The Bastard Executioner

:

Season 1
  • Network: FX
  • Series Premiere Date: Sep 15, 2015
User Score
6.1

Generally favorable reviews- based on 92 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 52 out of 92
  2. Mixed: 16 out of 92
  3. Negative: 24 out of 92
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User Reviews

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  1. FlyYouFools
    Oct 15, 2015
    8
    The background characters are pretty forgettable and the beginnings of the episodes could be better. But other then that, I absolutely love this show. The plot, the Characters, the world, everything.
  2. Neravarine
    Sep 24, 2015
    8
    Well every medieval themed tv show, movie, anime is good in my book, and this seems that it is going to have a lot of promise, but there are some things that I can not forgive and please do not take this as racist or homophobic( stupid word) : Every american tvshow/move must have black people and gay people now days, even if they do not fit the plot at all, I know that there were blackWell every medieval themed tv show, movie, anime is good in my book, and this seems that it is going to have a lot of promise, but there are some things that I can not forgive and please do not take this as racist or homophobic( stupid word) : Every american tvshow/move must have black people and gay people now days, even if they do not fit the plot at all, I know that there were black people then, but there were rare, rly rare in the island, and not to talk about gay people a.k.a sodomites at that time, they could not do it openly even if they were god damn royalty, they would get executed. This is why I am giving 8. But I do understand that there are factions in the industry that push those things.… Expand
  3. mcbevo
    Oct 19, 2015
    9
    I am really taken with this show--find it a good watch and period dramw while waiting for return of Outlander. Better I feel than BBCA's Last Kingdom. Enjoy how the mythology and characters are revealed slowly. allowing me to ruminate after each episode how I think things might develop. Love the 'historic' period and the Welsh settings. Glad to see Matthew Rhys guesting and Lee JonesI am really taken with this show--find it a good watch and period dramw while waiting for return of Outlander. Better I feel than BBCA's Last Kingdom. Enjoy how the mythology and characters are revealed slowly. allowing me to ruminate after each episode how I think things might develop. Love the 'historic' period and the Welsh settings. Glad to see Matthew Rhys guesting and Lee Jones is a hunky promising newcomer. Good to see Moyer again, no longer undead. Interesting how more shows are employing Australian actors and UK settings. Expect to see an Irish-set historic drama in a season or three. Hope Executioner succeeds and is renewed. I've watched each episode twice so far and am anticipating the remainder of first season. Violence and gore are expected in this historic period and, well, with an executioner as the leading character! There is a nobility and vulnerability about the executioner that coupled with the period depicted makes the violence mpre 'acceptable and expected. The moral crisis WIlken faces gives pause in each episode.… Expand
  4. agroeber
    Oct 14, 2015
    10
    The show starts off slowly with violence kind of ruling the roost. Soon after episodes 3 and 4 you notice you're becoming more involved with the characters and learning more about their past. You can't just jump in and base this show off it's pilot as it's clearly got a lot to bring to bear but takes a while to dust off the diamond that is hiding beneath the rocks.

    ****Update - One    The show starts off slowly with violence kind of ruling the roost. Soon after episodes 3 and 4 you notice you're becoming more involved with the characters and learning more about their past. You can't just jump in and base this show off it's pilot as it's clearly got a lot to bring to bear but takes a while to dust off the diamond that is hiding beneath the rocks.

    ****Update - One thing to note - Look at what I'm saying and when - Everyone else who critiqued the show did so when it first aired. No one really since then. Take a chance on the show and enjoy the ride it's well worth it's time and I imagine Sutter will reel you in like he has before.    … Expand
  5. LamontRaymond
    Sep 16, 2015
    9
    I'm not sure where the real criticism is coming from because I was enthralled by the first 2-hour episode. The lead actor is entirely watchable, and the story pulls you in. I know there is MUCH more about the basic plot that has yet to be revealed, but I'm impressed by what I've seen. The only weakness so far has been Katy. She was awesome in Sons, but her accent makes me cringe a bitI'm not sure where the real criticism is coming from because I was enthralled by the first 2-hour episode. The lead actor is entirely watchable, and the story pulls you in. I know there is MUCH more about the basic plot that has yet to be revealed, but I'm impressed by what I've seen. The only weakness so far has been Katy. She was awesome in Sons, but her accent makes me cringe a bit here. Hope she cleans that up as things roll along.… Expand
  6. Qishere
    Sep 16, 2015
    8
    Be warned; this Medieval world can be a dark, over-the-top violent world that goes beyond brutal, but it is also an idyllic Bruegel painting filled with kindness, love and humanity, and that's what makes this show an engrossing entertainment. From the first historic English battle to the gentle appearance of an angel/witch (?) who seems to rescue the warrior-soldier , these moments ofBe warned; this Medieval world can be a dark, over-the-top violent world that goes beyond brutal, but it is also an idyllic Bruegel painting filled with kindness, love and humanity, and that's what makes this show an engrossing entertainment. From the first historic English battle to the gentle appearance of an angel/witch (?) who seems to rescue the warrior-soldier , these moments of dread and love had me glued to the TV screen--this two hour pilot just flew by. If casting is 80% the reason for the success of the show, then this show has a 90% casting success. All of the characters, who are so multifaceted, are flesh and blood people who survive this violent time by their own morality code which clashes with each other---and sometimes they are helped along to their destiny by super-natural forces. I can't fathom why there are any negative reviews of this show, but let me predict, when the word gets out, this show will be a ratings winner.… Expand
  7. cheinric
    Sep 17, 2015
    9
    Hard to watch all of the violence and gore and I am hoping that this will not be a usual and customary format but rather delve more into the history of the times
  8. TonyaMcCann
    Nov 12, 2015
    10
    My husband and I absolutely cannot wait for Tuesday nights! It is by far one of our new favorite shows. It literally keeps me on the edge of my seat. I love the characters, the setting, very intriguing. Its very different from everything else that is on TV. It is a refreshing change and the suspense is so addicting. We absolutely 100% love this show. The Bastard Executioner is our #1 pickMy husband and I absolutely cannot wait for Tuesday nights! It is by far one of our new favorite shows. It literally keeps me on the edge of my seat. I love the characters, the setting, very intriguing. Its very different from everything else that is on TV. It is a refreshing change and the suspense is so addicting. We absolutely 100% love this show. The Bastard Executioner is our #1 pick for new shows. I even told my husband the other night, "What are we going to do after the season finale?" I just wish it would stay on year around. I rate this show 5 stars!!!!… Expand
  9. kozzy420
    Sep 16, 2015
    10
    Amazing show! Great characters, good story and enjoyable dialogue. Also great gritty look to the show and some good cinematography. Nice acting all around and the violence is well done. Thankfully it isn't just about the gore though, this really is a wonderful mix of good writing and action.

    Kurt Sutter has hit another homerun with this, it is like a gumbo pot mix of Game of Thrones,    Amazing show! Great characters, good story and enjoyable dialogue. Also great gritty look to the show and some good cinematography. Nice acting all around and the violence is well done. Thankfully it isn't just about the gore though, this really is a wonderful mix of good writing and action.

    Kurt Sutter has hit another homerun with this, it is like a gumbo pot mix of Game of Thrones, Tudoors, Braveheart and Robin Hood. He did very well writing on The Shield and not to bad on Sons of Anarchy to, so far this is a great start!

    Alot of reviewers complain about it being to slow? A slog? What? This and Mr Robot have had the best Pilot eps so far this year imo. Can't wait for next weeks episode. This is another great show from FX to go with Justified, Fargo, The Shield and Sons Of Anarchy over the years.    … Expand
  10. dtherese83
    Oct 25, 2015
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I really enjoy this show. Lee does an amazing job showing Wilkin's torment. I do feel like there are some rocky parts that need tying up. I am up to Episode 7 and am hanging on the edge of my seat for some resolution between Wilkin and Love and if Love's heir issue is resolved. But their interactions are as awkward as they are romantic...with him being the one seemingly taking the lead where you would think due to impropriety it would be her. It has been in his full power to tell her how corrupt chancelor is but he hasn't. I'm excited and frustrated for the next episode. As an Outlander fan this has been a very exciting interim show to watch. Please keep for more seasons!… Expand
  11. DrBruce77
    Nov 20, 2015
    9
    Original plot, good writing, entertaining and talented actors. I highly recommend the way religion is portrayed in this fascinating show. I look forward to each new episode.
  12. sternblend
    Nov 23, 2015
    9
    I have issues with the main character. Not sure what it is maybe the inability to show many emotions except pain. Takes a few episodes to get going but when it does it is actually a great show. Does have the feel like it wasn't prepared to start filming but despite that the story line is good and by the end it leaves you wanting more. Plenty of action and interesting characters.
    I feel    I have issues with the main character. Not sure what it is maybe the inability to show many emotions except pain. Takes a few episodes to get going but when it does it is actually a great show. Does have the feel like it wasn't prepared to start filming but despite that the story line is good and by the end it leaves you wanting more. Plenty of action and interesting characters.
    I feel its been cancelled because too many people want everything to be high quality, special effects and none stop action. They judge a show by its first few episodes and then cant appreciate it and have their minds changed when it does pick up.
    Shame for those that got into it and appreciate a good show.    … Expand
  13. slickato
    Dec 1, 2015
    7
    For the most part a good show but as with most shows these days they had to slip their political agenda into the script. Almost every new show, no matter the network almost certainly has a homosexual in it. They are 2-3% of the population yet they are inserted into everything. Kurt has had gays or a tranny in all of the shows he has been a part or in charge of. The show also takes itsFor the most part a good show but as with most shows these days they had to slip their political agenda into the script. Almost every new show, no matter the network almost certainly has a homosexual in it. They are 2-3% of the population yet they are inserted into everything. Kurt has had gays or a tranny in all of the shows he has been a part or in charge of. The show also takes its shot at Christianity by glorifying a conspiracy theory of Christ not dying on the cross but fleeing to Italy, marrying and boring children and creating a holy blood line. Don't get me wrong, I like his shows but there are too many things that are not necessary to the plot line that he inserts into his shows as part of a liberal agenda. So I put myself in mindless drone mode when I go to watch it.… Expand
  14. maggieschnauzer
    Dec 21, 2015
    10
    I loved this Show. The characters and the story line was great. Please bring it back. I love the shows bringing the early European stories to life. Sometimes I wish I could change the history but I also want to watch how history played out.
  15. Devnatris
    Oct 2, 2016
    10
    There were tons of other shows to cancel. That show was fire and you poured water on it . Thanks fx......niw i have to write a book to tell you that you made a big mistake. You should have given it another season and not left views hanging. Where are you getting your rating from. This was dvr set show. You could have gotten rid of that boring predictable Tyrant.
  16. bastardisgreat
    Oct 7, 2016
    10
    i loved this series and i`m gutted there won`t be a follow on as it left me wanting more.
    I found it quite easy to follow and was also quite surprised at there being hardly any mumbling for a change.
    True there is a lot of blood and guts,but the times it was set in was very much like that and if you like history as i do,most folk would know that. please bring the show back ,i`d love to    i loved this series and i`m gutted there won`t be a follow on as it left me wanting more.
    I found it quite easy to follow and was also quite surprised at there being hardly any mumbling for a change.
    True there is a lot of blood and guts,but the times it was set in was very much like that and if you like history as i do,most folk would know that.
    please bring the show back ,i`d love to know what happens next!    … Expand

Awards & Rankings

58
#58 Most Discussed TV Season of 2015
81
#81 Most Shared TV Season of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
55

Mixed or average reviews - based on 38 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 38
  2. Mixed: 24 out of 38
  3. Negative: 2 out of 38
  1. The Atlantic
    Reviewed by: Spencer Kornhaber
    Sep 25, 2015
    40
    The Bastard Executioner feels a bit more like people playing dress up than the best works in its genre should. The only characters to not fall into cliched dichotomies of rag-tag rebels and power-mad gentry are the women--a mystic of unclear purpose and unclear accent, played by Katey Sagal, and a demure but calculating baroness, played with quiet intelligence by Flora Spencer-Longhurst. Outside of them, the intrigue factor is low.
    Read full review
  2. TV Guide Magazine
    Reviewed by: Matt Roush
    Sep 17, 2015
    40
    This is one pretentious Bastard. [21-27 Sept 2015, p.17]
  3. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Hank Stuever
    Sep 16, 2015
    75
    The double-episode premiere drags like it has all the time in the world, leaving a viewer time to wonder if he or she has much room left for another show with swords, beheadings and rapey pillagings. But Sutter is skilled at balancing emotion and gore, and it isn’t long before you start to believe in this place and these people.
    Read full review
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