The Forgotten Mortal Kombat Show That’s Secretly a Cult Classic!

The Mortal Kombat series of video games was among the pioneers to successfully expand into television and cinema. It’s undeniable that the cultural impact of productions like the 1995 Mortal Kombat film, which continues to be celebrated as one of the finest examples of a video game adaptation, and its recent 2021 remake, have left an indelible mark on new generations of fans by introducing them to the brutal tournament. Even before The Last of Us and Fallout raised the bar for narrative transitions from games to screens, Mortal Kombat had already set precedents with its blood, style, and Scorpion’s signature spear throw.

Despite being overshadowed by popular Mortal Kombat films and animated series, there’s one TV show that doesn’t often get mentioned – Mortal Kombat: Conquest. This show only ran for a single season, made daring deviations from the original storyline, and ended in a puzzling, unfinished state. Despite its faults and budget-restricted idiosyncrasies, it possesses an undeniable charm that’s hard to dismiss. Hidden beneath the more refined adaptations lies this bold, peculiar, and endearing addition to the franchise’s lengthy and violent tale.

Mortal Kombat: Conquest Was One Of TV’s First Live-Action Video Game Shows

This Mortal Kombat TV Show Came Long Before Game Adaptations Were Cool

Debuting in 1998, “Mortal Kombat: Conquest” stood out in multiple aspects. Prior to it, only the live-action skits from “The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!” from nearly a decade ago could compare. Uniquely, “Conquest” was the initial full-length live-action video game adaptation. This overlooked “Mortal Kombat” TV series holds significance in the broader history of video game media for being the first to venture into this territory.

Despite its ambition to successfully animate the Mortal Kombat universe, Mortal Kombat: Conquest fell short of achieving a perfect triumph. The series aired across multiple channels for 22 episodes, focusing on the exploits of Great Kung Lao (portrayed by Paolo Montalban), which took place before the chronology of the initial game.

Together with his bodyguard Siro (Daniel Bernhardt) and ex-thief Taja (Kristanna Loken), Kung Lao engaged in a struggle to keep the dark sorcerer Shang Tsung (Bruce Locke) and other forces from Outworld from conquering Earthrealm. The cast of characters included many familiar faces from the games, but the storyline was more like a fantasy martial arts drama series than a brutal tournament setting.

Kung Lao, along with his bodyguard Siro and ex-thief Taja, battled to save Earthrealm from being taken over by Shang Tsung and Outworld troops. While there were many familiar characters from the games, the story felt more like a martial arts drama series than a bloody tournament.

Looking back on it, Mortal Kombat: Conquest seems strongly tied to its time period. In the late ’90s, television was saturated with shows that were heavily focused on genres and mid-budget productions, such as Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, Xena: Warrior Princess, and Highlander: The Series. Conquest attempted to capitalize on this trend by combining fantasy mythology with martial arts and fashionable leather attire. However, unlike modern gaming adaptations such as The Last of Us or Fallout, which have gained both critical and commercial success, Conquest did not manage to endure in the long run.

Nevertheless, the audacity of the series is what keeps it intriguing. At a time when studios were tentatively exploring the idea of adapting games for television, Mortal Kombat: Conquest was among the pioneers. Despite numerous blunders – from an inconsistent narrative to decisions that contradicted the lore – it demonstrated that game franchises could aspire to more than just arcade storytelling. For devotees of the Mortal Kombat franchise, this early television show serves as a captivating yet crucial milestone in its developmental journey.

Mortal Kombat: Conquest Felt Like A Cheaper Version Of The 1990s Movies

The Mortal Kombat TV Show Had Big Ideas, But Nowhere Near Enough Budget

When the television series “Mortal Kombat: Conquest” was broadcasted, the series had already gained recognition for its cinematic aspirations. The 1995 movie “Mortal Kombat” became a cult classic, earning accolades for its impressive fight sequences, memorable soundtrack, and surprisingly accurate portrayal of the original content. Although its 1997 sequel, “Mortal Kombat: Annihilation,” saw a decline in quality, it still showcased intricate sets, stylish costumes, and special effects that, whether positively or negatively, left an indelible mark.

Compared to the movies, Mortal Kombat: Conquest had to make do with significantly fewer resources. The tight budget constraints were evident from the get-go. Instead of grandiose visuals, the show was often forced to reuse sets and heavily rely on indoor soundstage shoots. The majority of the action unfolded in dimly lit temples, narrow corridors, and run-of-the-mill Outworld caves. Despite its lofty ambitions for world-building, these limitations consistently hindered it from being fully realized.

In certain instances, Conquest aimed for more than it could handle. The action sequences were skillfully arranged, particularly with martial artists like Bernhardt and Montalban in the lineup. Yet, even the action scenes had their drawbacks, such as repetitive background music, recycled moves, and less impactful choreography than what fans of the games or films hoped for, given the awe-inspiring fights they were accustomed to.

Despite its flaws, the initial live-action Mortal Kombat TV series endeavored to expand the storyline. It primarily delved into the emotional impact of relentless combat, the responsibilities tied to prophecy, and the struggles endured by the primary three characters. Moreover, it presented compelling villain narratives, with Shang Tsung’s intricate plotting being particularly noteworthy. Additionally, familiar figures like Sub-Zero, Scorpion, and Quan Chi made appearances, though their histories were sometimes rewritten in a puzzling manner.

In an attempt to mimic the aesthetic of ’90s films, Conquest showcased both the expansive and limited reach of budget in genre television production. Despite being visually outmatched, it should be commended for its ambition – though it didn’t always deliver a decisive punch.

Mortal Kombat: Conquest Is Actually A Fun Watch

This Mortal Kombat TV Show Has Flaws, But It’s Way More Entertaining Than Expected

While it’s widely considered that Mortal Kombat: Conquest didn’t quite hit the mark – and indeed, it fell short by many measures during its initial release – a fresh look at the series today, free from the pressures of its original run, uncovers an unexpected truth: it turns out to be rather enjoyable.

Indeed, the special effects may seem outdated, and the mood can be quite inconsistent, but there’s a delightful, rough-around-the-edges appeal to it all that makes rewatching it worthwhile. Unlike the sleek and action-packed 2021 version of “Mortal Kombat,” “Conquest” functions on a more modest level. Remarkably, this modesty actually enhances its charm.

The series emphasizes character relationships, gradual story developments, and classic martial arts scenes. Kung Lao’s tale turns out to be captivating, while Siro and Taja grow on you as they become more endearing over the course of the story. Their camaraderie makes even some of the show’s more ridiculous moments feel believable.

What truly makes Mortal Kombat: Conquest stand out are its fight sequences. Despite being constrained by budget, they’re frequent, dynamic, and surprisingly creative. Whether it’s a personal duel in a torch-lit dojo or a tag-team battle against mysterious ninjas, the choreography is always solid. It might not match the quality of the games, but it surpasses what Mortal Kombat: Annihilation achieved.

There’s an intriguing appeal in the show’s unwillingness to follow the conventional path. It fearlessly delves into the deep-rooted details of Mortal Kombat, providing significant focus on characters who don’t often get the limelight, and concluding with a colossal cliffhanger that, regrettably, remained unresolved. The raw, unpredictable vibe is one of its most captivating aspects.

As a devoted Mortal Kombat enthusiast, I’d be the first to admit that the series’ Conquest isn’t hailed as the greatest TV show or film adaptation. It’s got its share of messiness, goofiness, and undeniably ’90s vibes. However, if you appreciate a dose of campy martial arts action and have a soft spot for this iconic franchise, it’s an engaging spectacle that offers a unique glimpse into the rich history of Mortal Kombat. It’s a piece of Mortal Kombat history worth remembering and cherishing.

2025-07-07 13:29