Watch The Bastard Executioner

The Bastard Executioner is a historical fiction drama series that aired on FX from September to November in 2015. The show was created by Kurt Sutter of Sons of Anarchy fame and starred Stephen Moyer, Matthieu Charneau, Katey Sagal, Flora Spencer-Longhurst, and several other talented actors.

Set in the 14th century in Wales, the show centers around Wilkin Brattle (Moyer), an ex-knight who is now a farmer and a family man. However, Wilkin's life takes a drastic turn when King Edward I (Stephen Tracey) imprisons his baron, Lionel Vaysey (Brian F. O'Byrne), and his family, accusing him of treason. Wilkin is forced to take on a new identity under the guidance of a mystical healer named Annora (Sagal). Wilkin becomes the Bastard Executioner, a medieval executioner who travels the countryside enforcing the King's justice.

As the Bastard Executioner, Wilkin must balance his duty to the King and his own sense of morality. He struggles with the brutal nature of his new job and the suffering it causes to innocent people. The show explores themes of justice, revenge, and redemption as Wilkin navigates his new life.

The Bastard Executioner also features a cast of various supporting characters, including Baroness Lady Love Ventris (Spencer-Longhurst), who is the widow of Vaysey and the love interest of Wilkin. Lady Love is determined to hold onto her land and defend her people against the King's soldiers. Milus Corbett (Charneau) is the chamberlain of Vaysey Castle, and he becomes a mentor and a friend to Wilkin after noticing his unique fighting skills.

Aside from the compelling storyline and characters, the show is also noteworthy for its attention to detail in recreating the historical setting. The costumes, props, and sets all evoke the medieval period and create a vivid sense of place. The show also features some impressive action scenes that showcase the brutality of medieval warfare.

Despite its promising premise, The Bastard Executioner struggled to find an audience and was ultimately cancelled after only one season. Its complex storyline and slow pacing may have turned off viewers who were looking for a more action-packed experience. Nevertheless, the show remains an interesting addition to the historical fiction genre, and it features some notable performances from its cast.

In conclusion, The Bastard Executioner is a historical fiction drama series that tells the story of Wilkin Brattle, a former knight turned farmer who becomes a medieval executioner under the King's command. Along the way, Wilkin must confront his own morality and navigate complex relationships with other characters. The show features a talented cast and attention to historical detail that enhances the viewing experience. Despite its cancellation after only one season, The Bastard Executioner remains a unique and compelling addition to the genre.

The Bastard Executioner is a series that ran for 1 seasons (10 episodes) between September 15, 2015 and on FX