This new historical drama based on the Ken Follett novel of the same name is well worth watching and a must see for any historical fan. It is set in the fictional English town of Kingsbridge at the onset of the Hundred Years' War and (coming soon) the Black Death.
Sure it had political intrigue, backstabbing and more hangings than ham in a smokehouse. What makes it stands out is the generous production that historical dramas rarely get. You can thank Tony and Ridley Scott for backing this worthy tale and the set locations that sets the stage. The acting as good so far, nothing great with one notable exception Cynthia Nixon takes to her role deftly.
The first episode opens with Edward II surrendering to his French wife who crowns their son Edward III. In the aftermath of the war certain nobles are accused of treason by supporting the defeated king. Lands are forfeited, families destroyed and a slew of characters from the hot queen (Aure Atika) to a corpse picking mercenary keeps the pace moving without getting confusing.
Aside from the royal treachery the show deals attacks medieval medicine in a humorous and sometimes heavy handed way. The old healer Brother Joseph (David Bradley) adheres to bloodletting and dung poultices while the barber's daughter (Indira Varma) embraces herbal medicine and is predictably accused of witchcraft.
Excellent writing, great editing and a commendable cast makes this viewer want to watch the series that preceded it, The Pillars of the Earth.
Sure it had political intrigue, backstabbing and more hangings than ham in a smokehouse. What makes it stands out is the generous production that historical dramas rarely get. You can thank Tony and Ridley Scott for backing this worthy tale and the set locations that sets the stage. The acting as good so far, nothing great with one notable exception Cynthia Nixon takes to her role deftly.
The first episode opens with Edward II surrendering to his French wife who crowns their son Edward III. In the aftermath of the war certain nobles are accused of treason by supporting the defeated king. Lands are forfeited, families destroyed and a slew of characters from the hot queen (Aure Atika) to a corpse picking mercenary keeps the pace moving without getting confusing.
Aside from the royal treachery the show deals attacks medieval medicine in a humorous and sometimes heavy handed way. The old healer Brother Joseph (David Bradley) adheres to bloodletting and dung poultices while the barber's daughter (Indira Varma) embraces herbal medicine and is predictably accused of witchcraft.
Excellent writing, great editing and a commendable cast makes this viewer want to watch the series that preceded it, The Pillars of the Earth.