The Bastard Executioner (2015) User Reviews

Either you like it, or you don't

[Shengalang · 7/10 · 17 September 2015]

Two big things grabbed my attention when I researched The Bastard Executioner. The first was that it is directed by Kurt Sutter, the same person who created Sons of Anarchy. The second thing was that this show is set in a medieval time-line. I was immediately intrigued and was dead set on watching the 2 hour pilot premiere.

The story was OK for the most part, nothing too game changing. The show started out very Robin-hood like. A corrupt Lord started raising taxes on the people he ruled over, causing a group of peasants (and one particular peasant knight) to revolt and fight back. They gave the stolen goods back to it's people, but unfortunately, their identity was discovered. This caused the lord to raid their village and all hell breaks lose. The story develops a lot more than that, but I don't want to give away too much. If what I've described interested you, then you should give this show a chance.

One thing that stands out the most is the gore. OH.MY.GOD. I'm not trying to spoil anything for you, but if you don't like seeing entrails, women getting stabbed, a fetus, neck slitting, or dismemberment, then this is definitely not the show for you. I didn't even know a network like Fox would allow some of this stuff to go through. Don't get me wrong, I'm perfectly fine with most of that stuff, but that scene in the village after the group comes back....my jaw dropped.

Needless to say, this show definitely grabbed my attention. I will continue to follow the series and update this review to let you guys know if it's worth watching.

Mediocre

[Antagonisten · 5/10 · 12 January 2016]

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.

Good production values, historically inaccurate

[LucyLou2013 · 5/10 · 7 October 2015]

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.

Utterly brutal

[s3276169 · 7/10 · 16 September 2015]

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 enjoyed the Bastard Executioner

[dale463 · 8/10 · 23 October 2015]

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.

Premature reviews by all above

[Prestonoswalt · 20 September 2015]

Anyone who judges a show or writes a show off after only watching one episode is a complete idiot. Just like all the idiots who decided not to watch game of thrones because they didn't like the first episode. These are character driven series. Game of thrones is awesome because of the way the characters develop. This show will do the same. Enemies will become friends, likable character will become hated, and the boring will become exciting. Characters have not developed and the plot hasn't thickened yet. So hold your criticism for a few more episodes before you say no to this show.

The cast is great and this show has all of the awesome Kurt Sutter violence you could ask for. So chill out and watch.

Bumpy Start, but...

[garycon3 · 7/10 · 21 September 2015]

I'm not usually a reviewer but felt compelled to write one after watching the two hour premiere of The Bastard Executioner (stylised as TBX). A period drama from the creator of Sons of Anarchy! Ed Sheeran to sing the title and have a small part! One of the most anticipated shows of the new TV season! Who wouldn't be excited?

On paper this show was going to be the next big thing. Most TV news sites had already hyped it up so I sat down eager to immerse myself into a world of blood, gore, drama, castles and sword battles. First off, I've seen a lot of people complaining about the use of sex and violence in the opening episode. It was not that long ago when shows such as Rome, The Tudors, True Blood, Spartacus, Da Vinci's Demons and even Game of Thrones built they're foundation on scenes of sex and violence. It's what gave cable shows they're appeal so I find it a little unfair that TBX is being slated for following the same format. The show is designed to make you flinch so if that's not what you're into, don't watch it!!

That being said I was disappointed with the first episode; at the beginning at least. The opening scene was littered with bad camera work, lazy editing and terribly cheap special effects. This was followed by a title sequence that felt low budget and below par for a show of this type. It's like they spent all the budget hiring Ed Sheeran to sing the theme song so had no choice but to hire a media student to rustle up some shots to go with it. The poor editing, bad effects and awkward acting continue after the title sequence and for a few minutes I couldn't believe I was watching an A-list show. It would have felt more at home in a late night slot on the SyFy network. However, just when I thought I was going to have to turn it off early, Katey Sagal appeared almost unrecognisable. Her presence renewed my interest and she was compelling as an Eastern European witch. From then on the TBX started to climb up hill. The unusual editing had stopped, the actors seemed to be more comfortable and the story started to appeal. In fact, the struggle up hill continued and I have to say I'm so impressed that the climb didn't stop. All of a sudden the two hours were over and I found myself excited for the next episode. There was drama, shock, twists and turns galore!!

Don't get me wrong TBX still has a lot to achieve in order to be in the same league as some of the fore-mentioned shows but after such a bumpy start this show has made a speedy and worthy recovery. I will gladly continue to watch it and I'm confident that the ratings will improve as TBX finds its way.

Soooo bad! Lazy and awful!

[mahrirram · 1/10 · 17 September 2015]

I generally love FX and period programming so this should have been a match made in heaven but what in the world were they thinking with "The Bastard Executioner"?

I understand they cannot please all of the people all of the time but an attempt should have been made. If the goal is to try to capitalize on the fame of historic shows currently produced like Vikings or Game of Thrones FX really should have done something to stand apart. The premise is shaky, the writing is awful and I have to assume fact checking wasn't even attempted.

What's so wrong... Here we go **SPOILERS**

1) Whomever they used as a historic consultant, fire them! Or listen to them. They tried to set up the concept of being in 14th century wales by beating us to death with the horrible prologue at the beginning of the pilot. History is amazingly vast and full of wonderful stories, why did you not use anything relating to the time period? This would have actually stood a chance in a fantasy world IF not for the following...

2) The writing was awful, I mean seriously awful, the dialogue was trite and the story itself was predictable, I knew most of how the 2 hour pilot was going to go in the first 10 minutes. I stayed tuned in the attempt to give it a chance. The shepherd was gonna blow it, Wilkin Brattle was going to lose the wife and baby, this is all driven by prophecy and therefore the witch and her plagued (leprosy-ridden?)companion had to make it so. Characters are much better if they have choices rather than being forced into prophecy. Its LAZY writing.

3) The armor and weapons… Oh. My. God. The only explanation for this is everyone wielding magical vorpal weaponry. Either their chainmail is made of tin foil or all blades are magic. There is no reason for armor to rend like it did, there is no reason for sleeves to split and for one hack of a sword to cut through it. I don't care how strong you are, you cannot put a knife through someone's head that easily not once but twice (the moor woman and Baron Ventris)- truly these must be magical weapons.

4) A bunch of rebel fighters who suddenly get their hands on castle forged steel are not going to become good fighters- swordsmanship was a skill that time of the nobility, it took more training than just a few months smacking at each other in a field. Better writing with realistic weapons would have fixed this AND made Wilkin stand out more as a man who can actually use a sword correctly.

5) There was a huge battle between the English soldiers and the Scots in which Wilkin Brattle participated at the beginning. All units of that time had camp followers and corpse pickers. Yet they had an amazingly bare battlefield- this would have taken a few extras to correct, almost no money… Lazy again.

6) The original executioner was laughable- they had a man being skinned and torn apart to introduce their "punisher". He was still and silent until he manages to spit out a gag then gives us a little scream. Clearly FX is trying for the shocking violence and gore but frankly it was laughable.

7) What is with all the branding and burning? - yes it was common in the time period but it didn't work like they portray. Burning is awfully hard on the body- the original executioner would be dead from infection or from renal failure with his penance after beating his wife and son. When flesh is burned the kidneys have to work extra hard to clean up the dead cells in the blood stream, "burning yourself to renew your faith is bullshit". If Wilkin is trying to cover for that then he needed a better line. Yes flagellists did this sometimes, look up how long they lasted. (Hint: The goal wasn't lasting, it was to get God's attention and earn forgiveness- the goal was to meet him soon and look good doing it!)

8) In 14th century Wales you expect us to believe there is a Moor couple, but only one, in ultra-Christian lands extremely far from the middle-east and not in a time period for slaves to be brought back to Wales? And the woman is clearly praying in a format that is extremely Islamic in Christian Wales? I know you have to have token ethnicity but seriously, that is just insulting to people of color to make a throw away character black for the sake of ethnicity.

9) Why do your men folk show so little emotion at losing their homes, not just fire and death but to outright slaughter? Why was the stupid shepherd left to give away their position? I smell a bad plot device… If they were serious about not getting caught they would have done things so much differently; clearly they all wanted to be single men on a vengeance quest. Again Lazy writing and really a lack of creativity too.

This is seriously the worst thing on television and I do not see hope of it getting better. I didn't think there was a thing worse than reality television. They can only ride the idiot appeal of Sex and violence for so long before the premium cable networks will out do them.

It's worth the watch

[stankactorman · 8/10 · 4 October 2015]

THE BASTARD EXECUTIONER: (FX) If you're going to steal ideas, steal from the best and that's what the Bastard has done. It out-bloodies Game of Thrones, it has the atmosphere and spectacle of Outlander and a plot devise taken straight out of The Return of Martin Guerre / Sommersby. and a cast of thousands. However, the show captures all this with a certain degree of success, if not excess. It is bloody (worth mentioning twice), gruesome, brutally violent (not for the squeamish) and all filmed in excruciatingly close close up. Basically, a good man from the 1400's turns vengeful when his family is massacred and his village is destroyed by the minions of the oppressive Baron when the people rebel against unfair taxation. He takes on the identity of another man and the wife of that man vouches for him because he displays a kinder version of the real SOB husband she had. His first duty is the execution the one man who knows who he truly is. And thus the tail begins. All the elements appear to be there. The language sounded a little artificial at first, but I guess that's the way they talked in 1400 Wales. Score: 8. It has potential.

This medieval adventure has no shortage of blood and carnage, but it's not as glorious as its more polished peers.

[quincytheodore · 6/10 · 16 September 2015]

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.

Not Good...Sorry Sutter!

[suvoth · 4/10 · 17 September 2015]

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

Bastards

[troydg84 · 10/10 · 16 September 2015]

In the last few days I have read negative reviews of this show comparing it to Sons of Anarchy and Game of Thrones. Both shows insanely entertaining and brilliant in their own way. It seems all Kurt Sutter's past accomplishments and accolades have turned on him, in this society everyone loves to hate. Of one thing I am certain, if no one had heard the man's name before last night's premiere of The Bastard Executioner, the world would be singing his praises. All of you out there that say you're fans of his work in the past, don't you think you owe him more than two hours before you turn on him and put negative reviews of his work out for all the world to read? I myself enjoyed the s**t out of the two hour premiere. Any one that picks up a book from time to time understands the process of character development and setting the table that will give a story the legs it needs to be entertaining and successful. I have my seat on the bandwagon and halfway through this season it'll be me pushing you back off once you've given the show a legitimate chance.

Entertaining and Good Looking

[CaptainReductio · 6/10 · 23 September 2015]

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.

Executioner

[tony-40810 · 5/10 · 5 August 2016]

Was so much looking forward to watching this executioner to find it very disappointing.The opening seen had a lot to be desired Acting not that great, Fighting seen rubbish and as for the story line needs more not quit sure what to think.There is no big name actors. Effects poor.

I have only watched the first episode hopefully it will improve.I was hoping it would have been good as the Vikings, Outlander and Spartacus. Not big names however they had you gripped for the very first episode.

If the episodes don't improve i don't think i would look forward to a second season. So let hope it can be all addressed so we can enjoy a very much Executioner

Giving it a chance

[dkirtley-701-901072 · 6/10 · 21 October 2015]

The first four episodes were almost totally un-watchable. It was just one poorly done cliché after the other. Not a single character to particularly like or dislike. Pretty much Galavant without the camp and catchy tunes. Surprised that the villains weren't actually twirling their mustaches.

Then in the next episodes they actually started developing characters. They started introducing at least some thin but bearable plot lines. It has a good cast that could really shine if given better materiel. It could actually turn into something worth watching. If they do, I will even forgive them the first four episodes.

As for the anachronisms mentioned in the earlier reviews here who apparently only watched a couple of the first episodes, let me say right now, "You ain't seen nothing yet."

Give it a chance!!

[samanthakilpatrick · 9/10 · 21 October 2015]

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).

Entertaining and different

[qck1 · 7/10 · 27 November 2015]

I find it funny that all of a sudden people expect originality. Even SOA was not particularly new, there are plenty of motorcycle gang movies around. Very few shows are truly original. However, it is different from almost everything else on TV. Yes there are a few movies, but almost all other shows are pretty much the same as some other show on TV. This one is a bit different, and cannot say there is anything that is particularly close that has ever been a TV show. Yes there is Vikings, and Robin Hood, and if you go to movies there is Braveheart, and Rob Roy. If this were a modern era show, I do not think anybody would say it is a knock off. Also, expecting accuracy when not even the modern police shows are accurate. Very little that is created for entertainment is accurate. Vikings, and Outlander are also not particularly accurate. Just admit the show is not to your taste. I do not like the GOdfather, but I will not call it a bad film. Oh there are a few hokey parts, but can say that about practically any show. Still I did enjoy the show, and wish it would be renewed. M

Put simply - its bad.

[waynejch · 2/10 · 18 September 2015]

Despite its promising historical subject matter, Bastard Executioner falls flat in nearly every element of production. Its plot is woefully cliché, its performances are groan-inducing, and its dialogue is both stilted and ridden with hasty exposition. Camera work is jumpy and exhausting, and reckless editing makes it difficult to follow minute-to-minute events. BTX's gratuitous violence - and i do mean gratuitous - contributes little to the experience other than shock value. I could go on about over-dependence on CGI, tasteless stylistic choices, a general lack of authenticity, useless female characters, "boring-ness", etc., but i think you get the idea.

Do yourself a favor - watch something else.

Long live the Bastard Executioner

[lhenries · 10/10 · 2 November 2015]

This is an exceptional show, you must watch. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! Kurt Sutter and Katey Sagal are so fantastic, and the rest of the cast and crew are phenomenal..I am so glad that Kurt made this series, everything is so well done! Lee Jones does an awesome job portraying Wilkin Brattle along with all the awesome actors in this show. Kudos to Kurt Sutter and all the cast and crew that makes this PHENOMENAL SHOW I hope FX continues this series because it is well worth watching! The show takes you on an amazing journey and makes you feel like you are there in that period, it has become very addicting for me and my family and friends.

I expected better.

[bambamcho-992-969048 · 6/10 · 21 January 2021]

It would have been better without the dig at historical Christianity. And more believable. I was confused at the end. The attraction between Wilkins and the Baroness seemed to be older than we were led to believe, yet she didn't recognize him....? Still, it was ok.

Not a good start...

[bignate1979 · 5/10 · 16 September 2015]

As an SOA fan I decided to give Mr.Sutters new show a shot and all though it was not terrible it just didn't hit home for me. The two hour season premiere felt like it dragged on. Some scenes just felt ridiculous and uncalled for. One example is a man having a bowel movement with grunting sound effects. The only thing I could think of at that point was.. Am I watching an episode of South Park? Was that necessary showing a man struggle to drop a deuce? I mean I could be knit picking here but I found that uncalled for. Katey Sagal was a comforting face and I really love her as in actress. Her playing a witch was about the only cool thing for me. Also Stephen Moyer(True Blood)did a pretty good as well but the rest of the cast felt extremely mediocre. Not to mention some terrible British accents to boot. As for story telling It definitely has the Sutter flare to it. Either you love it or hate it!

All in all at this point not a good start in my opinion but I will keep watching for now. At least a few more episodes and hope for some improvement.

Has excellent potential but pilot could have been stronger.

[steve-peregrine-474-482497 · 9/10 · 22 September 2015]

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.

There's good and bad, and there's a fair amount of violence and torture.

[deloudelouvain · 6/10 · 29 March 2021]

Well I guess they didn't pick it up. It will be just one season for The Bast*rd Executioner. At least it's still watchable, as there's a kind of an ending, but it's clear they could have made more seasons of it. I did enjoy watching this show, even though it's not top quality, with good and bad decisions, good and bad scenes, good and average acting. The violence is what makes you keep watching it, the battle scenes are relatively good and brutal. Some other things are not that good though, like casting two English speaking actors to play French characters, that's just a bad move. Or giving Katey Sagal a most annoying and weird accent, that was also not a wise choice. I liked her as Peggy Bundy in Married With Children, and even as Gemma in Sons Of Anarchy, but in this show she's by far the worst character and actress. The soundtrack is also a perfect example of good and bad. The intro song is catchy getting after awhile, but the sound during the show is just not that well chosen. Also fading to grey between scenes is just not a wise decision. It makes it look cheap. The intro on the other hand looks very professional and is well made. That all said, it's worth a watch, and I would probably have watched more seasons if they didn't make that stupid decision again to cancel a show when it gets interesting.

This BASTARD Just Took Two Hours of My Life

[bailaangelita · 3/10 · 15 September 2015]

I LOVE period pieces, Middle Ages, UK accents and some well-place bloodshed (long live GoT!). I watch ANYTHING Medieval, Renaissance and fantasy age. I've been anticipating this show and wanted to like it so bad, but 30 minutes in and I have so many emotions and none of them good. I'm turned-off, a little sad, a little angry and a lot BORED. I'll be kind of vague so I won't "spoil" too much for anyone who hasn't seen it.

In the first 5 minutes there's stabbing, slicing, spurting gore and blood, bodies everywhere, a gratuitous sex scene that appears to be there purely for "shock" value and an unnecessary "dump" scene (same conversation could have been had while he was eating his morning porridge or whatever). They held out for another 15 minutes before adding some full on body flaying in front of a kid.

They don't even attempt to try to develop any of the characters first, so that you might actually care, or not care, about this one or that, which I would get if this was a movie. It's a TV series guys AND a TWO-HOUR pilot. You have way more leeway to try to make us like, or hate, or even know these people before blowing your entire wad in the pilot.

Then there's the teeth. Wow. The teeth. OK, I get that people in the Middle Ages probably didn't have pearly whites and they're attempting some realism. But, It's. SO. Distracting. There's GOT to be something in between Angelina Jolie and the extreme Gollum teeth they decided to go with here.

Worst of all it's SOOOOO super predictable. I practically recited the lines before they said them (SPOILER ALERT - after the village raid I literally said "kill them all" out loud, before the baron (or whoever he was) did. I called most of the plot in the same manner, so there was really no point to wasting my time watching this. Further in, they tossed in another even more gratuitous sex scene (if you haven't watched this you're probably wondering how much "more" it could get, but it did and it was also predictable).

The ONLY light for me was the surprise of Katey Sagal (who got all of the 3 stars gave this). I think she's the best character here, so far. And I have to give her MAD props for her range! To play Peggy Bundy, Gemma Teller Morrow, this witch (with a decent accent!) and all her roles in between. Wow. She's an amazing actor and SHE is the only reason I will give this show a few more episodes to try to win me over.

You might want to hear this

[kbohna · 1 December 2015]

Okay so so far it doesn't have the highest rating but it actually is very decent it's well done if you're familiar with the Creator he also made Sons of Anarchy which was a decent shows give it a chance if you can make it through the pilot which is 2 part I am sure you will enjoy it it gets better and better one thing I will say is that there's some neat things about the series that I have not yet scene why they occur something this magical maybe and some things to do with it's almost like there is a second story and it has to do with the Bible and stuff like that so I'm not quite sure what it's all going to lead up to but it definitely has my imagination wondering give it a chance and I'm sure you will enjoy it