cancer etc.) the whole atmosphere feels kind of light, maybe even naive.
If you are an adult who is looking for an Indiana Jones-like premise you will be disappointed. If you belong to a younger audience you may find this entertaining.
The production is TV-OK (CGI is mediocre, the constant green screen is too obvious, and the "exotic" places they are visiting are obviously in a studio). The acting is deliberately exaggerated, the dialogs somehow ridiculous and the music more fancy than it should be, but that's common in a series probably made for kids.
Overall: I'm not sure that I will check the next episodes but someone else might find it entertaining.
The Librarian is a series of made-for-TV original movies from TNT, starring Noah Wyle as a librarian who protects a secret collection of magical artifacts.
A full decade later Noah Wyle's character is still "The" Librarian but the "library", who got him the job in the first place, "feels" that he needs help to his duties. So despite the objections of "The librarian", "the library" (yes I know too many ...quotes) hires 4 more persons (3 "geniuses" and a "federal" agent played by Rebecca Romijn) for his assistance.
Noah Wyle has a certain presence in his role, but unfortunately he isn't the main protagonist in this. He is more like a recurrent special guest star. That might be a deal breaker for some of the oldest fans of the librarian franchise but maybe you have to wait and see.
The feel of the series (based on the pilot) is over-the-top adventurous and although there are some heavy themes (stabbing by a sword, deaths, brain cancer etc.) the whole atmosphere feels kind of light, maybe even naive.
If you are an adult who is looking for an Indiana Jones-like premise you will be disappointed. If you belong to a younger audience you may find this entertaining.
The production is TV-OK (CGI is mediocre, the constant green screen is too obvious, and the "exotic" places they are visiting are obviously in a studio). The acting is deliberately exaggerated, the dialogs somehow ridiculous and the music more fancy than it should be, but that's common in a series probably made for kids.
Overall: I'm not sure that I will check the next episodes but someone else might find it entertaining.
Uplifting Charmed meets LXG
OneAnjel14 June 2024
This is a very uplifting, fun fantasy series. The basis isn't necessarily new - many shows have a team of gifted people solving crimes, mysteries & puzzles. But this most reminds me of great films that were before their time: The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and The Time Machine, adding some of the youthful whimsy of Charmed and Harry Potter.
I have to mention that I didn't know this series existed until I did a search for one of my favorite tv characters: Elliot Spencer (Christian Kane). This makes me think that streaming platforms attempting to show me what interests me get too stuck on one genre while ignoring others. In the old days, we would see all ads at some point eventually. But I never saw one ad for this clever show.
Even though Wyle is one of the more well known names, Flynn is actually not the best character. I'm not sure if it's the way the character was written or the way it was played. He would have been more believable with a slightly disheveled appearance. But the writers try to give each charcter a viable backstory with interesting quirks or gifts. One could say another more seasoned group of actors could have pulled this off better yet it's engaging and charming nonetheless.
Larroquette is great as Jenkins, and Kane is enjoyable although Leverage is still his best vehicle. I'm disappointed that Math Girl is so criticized by reviewers yet that is true in real life, as well: average people disliking the smart kid. But I did think they are remiss in not having at least one regular black character - which would have actually made more sense for Ezekiel.
Some episodes are better than others but it follows the tradition of wrapping up each episode with minimal cliffhangers.
A great carefree family-friendly show that tweens and up can enjoy. Maybe even younger but it does have upsetting gouls and situations.
I have to mention that I didn't know this series existed until I did a search for one of my favorite tv characters: Elliot Spencer (Christian Kane). This makes me think that streaming platforms attempting to show me what interests me get too stuck on one genre while ignoring others. In the old days, we would see all ads at some point eventually. But I never saw one ad for this clever show.
Even though Wyle is one of the more well known names, Flynn is actually not the best character. I'm not sure if it's the way the character was written or the way it was played. He would have been more believable with a slightly disheveled appearance. But the writers try to give each charcter a viable backstory with interesting quirks or gifts. One could say another more seasoned group of actors could have pulled this off better yet it's engaging and charming nonetheless.
Larroquette is great as Jenkins, and Kane is enjoyable although Leverage is still his best vehicle. I'm disappointed that Math Girl is so criticized by reviewers yet that is true in real life, as well: average people disliking the smart kid. But I did think they are remiss in not having at least one regular black character - which would have actually made more sense for Ezekiel.
Some episodes are better than others but it follows the tradition of wrapping up each episode with minimal cliffhangers.
A great carefree family-friendly show that tweens and up can enjoy. Maybe even younger but it does have upsetting gouls and situations.
I can't believe it
stoobie-9248323 June 2018
Very enjoyable, light-hearted family fantasy
tyiell10 February 2015
Never having watched the movies this series were based on I went into this series with the sole understanding it was a fantasy series about magic. That's about the simplest summary there is really, it is an enjoyable, family friendly fantasy. There are moments of humour and Acton to keep you interested, the plots are simple and fun but don't stand up to any logical critique.
All in all if taken at face value it is good fun entertainment, buy don't expect major plot twists or a complicated drama.
The acting is good and characters are likable, the stories are self contained episodes that don't require you to have watched those prior to them. The tales tend to be a take on known myths or legends, and seems to be well aware of the silliness of some of them, made apparent through the gentle humour.
I find myself hoping for another series!
All in all if taken at face value it is good fun entertainment, buy don't expect major plot twists or a complicated drama.
The acting is good and characters are likable, the stories are self contained episodes that don't require you to have watched those prior to them. The tales tend to be a take on known myths or legends, and seems to be well aware of the silliness of some of them, made apparent through the gentle humour.
I find myself hoping for another series!
Love Show - PLEASE don't cancel
Auntbeabea21 January 2015
I loved the Librarian movies and really thought the show would not be as good without Noah Wiley in each episode, and I have to admit when the "Library" Bob Newhart and Jane Curtain disappeared in the first episode I did not give the series very much hope,but it really turned out to be a good show with some great special effects. I especially loved the Christmas episode with guest star Bruce Campbell and making the idea of Santa Claus what it should really be "peace and good will". My only complaint about the show is that Christian Kane cut his hair! that I wish Christian Kane had not cut his hair - I really miss seeing him with his long beautiful "locks", but other than that - great show and hope it comes back this summer because only 10 episodes was not really a full season -- and everyone knows we need quality TV during the summer!
A bit cheesy, somehow watchable
Okonh0wp21 January 2015
The is how reminds me of a couple of the '90s syndicated series like "Sinbad: The Seven Seas" and "Young Indiana Jones Chronicles." Kid-friendly adventure series with a bombastic score and cheesy special effects.
Times have changed though and TV has grown in leaps and bounds. Next to the output of J.J. Abrahams and Joss Wheedon, the show's attempts at building some grand mythology is so vague ("we must recover 'the magic'") it's kind of laughable.
It's nice to see Rebecca Romijn doing something different on TV and it's nice to see Noah Wyle on TV at all, and Cassie (the frazzled redhead) is the kind of character I tend to fall in love with on screen (see Emma on Glee). but the characters are all a little flat. The jewel thief is a one-note antagonist in someone else's movie, not someone who has as much screen time as this guy has, though I do give the show points for combining their token Asian and token Brit into one character.
The above two paragraphs, however, are written with my head. On paper, this show doesn't cut it against so much great programming that's on TV right now. However, I do find it watchable and am continuing to watch it, 3 episodes in.
It's definitely a show that knows what it is (a bit cheeky, tenuous grasp on reality, stock kid-friendly characters that act rather predictably) and runs with it. If it's cartoonish, that's because it's made in the style of Sunday morning cartoons. Coming at the show on its own terms will definitely help you enjoy this.
Times have changed though and TV has grown in leaps and bounds. Next to the output of J.J. Abrahams and Joss Wheedon, the show's attempts at building some grand mythology is so vague ("we must recover 'the magic'") it's kind of laughable.
It's nice to see Rebecca Romijn doing something different on TV and it's nice to see Noah Wyle on TV at all, and Cassie (the frazzled redhead) is the kind of character I tend to fall in love with on screen (see Emma on Glee). but the characters are all a little flat. The jewel thief is a one-note antagonist in someone else's movie, not someone who has as much screen time as this guy has, though I do give the show points for combining their token Asian and token Brit into one character.
The above two paragraphs, however, are written with my head. On paper, this show doesn't cut it against so much great programming that's on TV right now. However, I do find it watchable and am continuing to watch it, 3 episodes in.
It's definitely a show that knows what it is (a bit cheeky, tenuous grasp on reality, stock kid-friendly characters that act rather predictably) and runs with it. If it's cartoonish, that's because it's made in the style of Sunday morning cartoons. Coming at the show on its own terms will definitely help you enjoy this.
Almost unwatchable
helenwalsh123 December 2014
I was looking forward to this show, but the pilot was dire. It was like they'd used a story Warehouse 13 had binned. I've loved Christian Kane since Angel so I was most disappointed. At first it was quite a surprise to see Noah Wyle acting like a mad professor, but that wore thin after 5 minutes and just became irritating, though I gather he will only be making intermittent appearances in future episodes. I was hoping for more of an Indiana Jones type approach to this series, and maybe if the writers had produced a more serious and well researched script it could have worked. Maybe kids will enjoy it, I don't know.... I won't wax lyrical about how bad the first 2 episodes are, so I'll sum them up in one word; moronic.
The show entertains and keeps things interesting in a fun way.
ultraaman12 January 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I'm enjoying the show. I happen to have watched the movies so I can understand if people are turned off by not knowing what is going on....but I can't understand why they aren't capable of watching the movies; or at least the final movie which clocks in at 93 minutes, the equivalent of a 2-hour episode.
Anyway, yes the premise of the series - magic items run amok - has been explored many times before because it is an easy way to keep the series fresh (Friday the 13th: The Series did this successfully almost three decades ago just like Warehouse 13 did recently.) The tone of the show, just like the movies, is light and a bit adventure-y though there are some darker themes that run throughout. Two in particular keep cropping up and revolve around the issues of impending death and violation of trust. How's that for lighthearted, eh?
Having seen all 8 episodes (the 2 ep finale is next week), I think it's very fair to say the debut episode is weak. By episode 4 the series really hit its stride and the characters are fleshed out fully. One thing that can't be stressed enough is how good the writing is for a fun-based TV show. I'm prone to pick apart shows for missing obvious plot holes or failing to exploit obvious solutions, over-using dues ex machina, or not following their own in-story logic. Of course we are talking about magic here so any real world logic may not hold up in the show. Just roll with it. Anything you find that is illogical at least appears to be about moving things along and not a cut corner on the storytelling.
The writers put a lot of effort into making the stories interesting even when the premise is lame and hokey. The Fables episode was dumb and the ending was trite but it gave one of the weaker characters a chance to save the day and laid an easter egg for the season finale right under our noses that you won't see until a few episodes later if at all. It also had some LOL visual gags and puns. Stone's evolution into a princess was great and Cassandra being Prince Charming was just so weird as to be awesome. And sometimes the premise is cool. The Heart of Darkness is a horror-lite tale that really delivers on the twists and turns, never mind that we got an amazingly dark internal reflection from one of the main characters near the end.
The actors' chops range from good to meh but what really makes the show is how they interact. By episode 3 you know how and why each one of them relates to the other, why they decide to remain together, why they decide to do what they do, and it makes sense based on who they are established as being. And the show delivers on keeping all that alive and moving it forward.
When White has popped in, he's an actual part of the story not a tag-on but the show rightly treats him like who he is - a guest star. The show still remains firmly about the core cast. Larroquette is the powerhouse though. There's a reason he's won 5 Emmys. It's probably a good thing we only see bits and pieces of him. He chews up the scenery like a Langolier. I love it.
The show also uses it's limited screen time to actually tell a story. There are only 10 episodes (20 if it gets renewed, and it prob will) and there is little throwaway dialog or scene. A vague reference here, an incidental development there, an innocuous conversation over yonder, all seem to connect together to tell a bigger picture once you start seeing the pattern.
And screen time isn't wasted with plot moving. In The Rule of Three, an important plot hole that I thought would be missed is plugged up but it occurs off camera which is why it caught me off guard when it unfolded. What we get instead of wasting time watching the character think of and set up the idea is the most important part, the action itself and one line of dialog that totally explains everything and saves us a precious minute of story telling.
So grab a snack and sit down for an hour of fun.
Anyway, yes the premise of the series - magic items run amok - has been explored many times before because it is an easy way to keep the series fresh (Friday the 13th: The Series did this successfully almost three decades ago just like Warehouse 13 did recently.) The tone of the show, just like the movies, is light and a bit adventure-y though there are some darker themes that run throughout. Two in particular keep cropping up and revolve around the issues of impending death and violation of trust. How's that for lighthearted, eh?
Having seen all 8 episodes (the 2 ep finale is next week), I think it's very fair to say the debut episode is weak. By episode 4 the series really hit its stride and the characters are fleshed out fully. One thing that can't be stressed enough is how good the writing is for a fun-based TV show. I'm prone to pick apart shows for missing obvious plot holes or failing to exploit obvious solutions, over-using dues ex machina, or not following their own in-story logic. Of course we are talking about magic here so any real world logic may not hold up in the show. Just roll with it. Anything you find that is illogical at least appears to be about moving things along and not a cut corner on the storytelling.
The writers put a lot of effort into making the stories interesting even when the premise is lame and hokey. The Fables episode was dumb and the ending was trite but it gave one of the weaker characters a chance to save the day and laid an easter egg for the season finale right under our noses that you won't see until a few episodes later if at all. It also had some LOL visual gags and puns. Stone's evolution into a princess was great and Cassandra being Prince Charming was just so weird as to be awesome. And sometimes the premise is cool. The Heart of Darkness is a horror-lite tale that really delivers on the twists and turns, never mind that we got an amazingly dark internal reflection from one of the main characters near the end.
The actors' chops range from good to meh but what really makes the show is how they interact. By episode 3 you know how and why each one of them relates to the other, why they decide to remain together, why they decide to do what they do, and it makes sense based on who they are established as being. And the show delivers on keeping all that alive and moving it forward.
When White has popped in, he's an actual part of the story not a tag-on but the show rightly treats him like who he is - a guest star. The show still remains firmly about the core cast. Larroquette is the powerhouse though. There's a reason he's won 5 Emmys. It's probably a good thing we only see bits and pieces of him. He chews up the scenery like a Langolier. I love it.
The show also uses it's limited screen time to actually tell a story. There are only 10 episodes (20 if it gets renewed, and it prob will) and there is little throwaway dialog or scene. A vague reference here, an incidental development there, an innocuous conversation over yonder, all seem to connect together to tell a bigger picture once you start seeing the pattern.
And screen time isn't wasted with plot moving. In The Rule of Three, an important plot hole that I thought would be missed is plugged up but it occurs off camera which is why it caught me off guard when it unfolded. What we get instead of wasting time watching the character think of and set up the idea is the most important part, the action itself and one line of dialog that totally explains everything and saves us a precious minute of story telling.
So grab a snack and sit down for an hour of fun.
Promising--count me in
kevans-180-5922958 December 2014
The opening double bill was entertaining in a campy, wry way. It's not Shakespeare and it won't be an entertainment classic for generations to come, but it is a fun show and a painless way to while away extra time. I enjoyed seeing Lindy Booth again (once a regular in the Sydney Fox, Relic Hunter series). Her character needs some work but hopefully will improve as the writers reach cruising speed.
The Librarians is basically a fantasy story set in our 21st century. To enjoy it, you have to suspend belief and go with the flow, just like you do when you get pulled into a fairy tale or other imaginative work that draws you into a parallel universe where the usual laws of space and time do not always apply.
The Librarians is basically a fantasy story set in our 21st century. To enjoy it, you have to suspend belief and go with the flow, just like you do when you get pulled into a fairy tale or other imaginative work that draws you into a parallel universe where the usual laws of space and time do not always apply.
Please, no...............
feuerbar8 December 2014
First there was the government storage in Indiana Jones. And before that the whole Adventure pulp genre...
Then there was "Warehouse 13"which put the ancient artifacts-pulp heroics into a contemporary series format (which was fun if slightly campy and spun the government storage from Indiana Jones to some strange extremes). Warehouse 13 wasn't always great, but it had great acting and some utterly strange concepts, even if some CGI sucked hard.
And now TNT tries its hand at that and deliver something in the same vein ? With a spin-off series from the already mediocre Librarian movies who feebly imitated Quartermain and Indiana Jones movies...
Overall : weak performances abound, the CGI are to cry over (SyFy- level and worse), the plot is so utterly unoriginal that it hits all the much abused tropes in the first 30 minutes.
Nazis ? check! Egyptian Artifacts? Check ! Spear of Destiny ? Oh yeah Ninjas ? Sure ! Librarians in flower dresses, Cardigans and stuffed tweed jackets with elbow patches? yeah.... Evil "Foreign" conspiracies ? oh yes... and we start the whole thing with something as stupid King Arthur's crown ?
Trite does not even start to describe it !
Really it's a prime time for trope-bingo covered in cheesy C-level movie sound stages. It's clumsy in its exposition, stale riddles and even clumsier in its dialogs. Neither Rebecca Romjin nor Noah Wylie are helping any with their deliveries and seem to have jumped the shark on their respective careers. Even penguins to better grief than Mr. Wylie. Mrs Romjin has all the varied expression of a botox- victim. The junior librarians at least show some enthuisasm, but there is not really much for them to do.
There is however one very true sentence in the show, though : "You must be getting better, since you do not make any sense !"
Basically : Please restart this series with better actors, a solid budget and above all less amateurish scripts
Then there was "Warehouse 13"which put the ancient artifacts-pulp heroics into a contemporary series format (which was fun if slightly campy and spun the government storage from Indiana Jones to some strange extremes). Warehouse 13 wasn't always great, but it had great acting and some utterly strange concepts, even if some CGI sucked hard.
And now TNT tries its hand at that and deliver something in the same vein ? With a spin-off series from the already mediocre Librarian movies who feebly imitated Quartermain and Indiana Jones movies...
Overall : weak performances abound, the CGI are to cry over (SyFy- level and worse), the plot is so utterly unoriginal that it hits all the much abused tropes in the first 30 minutes.
Nazis ? check! Egyptian Artifacts? Check ! Spear of Destiny ? Oh yeah Ninjas ? Sure ! Librarians in flower dresses, Cardigans and stuffed tweed jackets with elbow patches? yeah.... Evil "Foreign" conspiracies ? oh yes... and we start the whole thing with something as stupid King Arthur's crown ?
Trite does not even start to describe it !
Really it's a prime time for trope-bingo covered in cheesy C-level movie sound stages. It's clumsy in its exposition, stale riddles and even clumsier in its dialogs. Neither Rebecca Romjin nor Noah Wylie are helping any with their deliveries and seem to have jumped the shark on their respective careers. Even penguins to better grief than Mr. Wylie. Mrs Romjin has all the varied expression of a botox- victim. The junior librarians at least show some enthuisasm, but there is not really much for them to do.
There is however one very true sentence in the show, though : "You must be getting better, since you do not make any sense !"
Basically : Please restart this series with better actors, a solid budget and above all less amateurish scripts
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