The BBC iPlayer has become the home to a Western drama that fans are describing as a 'masterclass' in television, with many admitting they 'think about it once a week'. This 'incredible' mini-series, titled The English, is now available for streaming and has captivated audiences with its gripping narrative and historical inspirations.
A Revenge Tale Set in the Wild West
Starring the acclaimed actress Emily Blunt alongside Chaske Spencer, The English is a 19th-century Western that delves into themes of vengeance, identity, and power. The series follows Lady Cornelia Locke, portrayed by Blunt, an aristocratic Englishwoman who travels to the violent American West seeking retribution. Her path crosses with Eli Whipp, played by Spencer, a former Pawnee cavalry scout, leading to a fateful partnership.
Journey Through a Brutal Landscape
As Cornelia and Eli traverse the harsh terrain, they uncover a shared, dark past that binds them together. Their journey culminates in the new town of Hoxem, Wyoming, where they confront their destinies amidst explorations of race, love, and personal identity. The storyline is notably inspired by real historical elements, particularly the role of Pawnee scouts and the involvement of English aristocrats in the burgeoning cattle industry of the era.
While the characters and dramatic events are fictional, the series has resonated deeply with viewers, earning praise for its authenticity and emotional depth. On fan review platforms like Rotten Tomatoes, audiences have been effusive in their admiration.
Overwhelming Acclaim from Viewers
One enthusiastic review highlighted the series' strengths, stating: 'This movie is a spectacular display of storyline, cinematography, character development, love, life, etc. I can't tell you how many times I've watched it over the years, but it gets me every single time! I love the costumes, the music, and the way they speak to each other! Ugh. I wish there were another 10 episodes.'
Another fan shared a personal connection to the show, remarking: 'This is my favourite piece of media. It definitely has flaws, and the side stories can be hard to keep up with, but the storyline is incredible and deeply moving. The romance is refreshingly unselfish and loving. I think about this show often, and it genuinely changed how I view love. Also very rewatchable.'
Emotional Impact and Critical Praise
A third viewer expressed their emotional engagement, saying: 'Absolutely amazing, gripping and heart-rending show. I loved every second of it, all the Actors were amazing, and I fell in love with Eli. I was sad that he and Cordelia didn't ride off into the sunset, not the ending I would wish for two tortured souls with lives full of grief, but it was still absolutely fantastic. Highly recommend.'
Further accolades poured in, with one fan noting: 'This is so very good! The acting and script were amazing. The scenery and filming were stunning. Hits you right in the heart and leaves a sting.' Another admitted initial hesitation but was ultimately won over: 'I wasn’t sure how I felt about this at first, but I couldn’t stop watching it. By the end, I was actually tearing up and never wanted it to stop.'
A Series That Transcends Genre
This viewer elaborated on the series' broader appeal, explaining: 'The performances are extraordinary, the relationship between main characters unlike anything I’ve seen on TV, the real history mixed with fiction horrifying at times and the kind of stuff you have to pause and Google yourself, and the violence is brutal and unforgiving… essentially everything you could ever want in a series. I’m not usually even into westerns, but it’s much more than that. Frankly, I think this is quite possibly the best limited series I’ve ever seen.'
They did acknowledge minor critiques, such as unresolved subplots, but concluded: 'My only real complaint is that there are a lot of subplots going on that never really get resolved, but the overall effect I still found very powerful. Worth watching!'
With its compelling blend of historical inspiration, stellar performances, and emotional storytelling, The English stands out as a must-watch on BBC iPlayer. Fans continue to celebrate it as a 'masterclass' in television, ensuring its place as a beloved addition to the Western genre.
