This series is set in another world; as well as humans there are Faeries (faes), Fauns (pucks) and other fantasy creatures. The action is mostly set in a country known as The Burgue; it has a Dickensian look but there is also an element of steampunk.
As the story starts we learn that there was a war recently and many refugees are heading to The Burgue; where they are distinctly second class citizens. One such refugee is a fae named Vignette Stonemoss; after the ship she travelled on is wrecked she is forced to work for its owners, the Spurnroses... somewhere she doesn't stay long. Our other protagonist is Inspector Rycroft 'Philo' Philostrate, a policeman; at first he is investigating a series of murders where all the victims were fae. This may be solved early but he is soon investigating a more disturbing case. We also learn that he and Vignette had been involved during the war. The series shows us much of the society with a look at how the Spurnroses react to their new neighbour; a wealthy puck and political machinations between those who support refugee rights and others who would rather they were expelled.
Strangely I decided to watch this after hearing a fairly negative review on BBC Radio Five; the description made me feel that this could be a series that one is likely to really enjoy or really dislike... and the premise intrigued me. I'm glad I did choose to watch as the first episode quickly got be hooked. It does a great job of world building; the effects, both CGI and physical are top notch making it easy to suspend ones disbelief and accept this world with faeries and fauns. I liked how the fantasy elements were intertwined in a world of Dickensian squalor and upper middle class concerns that could have come out of Jane Austen. The story is told in an interesting way; there is a fine central mystery as well as the drama of the characters' lives. As the first series draws to a close key questions are answered only to have more surprises exposed as things are set up for the next season. The cast is impressive; Cara Delevingne is a delight as Vignette, a character as tough as she is beautiful; and Orlando Bloom is on fine form as Philo. Other notable performances come from David Gyasi, as Agreus Astrayon a wealthy puck; Tamzin Merchant, as Imogen Spurnrose the neighbour who is at first disapproving of him; Jared Harris as the Chancellor of The Burgue; and Indira Varda, as his wife; to mention just a few. The rest of the cast is good too. The politics may be a little too lacking in subtlety for some and others might be offended by the swearing, sex and nudity but if you aren't bothered by this and like the idea of a fantasy series for adult viewers then I'd certainly recommend trying this. Overall I really enjoyed this and look forward to the promised second season.
As the story starts we learn that there was a war recently and many refugees are heading to The Burgue; where they are distinctly second class citizens. One such refugee is a fae named Vignette Stonemoss; after the ship she travelled on is wrecked she is forced to work for its owners, the Spurnroses... somewhere she doesn't stay long. Our other protagonist is Inspector Rycroft 'Philo' Philostrate, a policeman; at first he is investigating a series of murders where all the victims were fae. This may be solved early but he is soon investigating a more disturbing case. We also learn that he and Vignette had been involved during the war. The series shows us much of the society with a look at how the Spurnroses react to their new neighbour; a wealthy puck and political machinations between those who support refugee rights and others who would rather they were expelled.
Strangely I decided to watch this after hearing a fairly negative review on BBC Radio Five; the description made me feel that this could be a series that one is likely to really enjoy or really dislike... and the premise intrigued me. I'm glad I did choose to watch as the first episode quickly got be hooked. It does a great job of world building; the effects, both CGI and physical are top notch making it easy to suspend ones disbelief and accept this world with faeries and fauns. I liked how the fantasy elements were intertwined in a world of Dickensian squalor and upper middle class concerns that could have come out of Jane Austen. The story is told in an interesting way; there is a fine central mystery as well as the drama of the characters' lives. As the first series draws to a close key questions are answered only to have more surprises exposed as things are set up for the next season. The cast is impressive; Cara Delevingne is a delight as Vignette, a character as tough as she is beautiful; and Orlando Bloom is on fine form as Philo. Other notable performances come from David Gyasi, as Agreus Astrayon a wealthy puck; Tamzin Merchant, as Imogen Spurnrose the neighbour who is at first disapproving of him; Jared Harris as the Chancellor of The Burgue; and Indira Varda, as his wife; to mention just a few. The rest of the cast is good too. The politics may be a little too lacking in subtlety for some and others might be offended by the swearing, sex and nudity but if you aren't bothered by this and like the idea of a fantasy series for adult viewers then I'd certainly recommend trying this. Overall I really enjoyed this and look forward to the promised second season.