1x01 Episode 1

It's a bit too clean. I don't mean in a sexy way. I mean the production. It feels devoid of life and a sense of reality or period commitment. As a fantasy it works, but this lacks immersion anyway such as could be found in The Name of the Rose, or Wolf Hall say. Would not make me want to read the books. There is already plenty of great historical detective fiction that likely will never see the airwaves, and perhaps that is for the best.

I'll tell you what it reminds me of. A cheaply made children's production of the 1970s, both in theme and style. I lack the commitment to finish the season, as I have plenty other things to watch. This one must therefore fall by the wayside.

I've always enjoyed the books but am barely halfway through episode one and Barak is a fop, Shardlake is rude, not very bright and too young.

I've read most of the books and I was a bit dubious about watching this to say the least, gotta say it's really good, well the 1st episode anyway :slightly_smiling: do yourselves a favour and check out CJ Sansom's books they are a brilliant read