The Bastard Executioner

Taking cues from Robin Hood and Braveheart, The Bastard Executioner is a tale of a warrior who has been forsaken by his kingdom and now on a warpath for vengeance. Instead of doing the stealthy guerrilla warfare, he opts for infiltration and direct slaughter. There are many fantasy aspects at plays here, from the unlawful monarch to supernatural premonition, but aside from extreme gore The Bastard is hardly memorable compared to other fantasy series.

The setting is in medieval Wales, where aristocrat rules with iron hand. There are many corruptions and Wilkin (Lee Jones), as one of the knights suffers from the repercussion of the ruler's ominous act. He escapes his destiny by donning another man's identity.

Perhaps the most hindrance this series has to deal with is how to differentiate itself. At times it looks a lot like other medieval action. The cast consists of many actors who have experience on TV series, although aside from Wilkin and a couple of other characters, they seem too identical to stereotype knight, shady magistrate or lady royalty.

Its introduction to these characters is plenty, yet majority of them don't have the hook for audience to invest in. Furthermore, the use of premonition, warrior deserter and awkward CGI has been done so many times by movies or other series. It does set a world filled with anguish and while the bleak ambiance can be engaging, there's barely any charm here.

The best set pieces it has to offer is definitely the action sequences. It's one of the most brutal showings in recent TV. Blood and limbs fly relentlessly, it doesn't even try to hide the massacre as camera intentionally focus on the killing. While this may seem excessive or blatant, it at least dares to depict the appropriate bloodbath fitting of its theme.

However, simply having chaotic action isn't enough to substitute its fundamental drama. There's certainly an effort for political or private relationship and The Bastard Executioner is decent enough to be an alternative medieval series, but it's just not the same level as Vikings, Game of Thrones or even Sons of Anarchy.

I have to wonder if the people giving it the bad reviews have even watched the series. Now I know that it won't be to everyone's taste. But if you like Medieval period, or Game of thrones you have a chance of liking this. Someone has to defend this show it might as well be me. I believe this show has a good cast, and I'd like to see more of this type of show on cable. If this show is given the time it needs for character development I believe that it will continue, and improve with Time. So I say give this show a chance, and you might like what you see. I don't think that you could find a better cast they all do fine work.

This is the first time that I have felt it necessary to review a series so I shall keep it short and spoiler free.

Maybe I am at an advantage, having never seen any of Mr Sutter's other work. My interest in this series was piqued by the fact that it is set in Wales and is being filmed close to my home. I have visited the film location and found it intriguing. I am not a history buff so cannot attest to the accuracy of the set itself, the props or the period clothing. I suspect that these aren't intended to be the main focus of the production anyway.

The pilot was aired in two parts and I believe offers a good basis for what will hopefully become at least a couple of seasons of vicious, medieval action loosely depicting life in those times. Yes, I spotted a few minor flaws in the sets etc, even with my limited knowledge of history. The story, however, although not the most original, leaves many avenues for exploration.

I felt the need to stick up for the pilot because I think it was fine in terms of content and character development. I have seen a lot worse in shows which went on to become very popular and score highly on IMDb stats etc.

The main prompt for this review though is that many critics here seem to be comparing Kurt Sutter's other work to this and I struggle to see how this is relevant. To me, this is akin to comparing Chitty Chitty Bang Bang with one of the Bond movies, they are very different pieces.

Being unburdened by experience of Sutter's other works meant that I could take the pilot on face value and, whilst I would have made a few changes, I believe he deserves the benefit of the doubt and that the end result will vindicate him.

On the definite plus side for me, it is nice to see Katey Segal again, the last time being Married With Children. Her character in The Bastard Executioner is quite a contrast and in my opinion she aces it.

I look forward to seeing what happens next.

This show gets better and better and is now my "top watch" for the week. The first 2 episodes are harder to deal with but set up the plot line somewhat. There will be gore so I don't allow my kids in room while watching. As the show progresses, you see a lot of characters evolving in a way that leaves you wanting more and more. I believe it to be fairly accurate in time, nothing is jumping out at me as incorrect. Dismiss early on reviews, this show has a lot of promise and later episodes really make for great TV. I DVR'd the first 5 episodes and ended up binge watching to find out what happens next, then was left with a feeling of incompletion and heaviness. Kept thinking about it throughout the week as well while waiting for the next episode. Not many shows can make you feel that way. (Have watched & reviewed: From series premiere through 10/20/15 showing. There is a 2 week hiatus and it returns on 11/3/15).

The Bastard Executioner is an utterly brutal and uncompromising look at the price of imperialism and the inhumanity that comes in its wake.

Set in the 14th century Britain and Wales this series offers up a glimpse into the carnage and misery caused by Britain's imperialist ambitions as it seeks to conquer and pacify its neighbours, the Welsh.

Focusing on one Welsh soldier wearied by war and bloodshed we see how he like those around him is shaped by events he has little control over.

This series is an interesting premise that has a certain honesty about it. Knights and the so called nobility are seen for the murderous, sadistic thugs they really were. Indeed, this reflects the reality of what the Norman caste system was all about, entrenched, ritualized inequity and predatory economic parasitism.

The acting is of a good standard and there are a few well known faces, such as Stephen Moyer, of the True Blood series. The story is an interesting one too. That said, the extremes of violence depicted in this series may be a blood soaked trip too far for some. I have a strong stomach but even I was shocked by what I saw at times.

As it stands I'll offer up a seven out of ten for The Bastard Executioner, which I may review as the series progresses.