Beowulf: Return to the Shieldlands -

“Beowulf: Return to the Shieldlands” is a British epic fantasy drama that revisits and expands upon the classic Old English epic poem. Set in the mythical Shieldlands, a perilous realm of tribes, the series follows Beowulf as he returns to his birthplace, the fort of Herot, to pay his respects to the recently deceased thane (lord). Upon arrival, Beowulf is drawn into the web of intrigue, politics, and the threat of an overarching evil that plagues the land. The series weaves a narrative that is as much about political machinations and the struggle for power as it is about battling monsters and dark forces.

Main Characters:

Beowulf (Kieran Bew): The central hero, a warrior with a complex relationship to Herot, who seeks to understand his past while contending with the dangers facing the Shieldlands.
Hrothgar (William Hurt): The old thane of Herot, whose death precipitates Beowulf’s return.
Rheda (Joanne Whalley): Hrothgar’s widow, who assumes the leadership of Herot amidst great political challenge.
Slean (Ed Speleers): Hrothgar’s nephew and a potential heir to Herot, whose loyalties and ambitions are tested.
Breca (Gísli Örn Garðarsson): Beowulf’s childhood friend and a loyal ally, who provides both support and levity.

Themes:

The series delves into themes of heroism, loyalty, and the quest for power. It explores the idea of legacy and the impact of past deeds on the present, as well as the tension between the human and the supernatural. The theme of leadership and the responsibility that comes with it is also central, as characters struggle to lead justly in the face of both human and otherworldly challenges.

Rating:

2.5/5 – “Beowulf: Return to the Shieldlands” received mixed reviews from critics. Some admired the attempt to bring a new twist to an old story and the rich visual portrayal of the Shieldlands. However, others felt that the show suffered from lackluster storytelling and failed to capture the depth and nuance of its source material. The character development and pacing received criticism for not fully engaging the audience.

TV Parental Guidelines Rating:

TV-14 – The series earned this rating due to its action sequences, fantasy violence, and some darker thematic elements, which may not be suitable for younger viewers.

Broadcast Details:

The series originally aired on ITV in the UK in 2016.