jakefabo

This show started out alright, and the costume and setting were well executed... as soon as you get to know the characters though, it’s all downhill. They are terribly written and are all immediately shown to have forced character flaws and are completely un-likeable. I watched up to episode 2 and it lost me... disappointing after how good Vikings was and I was expecting a lot more historical context and perspective in terms of character motives and their relationships with their gods and each other. This was just a soap opera in a medieval setting, why should I care?

Marco polo is a joy to watch, and beautiful on many levels. Firstly, the costume is amazing, especially when it comes to the royalty and the knights (keshiks) around them. From the gowns on the princess to the Armour on the guards, the detail is stunning, really really well done. The music sets the scenes so well... in the military camps, or in temples, it’s perfect. The sets and landscape are also perfect... I find a lot of this shows appeal for me is just how well executed everything is. It never feels fake or unoriginal at all and sets itself apart from all the other medieval-themed (I use that term loosely) shows I watch (Game of Thrones, Vikings, The Last Kingdom) The acting I found very good, not perfect, but I appreciate the actors because I don’t recognize most of them, and for a big budget show (seemingly) that’s refreshing. Some scenes may seem awkward or just slow and I acknowledge some of the plot and writing faults, but it doesn’t break the show for me. The fighting (from wrestling, to martial arts to swords) has been fantastic - really well choreographed so far in both seasons.

A little surprised by how many good reviews there are. I enjoyed most of the first season until the full episode **** scene, but this season just seemed to fall off a cliff in terms of quality. It just seemed too predictable, the acting was ok but the dialog again was predictable and not compelling at all. So bored after the first 2 episodes that there is no incentive to force myself to watch this. Perhaps it would be better if I had read the books.

Great characters and setting... several ongoing stories that overlap each other combined with the idea of a moving town makes each episode new and interesting. I actually got into this show much quicker than "Deadwood", which seemed to drag on and take forever for anything to happen. The cliff-hangers at the end of episodes don't quite get me to the edge of my seat like "The Walking Dead" does, but I was still always excited for each new episode. Some of the dialogue and acting of side characters is not great so don't go in with high expectations and a critical mind because it is an entertaining series.