Atlantis Series 1 Episode 4 "Twist of Fate" Review

This has been a very good series so far, as although it's not been outstanding, being rather inconsistent, it has been very entertaining, with some interesting characters, and brilliant humour. It has also been nice to see how the creative team behind the series has worked the myths into it, as although not that accurate at times, it's still nice that they're added.

Plot

Whilst hunting Jason, Hercules and Pythagoras find an abandoned baby and decide to take it home and look after it. There is however more to this baby, and their good willed actions have landed them in a very awkward position.

Review

This is the worst episode that the series has seen yet, as although it wasn't terrible, it was very poor, and nowhere near as good as the last episode, even making the slightly mediocre second episode look good. Now as I said it wasn't terrible, as it was still very humorous, with some very entertaining bits. At the same time it was very slow, having a plot line that was stretched as far as possible, making the episode very slow. It also didn't have much excitement, as bar the odd scene most of the episode was rather dull, relying on the humour to make it watchable. The episode did start focusing in on the mythological side again, and although it didn't focus on one of the more interesting myths, it did a brilliant job in adapting it in a way so that you don't see everything coming right at the start.

This episode would revolve around the group finding an abandoned baby whilst hunting, and then looking after it. Now although the concept of these character being in charge of a baby sounds like an interesting idea, I personally couldn't see how this kind of story would give a exciting episode. It did however have some very entertaining moments, especially with Hercules being involved, as it's hard to imagine this version being able to look after himself without Jason or Pythagoras' help, let alone look after a baby. This plot line would however allow for some dramatic moments as well, with some brilliant characters interaction, though at the end of the day it wasn't enough to make this a good storyline.

Three Men and a Baby

It would be revealed that the father of this child would be King Laius. Now anyone who knows a lot about mythology will know straight away what this story is really about, and who the child is, but for those who aren't I won't go into any more details the now. The addition of King Laius was rather interesting, as he managed to add a different view point as well as a different type of tone to the episode. His actions would also add some suspense and drama as well, as due to the constant change in attitude it made him a bit mysterious (assuming you don't know the myth that is). On top of that I felt that Tristan Gemmill did a very good job of playing the character, as did Elen Rhys as his wife, Jocasta.

Not long into the episode when it is learned that the baby was taken from the mountains the guards are put out in search of the group and more importantly the baby. The guards would also be lead by an advisor of King Laius named Tiresius played by Donald Sumpter. This had to be the best part of the episode, as bar the chase scenes adding a bit of excitement to the episode, the addition of Sumpter would also add some more drama and suspense throughout the episode, with his performance being the best in the episode. What I enjoyed most about the addition of Sumpter as Tiresius was the tone of his character, as he appeared very firm and determined, but as the episode progressed he would show some other characteristics that made him even more interesting. The chase scenes themselves would also add yet more humour to the episode as well.

Avoiding Capture

It would be revealed later on in the episode that the baby was abandoned in hopes of stopping a prophesy. Now yet again for anyone who's not a follower of mythology I won't go into any details, as it would spoil the reaction you'd have to learning what the prophesy is. I will however say that it was nice that this was added, and the fact that they kept it very accurate to the myth. I also liked how they managed to change this particular myth into something more family friendly, and although the plot itself was rather poor, the idea was quite clever. I also yet again enjoyed seeing Jason's reaction to this, as given the fact he knows these tales from growing up in the present, it means that he also knows whether the prophesy comes true or not.

Final Verdict

This wasn't a very good issue, as although it remains to be very humorous, having some very entertaining scenes, the plot was rather dull, and dragged on for too long. The episode itself was also rather slow, and if it wasn't for the humour, and the additional cast members this would be a down right terrible episode. Due to all this I'd recommend skipping this episode, but if you are interested in the myth behind King Laius' son then by all means give this a try, but even then I still would only recommending it if you have spare time.

Rating: 5/10

Atlantis Series 1 Episode 3 "A Boy of No Consequence" Review

This was a series that I had been looking forward to for quite some time, as I've always had a strong interest in mythology. The series however so far has been good, but not startling, with the last episode being rather slow. The series does however show a lot of promise, having been very entertaining and humorous so far.

Plot

After defending an innocent old man from a young nobleman named Heptarian Jason along with Hercules and Pythagoras are sent to become bull jumpers.

Review

This was yet another brilliant episode, and a great continuation of the series, being better than the last episode. There was also once again a lot of humour throughout this episode, as although it didn't have as much mythological references as the previous two episodes, it still managed to be very entertaining. I also felt that this episode was probably the best paced so far, as although it was slightly slow at times, it had a lot of depth, with the development flowing smoothly. I also loved the character development throughout this episode, as although there weren't any big changes, it would show the characteristics of them brilliantly. On top of that there was also a lot of drama and suspense throughout the episode, with some really exciting scenes, and some fantastic character interaction.

This episode would start with Jason getting into a confrontation with a young nobleman named Heptarian, who doesn't take kindly to Jason's actions. Now unlike a lot of the characters in this series Heptarian isn't based on anyone from mythology (at least from what I can tell). He is however a brilliant character for this series, and a great antagonist for Jason, as being about the same age and build it gives someone more equal to him. I also liked Heptarian's characteristics, as although I enjoy villains who get their hands dirty, conniving, deceitful ones that let others do their work for them can also be very interesting, also making the hero seem more noble and heroic.

Heptarian

Jason along with his friends Hercules and Pythagoras would be punished by King Minos for this, with him declaring that their fate will be decided by Poseidon, and that they'd become bull jumpers. Now they wouldn't just get thrown to the bulls, as they'd be allowed to train for a week prior. It was this that allowed a lot more depth to be added to the episode, as although I initially thought that all this build-up would simply stretch the episode to it's 45 minute running time, it actually turned out to be rather dramatic and entertaining, also having some suspenseful moments as well. The three also wouldn't be alone, as they'd be placed with three other jumpers, all of whom were interesting in their own rights.

Due to Ariadne's affections towards Jason, Pasiphaë decides that Jason must die, not wanting to take any chances. This development would reveal that Pasiphaë uses witchcraft, which as far as I know she never did in the myths. For the series however this is yet again another interesting development, as having settled for the fact that there will be a lot of inaccuracies in this series I am now looking for what best helps the series story wise. I also feel that Pasiphaë is become a brilliant villainess in her own right, and that she will be the biggest threat to Jason down the line.

The bull jumping itself would probably be the most exciting moment of this episode, also being extremely suspenseful and dramatic at the same time. Now I won't go into any detail as to the outcome of this scene, but I will say what I thought of it as a whole. The main thing that I enjoyed during it was seeing how these characters eventually managed to work as a team, as due there originally being some dysfunction between certain characters nearer the start of the episode, as well as the lack of skill for others you'd never expect them to even have a chance. Another thing I liked about the scene was the questioning over how Pasiphaë's scheme to kill Jason would play out, as it added a lot of tension and suspense. I did however find the bull jumping itself to be slightly unrealistic, though it added a bit more humour due to that.

Jumping the Bull

Final Verdict

This was another fantastic episode in the series, and quite possibly the best yet, being brilliantly paced. It also had amazing character development, with some very dramatic and suspenseful moments throughout. On top of this it also had a lot of mystery to it, with some great character interaction and some exciting moments. Due to this I'd highly recommend giving this episode a chance, even if you haven't been enjoying the series so far.

Rating: 8/10

Atlantis Series 1 Episode 2 "A Girl By Any Other Name" Review

I was really looking forward to this series before it came out, as having a strong interest in mythology I was hoping for a very fun series to come out of the Atlantis myth, and I wasn't disappointed, as although not that accurate, the first episode was still brilliant being extremely fun and entertaining, showing great promise for the series as a whole.

Plot

As word about Jason's slaying of the Minotaur spread through the city, an old man comes in search of his aid in finding his daughter who's went missing.

Review

This was a very good episode, and a brilliant continuation to the series, as although it wasn't as good as last weeks opening episode, it was still very good. It had some really entertaining and humorous moments throughout, and the character interaction was yet again one of the strongest parts about it. It was however at quite a slower pace compared with the opening episode, also being a slightly laggy, with the story feeling stretched and forced to last the length of the episode. It also lacked a bit in the excitement department, as although it had it's moments I was hoping for a few more than we got. In saying that it was still very enjoyable, and although the myths weren't completely accurate, it was nice to see them added, and the series continues to show a lot of promise, even if this episode didn't deliver as much on that.

The story of the episode revolves around a elderly man asking for Jason, Pythagoras and Hercules' help in finding his daughter, Demetria. I was really happy to see that the events of the opening episode give Jason and the group some notoriety, as it's an easy way of setting up future storylines. On top of this I found the differences in attitude over this possible quest to be rather interesting, and quite amusing, as with them being penniless Hercules is rather reluctant to go on such a trip without being properly paid, and Jason sees it as his duty to do the right thing. I also really enjoyed the interaction between Jason and the old man, and how the old man was so emotional over the possible outcomes of this quest.

During the episode Jason and the group would come across a group known as Maenads, who worship the god  Dionysus. They thus believe that this group is where Demetria is, and go through Nysa to find their temple, and rescue her. Now I must admit that I'm not overly familiar with the Maenads, as besides knowing that they worship Dionysus, I don't really know anything else, and thus can't say how accurate their depiction was in this episode. I will however say that I found them to be rather interesting, adding a lot of suspense and tension throughout the episode, with them being the perfect type of villains for this episode.

The Maenads

The Maenads wouldn't be alone in this episode, as they'd have Satyrs to take care of any intruders. Now the Satyrs in this episode weren't like the common ones that you find throughout Greek mythology, as instead of being goat like, they were more like monkeys, as they have been described as at certain periods in time. I personally would have rather they kept closer to the original myths, as although this is technically accurate, it would have felt even more accurate if they'd been goat like. I did however like the way that they reacted to Jason, and how they added a bit of threat to the episode.

Another well known character from Greek mythology would also be introduced in this episode, with Medusa being introduced in this episode, being an unwilling member of the Maenads. I really liked how this episode introduced Medusa to the series, as although she's a part of Perseus' legend rather than Jason's, I felt that she's been used in a brilliant way, allowing the ability to work on her legend throughout the series. I also liked Jason's reaction to Medusa, as having known all the legends that he's read he knows her fate, and wonders how the person he's interacting with can be this same person. I do however look forward to seeing what role she'll have in the future of this series, and hope that I'm not disappointed.

Medusa

Final Verdict

Although not quite as good as the opening episode this was still a very enjoyable episode, having some very entertaining moments. It also had brilliant character interaction, and was very funny at times. I also loved seeing some more myths shown in this episode, as although there were some inaccuracies it was nice to see them. The story was however slightly slow, being dull and laggy at times, but apart from that I'd highly recommend watching this episode, though I wouldn't judge the series based on this one episode, as the opening episode was brilliant, and the series as a whole shows a lot of promise.

Rating: 7/10

Atlantis Series 1 Episode 1 "The Earth Bull" Review

This has been a series that I have been looking forward to since I first heard about it, as having a huge interest in any form of mythology as well as having enjoyed Merlin (being slightly upset about it ending) I was really hoping for something just as good to replace it.

Plot

Whilst looking for the remains of his fathers sub, Jason is in a peculiar incident and wakes up in Atlantis.

Review

This was a brilliant opening episode for this new series, and although it was slightly different than I expected it would be, it was still amazing. The episode was very entertaining, having some very humorous moments, whilst also showing the mythological side brilliantly, even if not entirely accurate. I also enjoyed the unique tone that this series has, as although it was something quite different than I originally expected, it was a very nice surprise. I also loved the character interaction in this episode, as it was very lively and entertaining, adding a lot of drama and excitement to the episode. I did however feel that the episode was slightly slow at times, as well as the fact that certain scenes went too quickly, but overall this was a very enjoyable episode and I look forward to seeing more of this series.

With this being the opening episode it was natural that the cast members be introduced, so I thought that I'd take a small amount of time to talk about them here. All three main cast members did a fantastic job, as I really enjoyed Jack Donnelly portrayal of Jason, Robert Emms portrayal of Pythagoras and Mark Addy portrayal of Hercules, as although these may annoy some die hard mythologists I personally loved this different view point on these legends, though if it wasn't Mark Addy as Hercules I'd probably be very upset about this change. The other cast members such as Aiysha Hart as Ariadne, Juliet Stevenson as the Oracle, Sarah Parish as Pasiphaë, and Alexander Siddig as King Minos were also very good, as although some were obviously better than others, they all played their characters well, as although some were slightly inaccurate, their characteristics were brilliantly shown.

Jason, Pythagoras and Hercules

I really enjoyed the unique way that this series would start, as having the main protagonist travel to Atlantis from the present was a very interesting way to start the series. I also really enjoyed the change in tone that would happen between Jason's travel, as both felt very unique,adding to the atmosphere. I also really enjoyed how Jason reacted once he realised he was in Atlantis, and even more so given the fact that he knows all the legends and myths behind the city and the people who live there. I also loved actually seeing Atlantis, as although I always expected them to do a great job of showing this place, it was even nicer to see it, and the characters walking through it.

The two characters that Jason meets early on are Pythagoras and his roommate Hercules. Now when I first saw these two characters I thought to myself that they've really went for drama and entertainment over accuracy, but after watching the episode develop I felt that it was actually a very good thing for the series as it made it more unique and entertaining. I also loved how both these characters interacted with each other, as although Jason's reaction and interaction with both the characters was very interesting, given the fact that these characters have known each other longer, their interactions felt more natural and entertaining, and instantly showed that these were old friends. I also enjoyed the fact that the episode laughs about Hercules' changes from a strong muscular character to a fat one, as it made the change much more tolerable and appealing.

The main developing point of this episode would be the fact that it's time for Atlantis to sacrifice seven of it's people to the Minotaur to honour Poseidon. This was a very interesting development for the episode, and would result in some very exciting and entertaining scenes. It was however the Minotaur itself that I was most impressed with, as it looked amazing, and I enjoyed the look of this Minotaur over the ones that have been shown in recent mythological films. I did however feel that the fight between Jason and the Minotaur could have lasted slightly longer, but overall the tone in the scene was perfect, and it was a great way of adding something exciting in the opening episode.

Minotaur

This episode would also introduce the ruling family of Atlantis, with King Minos, his wife Pasiphaë, and their daughter Ariadne all being featured. I was very happy that these characters were involved in this episode, as the prospect of what these characters might get involved in later on in the series really intrigues me, especially given the reputation of their legends. I also loved how the episode clearly showed the differences in each characters characteristics, showing a caring Ariadne, a calm and collected King Minos, and a devoted, passionate, and loyal Pasiphaë. The interaction between these characters also really interested me, and overall I look forward to seeing their development throughout the series.

Final Verdict

This was a very exciting and interesting opening episode and it has me really excited for the next episode. The episode itself was also very exciting, and at times very hilarious, having a brilliant tone. It is also a very unique series having very interesting and entertaining characters. It may however not be for everyone, and people who hate inaccuracies in mythological adaptations may not like it. I would however highly recommend watching this, and especially if you enjoyed BBC's Merlin or Robin Hood series'.

Rating: 8/10