"The Pillars of The Earth"

[sergebroom]

I recently finished watching 2010's "The Pillars of The Earth", an 8-part series set early in the 12th Century, when Queen Maud and King Stephen were having their tiff about who should rule over England. In the middle of this messy situation, a monk wants his town to have a church that'd honor God, not the local dismal ruin. Then a man shows up with his family, in dire need of a job, and they will build a church, but not just any church. They will erect something new and wonderful - a Gothic Church.



I will confess that I have a weakness for stories about the building of things, especially when it brings out the best in people. (Anybody else loves Sidney Poitier's "Lilies of The Field"?) The plot tended to wander off that story and toward the Maud-vs-Stephen entourage. Nothing like incest and ear-chopping and self-flagellation to liven things up amidst all that stone-chiseling, I guess. Also, the last episode rather rushed toward the conclusion. But I enjoyed it. Great cast too, especially Matthew Macfayden as the monk, and Rufus Sewell in a role that will surprise you - as a good guy who wants to build a great monument. Ian McShane has a role that will not surprise you - as an icky and corrupt priest.

Recommended.