37 reviews
pretty fun
- danrobbins1
- Jul 10, 2017
- Permalink
Exactly how the bard would have written it
It saddens me that people are complaining that London is too colourful, that the characters are too simple and clownish, when that was exactly what Shakespeare himself did. He was bright, sexual, crude and clever and so was this. Maybe it's a little messy but it has so much spirit, so much fire. Every moment is interesting, and that was exactly how the man himself wrote.
- robbarlow-54198
- Jul 28, 2017
- Permalink
Not Historically Accurate, and Proud of It!
As you might have guessed by now, Will makes practically no attempt to be historically accurate.
Critics everywhere have cried out in collective grief. But who cares? Da Vinci's Demons had very little to do with the real-life Leonardo -- that didn't stop it from running for three seasons!
Like Demons, Will is "historical fiction". Not a biography; not a serious reconstruction of the life of The Bard. It's a drama loosely based on characters loosely based on vague descriptions of people who lived at some point.
It's entertainment. And in that, it does a pretty good job. There's your usual cable TV "must-haves": violence, sex, backstabbing -- general depravity. Everyone's a little greasy, one way or the other. There are crazy sub-plots. If they hadn't called the main character Shakespeare, the critics would have been much happier with it.
But, alas, Shakespeare appears to be sacred. And maybe, that's the cow Will is trying to slaughter. Set the table, we're having steak.
Critics everywhere have cried out in collective grief. But who cares? Da Vinci's Demons had very little to do with the real-life Leonardo -- that didn't stop it from running for three seasons!
Like Demons, Will is "historical fiction". Not a biography; not a serious reconstruction of the life of The Bard. It's a drama loosely based on characters loosely based on vague descriptions of people who lived at some point.
It's entertainment. And in that, it does a pretty good job. There's your usual cable TV "must-haves": violence, sex, backstabbing -- general depravity. Everyone's a little greasy, one way or the other. There are crazy sub-plots. If they hadn't called the main character Shakespeare, the critics would have been much happier with it.
But, alas, Shakespeare appears to be sacred. And maybe, that's the cow Will is trying to slaughter. Set the table, we're having steak.
- m_imdb-905-691213
- Jul 9, 2017
- Permalink
Everything Negative that is Tehart's Review: a Counterpoint
nice experiment
it is strange to hope more. because the fragments of biography, the opportunity to use imagination to complete it, the Elisabethan London and the theater of this period are great temptations for a series who could be cool and small door for teenager to the work of the most important playwright of entire history. so, it is, in same measure, provocative , subjective and decent. the good point is Laurie Davidson who gives a Shakespeare full of noble intentions, sparkles, vulnerability and in permanent grow up in the atmosphere of the city. and the script is the recipes who contains all the ingredients and the way to be more than a tasteful dish but an impressive one.
- Kirpianuscus
- Jul 12, 2017
- Permalink
I love this series!
I do hope that there will be another series. This was so interesting and captivating it would be a shame for there not to be another series!
- foxytigger
- Aug 12, 2018
- Permalink
Shakespeare Would Have a Few Choice Epithets for This
Punk rock Shakespeare
I like to state, as someone growing up within my local punk scene that emulated the early punk scene (late 70's/early 80's) and has a history of art, I love this series. It tries to show the story the early days of Shakespeare as if Elizabethan England is going through a punk phase. And does so amazingly without it being overbearing, and is something you can see back in the clothing, music choice, hair styles, posters, etc. this all to the point that, seemingly, a lot of other reviewers actually haven't noticed it aside from the music.
Take the clothing for example: most major characters wear something like leather jackets that are studded with patterns, this all without it being terribly out of place within Elizabethan England. Or a more obvious example are the posters, they look nothing little to nothing Elizabethan era posters however do look like cheap punk concert posters with some Elizabethan flair thrown in for good measure. And lets be frank in what late 1500's world would they have used, what looks like, cut out photocopied letters for a wanted poster?
But I could continue to list all the small details and how amazing it works within the setting.
The story as of yet has also been top notch in my opinion, not to shallow but not so deep that it requires art history major to understand. It also doesn't, if you notice the punk elements obviously so, to be historically accurate.
All in all, great show.
Take the clothing for example: most major characters wear something like leather jackets that are studded with patterns, this all without it being terribly out of place within Elizabethan England. Or a more obvious example are the posters, they look nothing little to nothing Elizabethan era posters however do look like cheap punk concert posters with some Elizabethan flair thrown in for good measure. And lets be frank in what late 1500's world would they have used, what looks like, cut out photocopied letters for a wanted poster?
But I could continue to list all the small details and how amazing it works within the setting.
The story as of yet has also been top notch in my opinion, not to shallow but not so deep that it requires art history major to understand. It also doesn't, if you notice the punk elements obviously so, to be historically accurate.
All in all, great show.
- relo999-601-496040
- Jul 10, 2017
- Permalink
Nothing remarkable, but yet it's still a pleasant escape.
The plot is a bit out of focus and random, but somehow everything still manages to come together and provide above average entertainment. The actors are very spirited which is one of the biggest pluses. There are very few period piece TV shows that I have found to be worth watching, but this is one of them. The sets are done well enough so that it really kind of brings you back to another day and age. The music, even though it doesn't necessarily fit the period the show is set in, still adds a youthful and vibrant touch to the show.
- paulellerman
- Jul 25, 2017
- Permalink
Too Ridiculous & Not Ridiculous Enough
- LouieInLove
- Jul 9, 2017
- Permalink
Great story telling and good show
Who cares if historically accurate, it is a good story line and 100 percent worth watching. Mixes modern and old together and I love it. The story is set in 1589 in London, with the Protestant church rallying against the Catholics. You have your good guy, who makes mistakes, the girl or love interest, the villain and all the rest. It's just entertainment, don't take it as fact.
- beowolfhounds
- Jul 31, 2017
- Permalink
Using Shakespeare's Name in Vain. Minimal Spoilers -- no real details.
Love It.
Fab casting. I love the trade off betwixt Olde English and New Age acting. The Music is a breath of fresh air and of course its not true to history completely , its entertainment, stop being so stuffy. I adore it. Period pieces can go one of two ways either pomp or fun , this is fun at its best . Bravo to all and Laurie Davidson ... you totally own the screen.
- savannah42000
- Aug 1, 2017
- Permalink
I think Shakespeare would love it
He loved modernizing things....if this was true to time it would be disgusting... read some history! The royals were disgusting.
I love this show! It explored some historical "tabloid material" with no true claims, but the theory's being exposed; was enjoyable! The costumes are mind blowing ....It makes me crave to bring some of these adornments to our current fashion.
This is definitely a period piece
I love this show! It explored some historical "tabloid material" with no true claims, but the theory's being exposed; was enjoyable! The costumes are mind blowing ....It makes me crave to bring some of these adornments to our current fashion.
This is definitely a period piece
- dawnkelleyart
- Jun 14, 2020
- Permalink
MIGHT continue watching. . . . .
- buffalogal3-953-389347
- Jul 10, 2017
- Permalink
Olde London Calling
Just watched the first episode last night. Aside from the garish colors and the punk overtones, I was enthralled. Like Shakespeare's stage directions, the bio for historical Will is sparse leaving ample room for dramatic embellishment. I thought it was clever the way the writers wove ideas and fragments of speeches from the plays throughout the first episode. Especially enjoyed the "duel" of words between Robert Greene and Will in iambic pentameter. If the rest of the episodes prove as entertaining and engrossing as the first, this series will be a treat! Oh, and after about the first 10 min I was over the garish colors and punk overtones.
- jrg-ras-266-436267
- Aug 9, 2017
- Permalink
Trash
- bozx-71318
- Jul 22, 2017
- Permalink
Give this a chance
Binged through the 9 episodes available so far on TNT's app and can't wait for the next (one, two, three...?)
If I were a HS English teacher, having the students watch this would be the best way to get them interested in Shakespeare (probably have to field complaints from uptight parents about language, nudity, etc. etc.).
Just because not everyone is wearing brown or black doesn't mean this isn't historically accurate; maybe London was like a renaissance fair? The backstory on the characters seems to be on target.
If I were a HS English teacher, having the students watch this would be the best way to get them interested in Shakespeare (probably have to field complaints from uptight parents about language, nudity, etc. etc.).
Just because not everyone is wearing brown or black doesn't mean this isn't historically accurate; maybe London was like a renaissance fair? The backstory on the characters seems to be on target.
- GoJackets79
- Jul 20, 2017
- Permalink
uncomfortable mix of the historical and the modern
The problem with Will is not, strictly speaking, that it's historically inaccurate. The problem is an inconsistency of tone that comes out of a particular approach to historical inaccuracy.
The series wants to both have an edgy modern quality and give a fun sense of Shakespeare's time, and that's a straddle it cannot hold.
This is why the debates here between those complaining about historical inaccuracy and those mocking people for complaining about historical inaccuracy are beside the point. Monty Python and the Holy Grail was historically inaccurate, but it created a consistent world using pieces of history and fantasy and modernity. Same with Xena Warrior Princess. But Will just feels like a hodgepodge of ideas that are thematically incompatible, and it lacks the flair necessary to pull it off.
The end result is not a show that fails because of inaccuracies, but rather a series that is just kind of annoying.
The series wants to both have an edgy modern quality and give a fun sense of Shakespeare's time, and that's a straddle it cannot hold.
This is why the debates here between those complaining about historical inaccuracy and those mocking people for complaining about historical inaccuracy are beside the point. Monty Python and the Holy Grail was historically inaccurate, but it created a consistent world using pieces of history and fantasy and modernity. Same with Xena Warrior Princess. But Will just feels like a hodgepodge of ideas that are thematically incompatible, and it lacks the flair necessary to pull it off.
The end result is not a show that fails because of inaccuracies, but rather a series that is just kind of annoying.
Another interesting show cancelled
This show is very creative and entertaining. I don't know anything about Shakespeare to comment on historical accuracy, but haven't all the naysayers heard of poetic license? After all, Shakespeare didn't listen to "London Calling" by the Clash back then - even I know that!
- seashell36
- Jul 3, 2018
- Permalink
Some Missed Opportunities but Good overall
Not to be
Thought it might have a chance but it's not be. Awful production. London looks like Mardi Gras. Everyone looks or acts like a clown. Will is so weak he can't fight a 12 year old kid who apparently bathes in mud. No deception about Will's sexuality right off the bat as he seems attracted to the incredibly ugly, effeminate character played be Jaime Bower who ruined Camelot by playing a girly man King Arthur ( why is he given roles I'll never understand ). Unlike Da Vinci's Code whose first 2 seasons were outstanding; this is an outright mess right out of the gate. Go watch Genius for quality TV and pass on this travesty. Bad year for anything Shakespeare with that other abomination on ABC that must have had SJW's salivating in delight. The poor Bard.
- larosat-32821
- Jul 10, 2017
- Permalink
Inaccurate? Sure. Fun and in the Shakespearian spirit? Absolutely
- cathyweeks
- Jul 17, 2017
- Permalink
What Would Hunter S. Thompson Say?
I'm still reeling from watching the two episode premier. I won't rehash the criticisms made regarding the weirdness of mixing punk hair styles, hair coloring and music with an Elizabethan historical setting except to note that I agree. I found myself wincing every time the audience at the theater was shown. I kept dreading the time when Boy George or that girl with the upside down eye makeup from Bow Wow Wow would show up as audience members. Or maybe even the guy with the late 50's Cadillac fin hair from Flock of Seagulls. If they really wanted to do the 70's/80's music thing right why not go for "Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick" by Ian Dury and the Blockheads or "Fame" by David Bowie? I will say that the photography is gorgeous as are the sets and costumes (even though some of the costumes seem as much from a future time as the music). I just wish that Hunter S. Thompson could come back and write a "Fear and Loathing" about "Will".
not finished with the episode yet but writing from what i have seen
OK I have only been able to watch the first 20 minutes so far of this show and it seems pretty riveting but I will also tell you that there's some pretty raw content just in the time I have seen there's a man bare humping a woman 2 executions and strong language if none of the above bothers you then try it I like what I have seen so far will is a new summer treat
- chrisman-80559
- Jul 11, 2017
- Permalink