The full title is Hakan the Protector and it is a semi historical serial (but mostly in our late 20th century) in 4 seasons of 10, 8, 7 & 7 episodes. I attempted to watch it some years ago, when it first appeared on Netflix but I gave up halfway through the very 1st episode. I could not stomach Hakan himself, played by Çağatay Ulusoy.
The plot is based on a book, which I have not read. Immediately after the conquest of Constantinople by Muhammet II, there appeared in the city 7 Immortals (of unknown origins) who had great powers and could destroy the city. But it was found that there was a magic gem that shone in close proximity to these fellows (or any one of them) and a magic dagger that could kill them. The man who might accomplish this task would be the Protector, Muhafiz. There was also a magic vest which the Protector could wear and this made him totally invulnerable. Eventually the 6 Immortals were disposed of but one remained as a threat in our modern age.
Here enters Hakan, the contemporary Protector. He is a boorish young man (in his early 20’s) sentimental and rather stupid; he cries inconsolably when the antique-seller who had adopted him, got killed by the men who work for the Immortals as they try to obtain from him the magic vest. Hakan is now helped by Dr. Kemal, a pharmacist, and his daughter Zeinep, who belong to the cult of “the Faithful Ones”, devoted to the line of Protectors. He is informed about the evil Immortals and the good Protector, who is now himself, but he does not believe the story not even after, having put on the vest, he gets shot between the eyes yet comes to no harm.
And this is the biggest problem with the eight episodes of the 1st series. The Turks have every reason to praise the serial about a national hero and many thousands of foreign viewers must have watched it since it was extended to 4 seasons. But such popularity and some glowing praises do not guarantee a good movie – i.e. good plot and characters, good cinematography and good acting. I don’t think Çağatay Ulusoy is a good actor – neither as the young assistant to the antique-dealer, nor in his job as a member of Feysal’s body of guards nor as the trainee Protector.
Hakan may appear as a fully fledged Protector in the 2nd, 3rd or 4th season, but he shows not the slightest significant change up to and including the 8th episode of the 1st season. When he falls into the trap set by Feysal he exhibits the same mulish sentimental stupidity as in the 1st episode. He has learnt nothing. The only qualities in his character that have increased are arrogance and bigotry.
This creates another difficulty. One may be disposed to accept the magic and mythic elements of the plot but so obtuse and mulish super hero undermines the whole tale. Yes, the hero should have, as is aid, a pure heart – but not incredible stupidity, surely!
A point worth noting is at the end of episode 4. There, the director flashes quickly from Hakan, having sex in an unspecified building of Faysal’s enterprises with Leila, to Zeinep fighting with Emir in the secret department of the pharmacy. He intended to diminish Hakan further?
I stopped at 1. 8 and do not intend to return to it.
