The series follows the story of a warrior knight in King Edward The Thirds facing more different paths when he vows to lay his sword. This rider discovers violence again, having to carry the most bloody sword of all time. Now, there appears to be a different conspiracy and repercussions of the revolt of Madog ap Llywelyn Welsh.
With visibly second-tier production values, The Bastard Executioner feels a bit more like people playing dress up than the best works in its genre should.
The two-hour pilot takes a long time setting up the show's true intention... But when it does get there, it's a worthy journey of self-preservation and exploration of the human soul.
Granted, the fact that he then becomes responsible for executing people he sympathizes with is interesting, but the show's writers mine Brattle's emotional turmoil for only a fraction of its potential depth and intrigue.
I can't see Sagal's story line improving much in the coming weeks, unless she gets a bob, but, with all the good material mixed into this bold series, I'm more than willing to be surprised.
Like its nefarious Englishmen, The Bastard Executioner holds a sharp blade to our necks to demand respect. So far, though, it does little else to earn it.
Thematically, Sutter is back in his wheelhouse, and that's what was likely most appealing to FX, and will be to those who miss Jax Teller and the gang.