Once in a while, a show comes along which is willing to defy the rules of convention and offer something refreshingly different from the formulaic scripts that seem to dominate network television -a show that glitters like a faceted gem among pebbles.  "The Secret Adventures of Jules Verne" is just such a show.

Jules Verne was a 19^th-century French writer of such literary masterpieces as Around the World in 80 Days and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. "The Secret Adventures of Jules Verne," (affectionately truncated to SAJV by its fans) is based upon a simple premise; what if the fascinating people and outlandish devises Verne wrote about were not products of his imagination at all but rather real individuals and events?  The resulting explosion of on-screen creativity is a true delight! How often does one encounter a show that involves plot elements as bizarre and diverse as time travel, rocket-powered vampires, mechanical gunslingers, ancient curses and the Holy Grail?   Add escapades all over the world, glorious Victorian costuming, dastardly villains, fantastic backdrops, wondrous gadgets and complex characters and you have endless possibilities for adventure!

One of the first television shows to be filmed in a high definition format, SAJV features crisp visuals, remarkable special effects and panoramas of exquisite beauty.  The lighting effects, costuming and sets for this show offer an exceptional treat for the eyes.

However, it is the main characters themselves that lift this show above memorable to the level of "magical". We have the angst-ridden Phileas Fogg and his dynamic secret-agent cousin, Rebecca; the erratic genius/ funnyman, Passepartout and the young, idealistic and accident prone Jules Verne, for whom the show is named.  When they speak of "chemistry" among actors, they are speaking of actors who are able to set aside individual egos for the sake of the whole - an ensemble cast in which the sum is greater than the parts.  Such is the case with SAJV.  The cast members do not simply exchange dialogue, they converse.  They act and react TO each other - to gestures and temperament and expression, not simply to words in a script.  A raised eyebrow here, a subtle nod there, a half smile, an unfinished gesture, a nibbled lip… these actors have body language down to an art form.

Though SAJV does an excellent job of balancing the on-screen time of all four principal actors, the most intriguing character may well be Phileas Fogg, a self-retired secret service agent whose troubled psyche is rife with dark corners and unexpected traps.  Fogg, who continually gets coerced into aiding his cousin and Verne on their adventures, is played by the tall, dark and definitively handsome, Michael Praed.  Praed is perhaps best known for his role as Robin Hood in "Robin of Sherwood". Praed imbues Fogg with respectable upper-crust arrogance and a dangerous edge, both of which help disguise his occasional lapses into humanitarian sentiment. His Phileas is a wonderfully intricate persona with a depth of character all too rare in the television media.

Phileas' cousin, Rebecca Fogg, played brilliantly by theatrically trained Francesca Hunt, is far from your traditional "damsel in distress" - or state of undress - that tends to dominate science fiction fare.  The first female agent in the British Secret Service, Rebecca is a feisty, intelligent, self-confident woman, who is quite capable of taking care of herself.  She boldly defies restrictive Victorian mores and thumbs her nose at rules of etiquette, yet still manages to turn men's heads with her gorgeous looks and captivating manner. Many have compared her to a Victorian Emma Peel.  One moment she is resplendent in silk bodice and flounced hoop skirt, the next she is delivering a wicked right cross to the latest villain.

Jean Passepartout is Phileas Fogg's personal valet, obtained with a winning hand during a card game at the opening of the series.  Passepartout owes his playful whimsy to the incomparable talents of Michel Courtemanche, an award winning comedic entertainer.  Passepartout is more than a valet; he is an intrinsic part of the team, and his comical mangling of the English language and sparkling wit add moments of levity to even the darkest episodes.

Jules Verne himself is played by Chris Demetral whose innocent expression and boyish charm are perfect for the role of the ingenuous visionary, Jules Verne.  Verne's passionate championing of the less fortunate and his impulsiveness are a source both of pride and exasperation for the Foggs.  Audiences are able to watch the callow, young Verne come of age, maturing as he gains experience and wisdom under the careful tutelage of the Fogg cousins. Not one to join in the fisticuffs, Verne usually manages to find a way to defeat the forces of evil using science and his brilliant intellect as his weapons of choice - a rather uplifting role model for those who can appreciate a hero who is more brain than brawn.

And one cannot overlook mention of the Aurora herself - Phileas Fogg's beautiful airship which plays a significant role in the series.

The actors bring this series to life, and have been surprisingly open to contact with fans. Since the program debuted on the Sci-Fi Channel in the U.S., those involved with SAJV have made a genuine effort to mix and mingle with devotees by posting on the show's bulletin board at Scifi.com.  They have also participated in numerous chats and have welcomed the idea of attending conventions.  In a world often jaded by individual concerns and interests, such a willingness to reach out to fans is especially appreciated.

The multiple-genre elements of SAJV allow it to appeal to a diverse group: to those who enjoy a strong female role model, to those who favor action and adventure, to admirers of Victorian fashion and lovers of historical drama and to those of a scientific bent. The enigmatic nature of the show itself makes it difficult to define and leaves broadcasting stations in a bit of a quandary as how exactly to promote it.  Is it science fiction?  It is fantasy?  Is it action adventure?  Is it historical drama?  Is it camp?  Perhaps one should opt for choice F: All of the above.

SAJV is excellent fare for the family with older children.  It scores low on the vulgarity, blood and gore scale, but extols many of the so-called "family values" such as friendship, integrity and perseverance - and it does so without soap-box preaching.  Hopefully, the show will find the large audience it deserves when it debuts in syndication.  Money has been set aside for a second season; however, whether filming occurs depends upon the ratings the show earns.

So, if you have an appreciation of the off-kilter and are seeking something outside the mainstream, something alternately brilliant and cheesy, something both humorous and tragic, something clever, cryptic and occasionally outrageous, this unique show may be exactly what you seek!  Those of us who have fallen under SAJV's spell are passionate about the show's merit.  We find it eminently worthy of a second season (and many more!).  Please tune in and give "The Secret Adventures of Jules Verne" a chance.  You might be pleasantly surprised!