The Bastard Executioner

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.

I have been watching this series since the beginning, and find it quite well done as to costumes, scenery, production values in general. I nearly fell out of my seat, however, when Wilkin picks up a bible in the home of the executioner and says to the son something like "Exodus is my favorite book." Bibles appear in later episodes as well in the hands of lay people, and a cherished personal bible is central to one of the later episodes.

Basic history of England, folks, there were no English language bibles prior to 1380, and the fact that lay people could not read bibles, which were in Latin Vulgate, became the impetus for revolution many, many years later. By setting this in the time of Edward II, who died in the early 14th century, this plot point, minor as it may be, is a jarring anachronism.

OMG...I'm in so much shock. Being an avid SOA fan and After so much anticipation for this show, what a let down. The first scene (dream) was an absolute waste and shouldn't have been shown at all in my opinion. That actors "war cry" was more like a welp cry. If you don't have the conviction to do it, cut it out. Ugh. And while Katey Segal was absolutely brilliant in SOA, she doesn't feel right for this part at all. Perhaps it's the bad accent? Whatever it is, she doesn't fit. Stephen Moyer is great and more natural in this (I wasn't a fan of him in Trueblood). My favourite character is the guy who loves the animals and talks to them. And let's not even get started on how poorly done that white/grey castle in the background (and up close) is. Heck, when the band came across their entire village being killed, I felt like they lost their livestock...it was so bad (especially the primary actor). This felt like I was watching a high school play. Some actors were believable, but I think the failure here is on Sutter for how it plays out in the end. I hope they flesh it out and I hope it becomes brilliant...I don't think I will keep watching it though. Just being honest. Oh, btw, Griffith is pretty hot at least lol

If you are looking for complex character driven intrigue cloaked in a gritty, yet high quality medieval aesthetic, "The Bastard Executioner" is for You. TBE utilizes good looking props, costumes and sets and well choreographed action to create a exceedingly believable medieval world. Complex character interests ground a narrative with enormous entertainment potential. Driven by Lee Jones, who brings an atypical freshness to the lead role as Executioner. Additionally, Katey Sagal delivers in her performance as very cool and interesting druid character. As usual, TBE's future will ultimately rest on story quality and character development. For now, the show contains enough solid aspects to warrant continued watching as the intrigue unfolds.

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.