Witchblade (TV series)

Everything About Fiction You Never Wanted to Know.
Not someone to take lightly.

A 2000 live-action television series based on the comic book Witchblade. The series contains a similar premise - New York Detective Sara Pezzini is bonded to an Empathic Weapon called the Witchblade, which makes her of interest to Chessmaster Kenneth Irons, who seeks to control the Witchblade though he cannot wield it, and his Dragon, Nottingham. However, the series tells more like a re-imagining of the concept rather than a retelling.

To the disappointment of some fans (and the delight of others), the Stripperiffic nature of the Witchblade was done away with, replacing it with a more traditional knight's armor.

The Witchblade itself is a supernatural weapon that can only be weilded by a woman. The reason given for this varies from character to character - Irons says it's because women are "more elemental" while Nottingham claims it is because women can better stand pain. It ends up on the wrist of Sara during a shootout at a museum where it was displayed, ultimately saving her life. From that point forward, it begins to show her visions of the past and, later, her dead partner, Danny.

But there are many people after the Witchblade and its wielder, and their intentions and motives are rarely good. Sara must learn to master the Witchblade's powers without falling under the control of Irons or being killed by those who desire to take the Witchblade themselves.

The series is something of a cult classic among viewers, and was only recently released onto DVD. General opinion has that the show was a reasonable translation of the comics and quite good in that regard. In fact, the show would have likely continued for several more seasons if there weren't problems with the lead actress.

Tropes used in Witchblade (TV series) include:
  • Anyone Can Die: At least in season one.
  • Badass Normal: Sara, without the Witchblade. With, she's just plain Badass.
    • Also her partner Danny after the reset button is hit in Season II, and he stops being the enigmatic ghost guy, we get to see that he is pretty bad ass himself.
  • Battle Butler: Nottingham.
  • Beethoven Was an Alien Spy: Many famous historical figures, including Joan of Arc, were actually wielders of the Witchblade. And, in a strange twist, actually all Sara herself. Constantine and Adolf Hitler were both wielders of the Lance of Longinus.
  • Back from the Dead: Everyone who died in season one, thanks to the Reset Button Ending.
  • Bullet Catch: Nottingham can do this, apparently.
  • Bullet Sparks: Used to indicate when a bullet has ricocheted off the Witchblade. Also causes a gas main to blow up in the pilot episode.
  • Bullet Time: Used to show that the Witchblade can slow down time.
  • Cartwright Curse: Sara's suitors and boyfriends tend to end up dead, in comas, or possessed.
  • Catch and Return: Sara catches a crossbow bolt and throws it back at the shooter with enough force to kill. Later, she pulls a Punch And Return with a bullet.
  • The Chessmaster: Ken Irons. His extremely nice chess set is a common prop for him when he's shown at home.
  • Cloning Blues: See Evil Twin. Also, Ian's clone is a complete homicidal maniac.
  • Clothes Make the Superman: With the Witchblade, anyone (female) can block bullets and slow time. If you're not a chosen wielder, however, it's as likely to turn on you or abandon you as it is to protect you.
  • Cowboy Cop: Sara is a rare female example.
  • Corrupt Corporate Executive: Ken Irons, particularly in season 2.
  • Dating Catwoman: Nottingham has strong feelings for Sara. Sara's exact feelings for Nottingham are unclear, but his declaration of love certainly flustered her.

Nottingham (to Sara): I love you. In unguarded moments.

Gallo: You know, killin' your father wasn't personal. Neither was Maria. And don't flatter yourself, neither are you.

Sara: What is this thing? What is the Witchblade?
Kenneth: A mystery, wrapped in a riddle, and cloaked in a conundrum.
Sara: That doesn't help very much.

  • Role-Ending Misdemeanor: Yancy Butler had to leave the show due to her alcoholism. Since she played Sara Pezzini, this was effectively a Show Ending Misdemeanor.
  • Samus Is a Girl: The opening.
  • Secret Keeper: Gabriel.
  • Stuffed Into the Fridge: Conchobar. He dies within Sara's sight, but otherwise fits.
  • Suicide by Cop: Nolan attempts this, although Sara foils it. Also, Nottingham in the season one finale, after Irons casts him out for his devotion to Sara.
  • Super Soldier: The Black Dragons, which includes Nottingham.
  • Sword Over Head: Sara defeats Gallo in the season one finale and holds the Witchblade to his throat. In the end, though, she chooses to arrest him instead of killing him.
  • Who Shot JFK?
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