The Bastard Executioner

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

I see this show as proof of how much the bar has been raised in television over the last ten years. I am sure that this show would have been seen as edgy and cool a decade ago, but today it feels distinctly mediocre.

The Bastad Executioner has a few major flaws which mostly emanate from the writing. First of all, it's difficult to really feel any sympathy for any of the characters, they feel very thin. Even though horrible things happen to them, I can't really be made to care. Also, this show has a staggering amount of very brutal violence. In my experience, violence and sex is often used to distract from poor writing, and this is a good example.

Acting is fair, although the main character has the charisma of a glass of water. With a strong lead, some of the weaknesses might have been alleviated. Stephen Moyer seems to have fun, but mostly the field is quite weak. I don't usually mind Katey Sagal, but she is awful here with her forced eastern accent.

In the end, this show is very forgettable (except perhaps to those sensitive to violence) and honestly you can probably find a dozen shows more worthy of your time right now.

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.

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.