The first two-part pilot (named as Pilot, Part 1 and Pilot, Part 2) episode of FX's "The Bastard Executioner" showcased several pitched battles that involved swords, spears and flaming arrows.
Besides, we also witnessed heads and limbs being slashed brutally, men in dungeons being whipped ruthlessly, naked women wandering through a dystopian society where violence reigned supreme and the show's protagonist being haunted by images of demons, snakes and other unearthly creatures.
The story follows the life of Wilkin Brattle (Lee Jones), a former soldier of England's King Edward I who wants nothing more than a peaceful life with wife Petra (Elen Rhys). For this reason, he retreats to an anonymous existence to Wales in early 14th century to spend life as a farmer.
However, no matter how he hard he tries, he keeps getting sucked into the local rebellion against the monarchy of Baron Ventris (Brian F O'Byrne) and his chief adviser Milus Corbett (Stephen Moyer from "True Blood").
In a series of complicated and tragic events, Wilkin loses his wife and winds up impersonating the new executioner of the Castle Ventris and now, he is compelled to kill the rebels whom he supported and led. Hence, he receives the title of "The Bastard Executioner."
The first three hours of the pilot episode were interesting and generated curiosity regarding the future of Wilkin as he has no option but to turn into a traitor and kill his fellow rebels.
The killing of his beloved wife, Petra, in such a brutal manner is undoubtedly going to be a key plot element in the forthcoming episode as it was a hard blow to Wilkin and he is dead set to avenge her death.
According to the story so far, and creator Kurt Sutter's love for violence and gore, we know it is going to be more savage. Given that Wilkin is already in the inner circle of Baron Ventris, he may be bidding his time to make the next move.
However, nothing beats killing of your allies forcefully and it seems Sutter is all set to follow this strategy. While being the executioner, Wilkin is left with no choice but to kill the rebels whom he once led. That would be significantly traumatic and painful for him, but intriguing all the same.
The next episode, titled "Effigy/Ddelw" is set to air on 22 September and will probably deal with further errands of Wilkin and how he copes up with the situation. It can be watched here.
