Image Credit: BBC/Dusan Martincek
Having just watched episode 1 of the BBC’s brand new series The Musketeers, it’s easy to see why the show wasn’t used as a straight replacement for Atlantis.
Before the new dramas premiere date was announced, many expected D’Artagnan and co to air in Atlantis old time slot of Saturday evening. However, whereas Atlantis was designed to be entertainment for the whole family, The Musketeers appears to be targeted at a slightly more mature audience. With plenty to look at for both male and female viewers alike, let’s say the show stands about halfway between Atlantis and Game of Thrones in the visible flesh stakes.
Airing after the watershed at 9:00pm on Sunday evening, the brand new swashbuckler delivers a bit of everything, and well. The first episode gave us a great mix of action and adventure, with elements of romance and subtle, well timed comedy also included. It was also good to see the three Musketeers each have their own unique personalities and character traits, portrayed well by actors Tom Burke, Santiago Cabrera and Howard Charles.
Image Credit: BBC/Larry Horricks
Though the actors various English, regional accents may initially sound out of place for a TV series set in 17th century France, once drawn into the plot, your soon distracted form this matter. But how American audiences react to these voices will be interesting to see.
With a nice plot twist thrown in midway, overall I think episode 1 of The Musketeers provides a welcoming refreshment to the current drama programming lineup, with its high tempo, non-fantasy style. If show 1 is anything to go by, viewers are in for an exciting 10 weeks to start 2014.
Viewers who have access will be able to catch-up on any episodes they may miss throughout the series, online via BBC iPlayer.
