They picked up some actors from "Spartacus" and "Vikings" that do a nice job on this series, but it just lacks something. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I'll try. It does get better after the first episode, but it never really hits the spot in the same vein of the other shows I mentioned. They know people are eating up awesome period piece shows with violence and intrigue, and I know the product they were searching for, but it could have been done a little better.
The whole plot line of the grail being an actual item(it was more likely kabbalistic knowledge or some secrets that could harm the church) detracts from this show, in my humble opinion. We have already seen a lot of stuff that suggests a more esoteric degree to this saga, but they choose to make it a kid's quest about a rusty cup. Umm...Ok. The characters are ok, but everything feels a bit modernized and PC for the period.
Seriously? Muslims and Turks walking around in France in broad daylight in the 1300s? Maybe a few that were sneaking around or whatnot, but whole groups of them that drop down chimneys like Santa Claus or accost knights in the streets of Europe??? LOL. Just seems absurd to me for the period and the hatred going on between them and Christendom at the time.
Some of the motivations of the characters make no sense at times. The templar master is an idiot who knocks up the king's wife??? Wow, talk about stupid and beyond belief-- reminds me of the son of John Redcorn on King of the Hill-- where only the dumb dad doesn't know his wife is getting banged by some Indian dude. The Templar master's behavior is so hypocritical and idiotic at times.
Something about the film or lighting seems phony at times, too. It always makes you feel like you are watching a play or a digital dress-up set, instead of fully immersing you like Vikings or Spartacus do. The script ranges from ok to childish.
The historical accuracy is so far removed from reality that it truly takes away from the program. Some liberties are understandable, but replacing Jacque de Molay with this other dude, and throwing in people, ages, and attitudes that are all wrong really detracts from the great period, costumes, and general idea.
I have trudged on through the first season, and it is watchable, but I can see the disappointment from adults who really wanted a smarter and grittier piece that makes more sense. However, a few plot twists have surprised me, and the action and costumes are good, so I will see what develops.
The whole plot line of the grail being an actual item(it was more likely kabbalistic knowledge or some secrets that could harm the church) detracts from this show, in my humble opinion. We have already seen a lot of stuff that suggests a more esoteric degree to this saga, but they choose to make it a kid's quest about a rusty cup. Umm...Ok. The characters are ok, but everything feels a bit modernized and PC for the period.
Seriously? Muslims and Turks walking around in France in broad daylight in the 1300s? Maybe a few that were sneaking around or whatnot, but whole groups of them that drop down chimneys like Santa Claus or accost knights in the streets of Europe??? LOL. Just seems absurd to me for the period and the hatred going on between them and Christendom at the time.
Some of the motivations of the characters make no sense at times. The templar master is an idiot who knocks up the king's wife??? Wow, talk about stupid and beyond belief-- reminds me of the son of John Redcorn on King of the Hill-- where only the dumb dad doesn't know his wife is getting banged by some Indian dude. The Templar master's behavior is so hypocritical and idiotic at times.
Something about the film or lighting seems phony at times, too. It always makes you feel like you are watching a play or a digital dress-up set, instead of fully immersing you like Vikings or Spartacus do. The script ranges from ok to childish.
The historical accuracy is so far removed from reality that it truly takes away from the program. Some liberties are understandable, but replacing Jacque de Molay with this other dude, and throwing in people, ages, and attitudes that are all wrong really detracts from the great period, costumes, and general idea.
I have trudged on through the first season, and it is watchable, but I can see the disappointment from adults who really wanted a smarter and grittier piece that makes more sense. However, a few plot twists have surprised me, and the action and costumes are good, so I will see what develops.