Fans of Downton Abbey and Yellowstone are being urged to watch The English, a BBC period drama that has been described as a "masterpiece" and "one of the best series ever". The six-part series, first broadcast on BBC One and Prime Video four years ago, is set in the late 19th century and centres on Lady Cornelia Locke, played by Emily Blunt, who travels to the American West seeking vengeance against the man she holds responsible for her son's death.
A journey across the American West
Lady Cornelia Locke encounters Eli Whipp, a Pawnee Nation member and former US Army cavalry scout played by Chaske Spencer, who is on his way to claim promised land in Nebraska. The unlikely duo unite and traverse the country, assisting each other while pursuing their individual objectives.
Viewers have been lavish in their praise. One declared: "This show is amazing! The chemistry between the two lead characters is phenomenal. Watching their journey together was moving and heartbreaking." Another agreed: "This kind of masterpiece reminds us what is like to be a 'human after all'."
Critical acclaim from viewers
One person described it as a "wondrous, glorious, beautifully told gem of a story", while another called it "beautiful, haunting and traumatic". A further viewer shared: "I watched all the episodes back to back. It was compelling and utterly absorbing. The characters were three dimensional, the script was pithy and believable. This was a tour-de-force. I loved it!"
The English was crafted by filmmaker Hugo Blick, whose previous credits include Shadow Line, The Honourable Woman, and Black Earth Rising. The series is elevated by its exceptional ensemble cast.
Star-studded cast
Emily Blunt, celebrated for her roles in The Devil Wears Prada, A Quiet Place, Sicario and Oppenheimer, leads the cast as Lady Cornelia Locke. Chaske Spencer, known for his performance in the Twilight saga as Sam Uley as well as Wild Indian, Echo and Sneaky Pete, portrays Eli Whipp.
The production also features several other familiar faces, including Rafe Spall from Under Salt Marsh, Tom Hughes of Victoria fame, and Toby Jones, who starred in Mr Bates vs The Post Office. The English is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
