‘Queen’ Is Just a Pretender to ‘Zorro’s’ Throne

Television always can use another strong heroine to join the ranks of “Xena: WarriorPrincess” and “Relic Hunter,” but the pretty protagonist in “Queen of Swords” misses the mark. By a lot.

Clumsy and listless, the new syndicated series premiering today on KCOP-TV centers on Spanish aristocrat Tessa Alvarado (Tessie Santiago), a slender beauty in black who wields a pointed weapon in the grand tradition of “Zorro.” Alas, nothing else is remotely grand in this one-hour adventure modeled on the oft-told tale of a masked avenger in old California.

Alvarado returns from Spain after the death of her father, who’s been murdered by Capt. Grisham (Anthony Lemke), a snide soldier doing the dirty work for the corrupt Col. Montoya (Valentine Pelka).

A considerable chunk of today’s dull debut elapses before Alvarado hits on the notion of wearing a lace mask and riding to the rescue of the poor and oppressed.

No one, of course, suspects her as the do-good heroine, least of all the dense duo of Grisham and Montoya.

Modestly budgeted, this small-scale saga cries out for the zest, style and humor that powered “The Mask of Zorro,” the spirited film with Antonio Banderas.

In what must have been a prerequisite for the show, a few members of this underwhelming cast have invested their time in fencing lessons. What they really required, however, was more acting lessons.

* “Queen of Swords” premieres today at 3 p.m. on KCOP-TV. The series is rated TV-PG (may be unsuitable for young children).