A bloody and characterful glimpse into the world of "New France" - frontier times in Canada/North America. The cast are irresistible and the variety of distinctive characters are engrossing - the particular highlight being Thewlis as the wildly delusional and strident Trepagny. It put me very slightly in mind of Deadwood, which is I should warn you, my favourite series ever made. Both in its density, violence, vivid ensemble and propensity for moral grey areas. The sets are enormous and the vibe is impressively consistent.
Where it falls down for me are some clear end-series "cliffhangery" decisions which may not even pan out. Given the chronological breadth of the book - they clearly hope for more and the blunt rush of the final few scenes seem off. However, the biggest issue has to be a creative decision they made about portraying both the French and English on screen. Rather than having French (or French speaking actors) they opt to have the French folk of Wobik speak with a strange exaggerated way that put me in mind of Monty Python.
"AH'M FRENCH. WHY DO YOU THEENK I HAVE THIS OUTRAGEOUS ACCENT?"
Which is a shame, because otherwise the semi-realism, the casting, the nice sets and the tone would be near-perfect.
Where it falls down for me are some clear end-series "cliffhangery" decisions which may not even pan out. Given the chronological breadth of the book - they clearly hope for more and the blunt rush of the final few scenes seem off. However, the biggest issue has to be a creative decision they made about portraying both the French and English on screen. Rather than having French (or French speaking actors) they opt to have the French folk of Wobik speak with a strange exaggerated way that put me in mind of Monty Python.
"AH'M FRENCH. WHY DO YOU THEENK I HAVE THIS OUTRAGEOUS ACCENT?"
Which is a shame, because otherwise the semi-realism, the casting, the nice sets and the tone would be near-perfect.