The Musketeers: "Friends and Enemies"

[ravenya03]

This is late, and I still have another two episodes to catch up on, but here are some brief thoughts about The Musketeers 1x01. Basically, it was everything I wanted it to be - and not more. That is to say, it fulfilled my expectations, but didn’t exceed them. Which sounds as though I’m damning this with faint praise, though I’m not - I really,

Comments

[issy5209]

Its such a cliche thing to say that its a swashbuckling romp, but that's exactly what it is

How much fun are these guys all having? Its infectious . I'm sure I've never seen Santiago so happy in anything else - but Oh GOD audiences carrying on about POC - I totally agree about Porthos. The casting here has been spot on.

and oh, the music and the leather and the quips the female roles.(OK, maybe not all the female roles).. and...and everything else
Its what other shows like Merlin and Atlantis aspired to be, but never succeeded - and that is down to the writing and planning and pacing (its fast - it just picks you up and drags you along with it, but you're not always trying to catch up, or trying to understand whats happening)
Episode 3 is now geared and ready to watch!

edit: the other complaint I've seen (should never read comments) is that it wasn't "bromancy" enough - personally I find that another point in the Musketeers favour

[ravenya03]

but Oh GOD audiences carrying on about POC

And as I said on Tumblr, there's not been ONE mention of Tom Burke's obvious cleft lip/palate surgery scar. Not that that matters either, but if you're going to complain about historical inaccuracy, then THAT'S what you should be focusing on.

And by "not bromancy" I assume they mean "not enough white male touching"?

Seriously though, it would be great if they could introduce a gay character at some point (who isn't a campy fop), but I immediately loved the rapport between the main trio. Athos's "tell me he's not that stupid" and his "I thought I'd finally shaken you two off." D'aww. Banter without insults - how hard is that??

[issy5209]

oh, the historical accuracy argument gets to me, I did see a brilliant gif set on Tumblr once where the response was (basically) what? so black people didn't exist in the 17/1800's? (or whatever time period you want)

Bromance as in they didn't "feel the love" i.e touches, gazes etc. (Arthur/Merlin was mentioned and I am so glad its nothing like that)

They could well introduce a gay character, and I would bet none of the other characters would bat an eyelid.
Having just watched ep. 3, which even though is darker subject matter I can tell you the banter just gets better with D'Artagnan in on it as well (I won't spoil) . It really is a lesson in how its done properly.
But I will say, now knowing Dumas's background himself, of which I was woefully unaware of, makes this episode something rather special and unique.
Am still withholding judgement of the other female characters though.