Title: Beowulf: Return to the Shieldlands
Air Date: January 23rd
Network: Esquire
Genre: Action, Drama, Fantasy
At first, second, third, and probably fourth glance Esquire Network’s new mini-series Beowulf: Return to the Shieldlands may seem like a cheaper version of HBO’s Game of Thrones. The initial title sequence is shockingly similar, some of the supporting cast are clearly based off established figures in GoT, and our hero is a raven haired bastard son of a powerful leader. While there are some nuggets of potential, coupled with some intriguing characters Beowulf has the potential to do the epic poem justice. That being said, this series has a long way to go before it can obtain any sort of legendary status.
The biggest thing going for it in Beowulf is the story itself, as the world offers a lot of promise to expand upon. While it does have a lot of similarities to other fantasy settings, Beowulf has a unique enough narrative to let it stand on its own two feet. There is mention of the world once ruled by giants discussed in hushed whispers and the vicious creatures that currently roam the land do pose a significant threat to the human inhabitants. This lends Beowulf’s world an air of mystery about it as the history of the world seems to be only teased in this first episode. How much Beowulf will actually dive into exploring the events prior to humans becoming the ruling body is yet to be seen, but one I do hope they expand upon. Sadly this doesn’t transfer as well to the overall culture of Beowulf’s world as it feels incredibly disjointed and inconsistent most of the time. Don’t get me wrong, the sets and costumes are great, but there is an uncertainty to it. Heorot is a place with golden vines decorating the massive column, deep hues of red and orange, yet the guards and main characters are all wearing traditional Scandinavian armor. It’s conflicting as the characters have clear Norse influences while the main hall itself feels like something else entirely.
One of the biggest aspects of Beowulf is the wolf-like creatures called Warigs and the monster only known as Grendel that ravages the landscape. This where a less is more approach may have been a safer bet for Beowulf as the CGI isn’t exactly seamless. Part of me wants to give the show a break since this is television after all and one cannot expect life like CGI to always be available, but it’s just distracting at times. Our main creature known as a Mud Blood, who is clearly Grendel, does appear terrifying at first but quickly loses this aspect once seen in full motion. It’s far less intimidating than it needs to be, but the creature had some more complexity than is initially let on that offers an intriguing seed to grow. Instead of going the path of a mindless monster just out to kill others because it can, our fearsome creature appears more human in nature. Thankfully this is to Beowulf’s benefit as the human antagonists are too one dimensional to really be seen as an intimidating foil for our savvy hero.
Acting is up and down through the forty minute episode, but the title role of Beowulf (Kieran Bew) is admirably performed. Bew gives Beowulf an interesting emotional range that waivers been a courageous hero and a man who is on the verge of breaking. The title role is not an easy one to carry, but Bew is clearly confident in his ability as an actor that this gives Beowulf the power he needs behind him. Whether we will see any form of inner torment or distress has yet to be seen, but there is clearly promise here. Another notable character is Beowulf’s step brother Slean (Ed Speleers,) that despite his character’s ridiculous hairstyle offers a good human antagonist. Speleers could have easily made Slean to just be a spoiled, whiny brat, but there is something yet unspoken behind this character. He’s intriguing enough that I find myself more invested in seeing his and Beowulf’s relationship grow, rather than a bunch of monsters getting slain.
The rest of the supporting cast are far more underwhelming as Beowulf tries to cram a long history’s worth of relationships into a single episode. While this is a mini-series and to a degree events need to be at a far faster pace, certain characters are completely glossed over by the narrative. You can tell the show is buried under the weight of trying to establish so many character dynamics. but it sadly doesn’t work out the way it should. Instead of simply focusing on Beowulf and how he views everyone else, various side characters are shoved into the story simply because they needed to be. Beowulf: Return to the Shieldlands needed to have its character unfold at a more organic rate, instead we get a platter of supporting cast members that get completely lost within the script.
Speaking of the story, Beowulf’s opening episode had a strong enough narrative that it could set itself apart from other fantasy based properties. It’s simple in nature, but complex in execution; lending itself that mystery Beowulf so desperately needs. However, the second half is leaps and bounds better than anything the first half offered as the story focuses in more on Beowulf and his actions. The first part is a long, boring slog that drags on for far too long in trying to establish those aforementioned supporting characters. This would normally be easily overlooked, however, this being a mini-series time is critical and the story needs to narrow in on the character of Beowulf. In terms of cinematography, it’s nothing to really write home about, but special mention needs to go to editing. I’m not sure if the editing was meant to cover up the fighting choreography, but it’s incredibly poor. Giving a flurry of fast cuts doesn’t make the action more impactful, but far harder to follow what exactly is going on. Sure, this isn’t shaky camera levels of frustrating, but it detracts from the enjoyment of the action scenes as a whole.
That all being said, Beowulf is a series that shows some promise and has interesting potential. The main character and world are exceptionally intriguing though it is burdened down by some clear issues. Whether this is first episode jitters or a sign for what’s to come, one cannot help but hope for a true realization of Beowulf.
Beowulf: Return to the Shieldlands airs January 23rd, 2016
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vqQIngtQi8[/embedyt]
- Acting: Bew and Speleers churn out great performances, but sadly the same consistency is not carried over to the supporting cast. Most are either wooden or one-note fantasy caricature’s that garner little interest.
- Cinematography: While Beowulf has some impressive shots, especially any forest setting, it sadly doesn’t carry throughout the entire episode. Fight scenes are more manic than they are entertaining and the editing does nothing to enhance the urgent pacing that Beowulf so desperately needs.
- Story: Once the story eventually has Beowulf encounter Grendel for the first time it picks up far more energy; though you will have to wade through a fairly dull beginning to get there.
- Characters: Beowulf himself is a far more interesting lead than some may give him credit for. He doesn’t have all the answers and clearly has a dark past that is only enhanced more by his step brother Slean. Grendel, however, is one of the standouts, as there is more than meets the eye with this monster.
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