El Cid

I'm gladly finishing the last episode of this 1st season, and completely love it. When I read another users reviews I think they forget that this is a TV SHOW! It's not a documentary neither a facsimile of Ibéric medieval times. But as a tv show it's very impressive, has a well Rhythm, a beautiful photography, scenography and overall costumes, the action sequences are superb. I can even say that for me this is better than Vikings at least in this first season

This is a well made, high production value, historical drama. Definitely worth the subtitle effort to avoid the dub (the dub sounds luke a HS theater dept made it). Solid acting, a good plot, character development and pacing. Left me wanting the next episode after finishing the 5 episode run in an evening.

I am a Spanish citizen who have deeply studied this critical time in histroy in Spain, during the transition of different empires and dominant religions. I can proudly say that the give a fairly impartial view on Islam, Christianity and how they lived back then. It is compeltely true that muslims were allowed to drink in Spain; Al-Andalus was part of the Islamic empire but they had their own interpretation of the Quran and they were very open minded about other religions. I am certainly happy this show made it to Amazon Prime so that the entire world can be educated on such an exciting time in history!

Firstly i find it funny that the latest reviewer - random 70778 - is critical of a historian who enjoyed the show. This reviewer makes out they know the historical inaccuracies in El Cid - while claiming that the Vikings never raided Spain in the 11th Century, when in fact Viking raids were a common occurrence in the 11th Century due to Spain being en route to Jerusalem - a route taken often by Olaf II of Norway. As for the Panteon - it was completed by Sancha after she was widowed - so it isn't as far off as this reviewer claims.

As for the program - it is good. It is more accurate, historically, than most historic dramas. It is well acted and keeps you interested throughout. It is not perfect but it is a far better offering than a lot produced lately. It reminds me of the quality and production values of Romulus.

Skeptical, but nevertheless intrigued, I started watching this Amazon Exclusive mini-series of 5 episodes three days ago.

After the ending credits, I am not disappointed at all. Even if a few times the directors failed in keeping the momentum of the major plot scenes, El Cid represent a marvel for historical-thrillers. I really enjoyed watching it. The cast is good, the soundtrack is nice to hear, even if not memorable. The special effects, costumes and locations are a real pleasure to look at.

It would be 9 out of 10 stars for me, but I guess I can gift an extra star, not only because it's Christmas time, but because this was a good try in creating a tasty new historical series that deserves attention and a little kick for becoming even greater.