You take a showrunner who, while talented, likes to lets say get high on his own supply.
Sounds metal; is boring.
Also in the first hour is just moment after moment of fantasy cliche with a slightly higher body count.
Sutters wife Katey Sagal turns up as the witch Annora, who says silly, witchy things.
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And thats about it for the dull first hour.
Thankfully, theres a second.
I didnt make it past a season or two ofSons of Anarchy.
Not that I hated it - it was certainly a work with a strong creative vision.
I just didnt love it and other stuff got in the way.
Its frustrating because the second half of the premiere episode is so damn watchable.
The turning point involves, like almost every aspect of the pilot, extreme violence.
The Baron receives word of this and, apparently at light speed, takes off to the village.
The latter is particularly gruesome.
And it will likely launch plenty of regrettableThronescomparisons in the days to come.
You thought them stabbing a pregnant ladys stomach inGame of Throneswas bad, dude?
You get to basically see inside the womb to the dead baby in this!
Which is exactly what this episode needed and quickly.
When Wilkin picks up the sword again its actually pretty cool and satisfying.
*
*Gruffud or The Wolf is played by Welsh actor Matthew Rhys of FXs best dramaThe Americans.
And its clear that he can barely contain his glee to be playing a Welsh badass.
In the melee, Wilkin receives a side wound and passes out.
Annora, it turns out, has been affected by the same visions Wilkin has.
The angels words werent figurative, they were literal.
The Bastard Executionerspilot ends in a much more interesting place than its beginning would suggest.
If nothing else, Kurt Sutter deserves credit for rightly assumingA Knights Talewas due for a grittier television homage.
Rating:
3 out of 5
