Expected more

An action-packed slog

It was OK. I don't see why everyone loves it so much. It wasn't very smart or deep or well-directed.

Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.

I do like the show. It is an ancient epic saga (a fantasy if you will), and I consider it well done in it's class/category. Sure a bit of artistic license was taken and really besides the 3 major adventures written in the Beowulf who knows what he did during his full life! It's a STORY! In regards to the issues of other reviewers there seem to be with woman in strong roles and people of different ethnic groups, there have been times throughout history where woman have been highly important figures in their societies AND there has been evidence of different ethnic peoples found in the Scandinavian countries. SO what if it's a bit more in the show than we think may have existed... The acting is good, yes I have seen better in some cases but I have seen worse on shows which have stayed on for more than 1 season!!! I liked it at any rate and hope to see a season 2.

I first turned Beowulf: Return to the Shieldlands on by mistake and quickly realized that this show could be an interesting watch. I have been pleasantly surprised and at times, I have only been mildly disappointed. If you enjoy fantasy story telling, decent sword fight choreography, and minor attempts at comedy then give it a try. I don't think you will be too disappointed. BUT...For the people who are easily dissuaded by mid talent acting and a bit of copy cat antics then I feel you will not enjoy watching it. A lot of people are bashing it because it is trying too hard to be Game of Thrones. The title sequence is a direct copycat and really takes away from the show. Once people see and hear it they immediately get turned off and want nothing to do with it. There are small inadequacies that push the viewer to eye rolling but most of them can be overlooked. The story isn't the strongest but you can't compare it to GoT, that is unfair. If you compare ANYTHING to GoT it would be unfair. If I was allowed to change ONE thing only...I would take away the title sequence and replace it with something individual. I believe wholeheartedly that it's a huge issue for people and will cause the show to lose some major viewers.Don't give up on it after the first episode. It takes a little time to get rolling. It's really not a bad watch at all. Give it a try.

After doing what most people should of done and given it a chance to let the story and characters get moving, I have become more than pleasantly surprised by the amazing story, excitement and characters. I suggest ignoring the bulk of the other comments and try watching all the episodes over a couple of nights , or if your brave or bored then in on day. You will be surprised by how good the series is becoming.-------------/\--------------------------/\---------------- Don't be shy, give Beowulf a try !!! Kieran Bew is actually an amazing actor, he is playing a man damaged by wars over the years and experience and portrays this well. I would compare his actions likened to someone with massive depression.

Most of the criticism I've seen of this series either relates to the CGI creatures or that it is unrealistic and compares badly to Game of Thrones and Vikings. This is not comparing like for like. The series is obviously intended as a family show, with appeal to younger viewers, reflected by it's 7pm time slot. Better comparisons would be to shows like Primeval, which relied on CGI creatures, or The Three Musketeers and Merlin, which took well known works and expanded the story in new directions. Three episodes in the series is coming to life. It almost has the feel of the Wild West, with Herot as a frontier town and Beowulf becoming a character rather like a town sheriff. There are several strong female characters and much centres around Rheda and her attempts to retain power, while different factions plot to undermine her. Looking forward to seeing where the story goes and how other elements of the original poem will be woven into the plot. I hope it plays well with it's intended audience, maybe a Saturday evening slot would have worked better, capturing viewers with Dr Who withdrawal symptoms.