The Bastard Executioner - A Hunger / Newyn - Review
Last week on The Bastard Executioner, whilst on the road meeting with a family of a captured girl, The Baroness and her companions were ambushed by rebels. The Dark Mute is revealed to be a monk from Wilkin's childhood, Annora continued to guide Wilkin and his friends and Ash went looking for his beloved lamb. Also, Milus' continued to grow jealous of The Baroness and Wilkin's growing relationship.
"This is what we are, what we know" Milus
‘Executioner’ continued this past Tuesday with a suspenseful and series changing episode. Stephen Moyer again continues to shine as Milus, who had a lot of focus this episode. Milus and Wilkin have their fates joint because of the lie they told, but their ever-changing relationship is so complicated and unusual that it makes for such an interesting character arc. The great thing about Milus is that you don't know what he plans to do next - his intentions are so unclear that he could betray Wilkin at any moment. This alone adds another level of complexity to the character which just shows how well written he is.
Also, the way Milus manipulated everyone and everything to make Wilkin forced to kill the other Chamberlain was smart, but also showed his desire to turn Wilkin into someone similar to him. It gives Milus additional leverage over him which allows Milus to use Wilkin to do his bidding. Wilkin has nothing on him now compared to what he has on him. But, if you really look at it, Milus is helping Wilkin. He would only lose his position so even though his intentions aren't honorable, he's helping Wilkin just by protecting him. Sure, he has an ulterior motive, but he's not harming him. He's just getting more control over him in case he decides to turn on him. Milus is protecting himself.
Whilst Milus is looking like he's rising in power, the Baroness appears to be losing hers. She visited the King this episode but spent a great deal of time with his councillor - mainly because the King was uninterested. The King in the end made plans to share all of Ventrishire to other Shires but in an unexpected twist, the Baroness decided to lie to keep her families land. This was completely out of character as she has always chosen the righteous and honest path of doing things, so it’s going to be interesting seeing how she manages to deal with the repercussions of her own lie that she created. It does, however, make her a far more fascinating character now that she has something to lose. This will be a turning point for her.
"Why would you do this" Wilkin
Jessamy continued on her downward spiral. She has gone from being deluded to completely deranged. Her intentions are very unclear at this stage. She doesn't want to die and lose her son which is understandable, but she's going to extreme lengths to hold onto her past life with her husband. She is trying so hard to believe her own lie, that she's not even attempting to have a pleasant life with Wilkin.
There was also some more development on the Annora front. She's always been one big mystery but this episode there was a little hint at what she might be involved in. The English are hunting down people like her from what I gathered and are cutting off a tattoo off their backs that contain writing. What this writing means, however, is left unknown, but it opens up a new chapter so to speak and a potential new villain. Those dead bodies that are being cut up by the English might well be connected to those found around Ventrishere. Although, there's no significant evidence to support that theory, but seeing them cut the arms off hinted at it for me.
Summary
‘The Bastard Executioner’ continues to impress and now is branching out into new territory with its many sub-plots. This episode was a turning point for the show as it opens up many new chapters for multiple characters and the story. Wilkin is still no closer to getting his vengeance, but that's fine as his journey remains interesting and enjoyable. I'd like the show to also spend more time on the relationship between Wilkin and the boy as that I found to be sweet and something Wilkin needs. The visions are now unnecessary and add nothing to the show so they need to stop. The mystery surrounding Annora continues to puzzle and intrigue me, but there needs to be a reveal soon to keep her interesting. Overall, ‘A Hunger / Newyn’ was another solid episode that sets future plots up nicely.
As always, thank you for reading. Let me know in the comments what you thought of A Hunger / Newyn!
