As beautifully filmic this series is, the use of regular rapes as a means of providing gratuitous violence and nudity, cheapens this otherwise cinematic experience. In terms of artistry I’ve rarely watched anything better. Fantastic sets, beautifully shot, and an inspiring and epic soundtrack, this is a show one can only hope will shift to higher ground.
One, even two rape scenes might have been acceptable IF these were critical to plot development. And even if we grant the producers this as a vehicle for character establishment, the need for excess nudity as commodity is simply distracting. The director has clearly demonstrated his ability to draw us into the emotion of a scene without relying on cheap tricks, so one can only assume that there is a percentage of screen time that is allocated to appealing to those who do not find the production exciting enough without it.
This story, the great acting, and even the somewhat lame time-travel conundrums are all acceptable, but I sincerely hope that the producers decide that this should become an epic series, not just another in a long list of shows showcasing graphic violence. There is so much more potential here.
This solid raft of actors certainly deserves to succeed. This is every bit as engaging as White Queen. However, to engage and hold an audience’s attention over time it will take more than cheap tricks. Go for the DEPTH and not the DEPRAVATION, is my advice. The writers (producers) want us to believe that the British people were barely better than barbarian hordes. As violent as the English were, and as bloody as their conflicts with the Highlanders were, this series (so far) tries to convince us that about 1 in 3 Scottish/English soldiers of the period were basically rapists. This does not come off as honest.
Halfway through is as good a time as any to save this show, and time to re-think the direction of some of this story-telling.
Otherwise there have been few series developed that show more promise. Great job, great art. How about some real heart?
iTunes has not given us the last ½ of the series. Why? The Finale is about to be presented on Starz Network, and we’re still looking at the first 8 shows only. What gives??
Hoping for a little more light.