SummaryBeowulf (Kieran Bew) returns to his hometown after 20 years to pay respects to the Thane of Herot, Hrothgar (William Hurt) and his wife Rheda (Joanne Whalley) in this ITV-produced drama based on the classic poem.
SummaryBeowulf (Kieran Bew) returns to his hometown after 20 years to pay respects to the Thane of Herot, Hrothgar (William Hurt) and his wife Rheda (Joanne Whalley) in this ITV-produced drama based on the classic poem.
Even the most cerebral series in the genre (which Beowulf certainly is not) should still appeal somewhat to viewers’ collective dragon brain, especially if it’s the kind of show that might have an actual dragon in its future. And after seeing those trolls bound across the sand less than 30 seconds in, Beowulf definitely seems like that kind of show.
The 13-episode series may be imitative, but it’s well plotted, acted and directed. Bew is solid in the title role as is Speleers who, despite his odd Ed Grimley haircut, is every bit the petty, envious and devious villain you’d want Beowulf to face.
For fans of fantasy, this might be worth a try; there’s just enough of interest to make one wonder if Beowulf’s future alliances and aspirations will place it within striking distance of “Vikings,” on par with the enjoyable “Shannara Chronicles” and maybe ahead of BBC America’s very similar drama, “The Last Kingdom.”
The fact remains that sword 'n' sheepskin is now a genre, and even if you are taking it back to its roots, you have to bring something new. Creators James Dormer, Tim Haines, and Katie Newman do not. Instead, they seem content to simply join the heroic hordes, relying on ever-improving CG and familiar modern tropes--the witty best friend, a couple of feisty women, court roiling with intrigue--to extend the narrative and cinematic limits of the original text.