| Double W | 13 Dec 2014 11:39 a.m. PST |
So Marco Polo just debuted on Netflix. I've watched the first three episodes. First, I love the time period, and the production of this series is amazing. The sets, the costumes, the landscapes…just wow. That said, the writing is pretty dumb and cliched. Marco Polo himself is probably the most boring character in the series -- he's stiff as a board, and the actor who plays him isn't very good. Kulbia Khan is more interesting, mostly because the actor seems to be having a lot of fun in the role. But my biggest problem is the king fu silliness. For example, Polo is being instructed in the martial arts by a stereotypical "wise blind master" who must have echolocation or something, given he can dodge blows better than most people with vision. Then there is a seductress who, while completely nude, slays three heavily armed guards using her martial arts skills. The kung fu moments are out of place in the series because it otherwise takes itself sooooo seriously. And, oh yeah, there is a lot of female nudity in Marco Polo. Hey, I'm not usually one to complain about that, but here it is just thrown in as softcore porn to lure in viewers. Feels cheap, and if you're looking for that kind of thing, there's always the internet. Maybe the show will get better. I plan to watch the entire series -- I have Netflix, no reason not to. But it is sad to see a show with such high production values get derailed by such bad writing. |
| evilcartoonist | 13 Dec 2014 12:07 p.m. PST |
I agree with your analysis (also having only watched the first three episodes, but with plans to watch it all.) |
| Cold Steel | 13 Dec 2014 12:11 p.m. PST |
I watched the 1st 3 episodes last night too. Good analysis. The kung fu scenes are pretty stupid. The Kublai Khan actor does a good job portraying an aging, overweight, over-sexed egotistical despot, although his duel with his equally over-weight brother was pretty hokey. You would think metal armor was a little bit stronger than that, or why bother wearing it? I will watch a couple more episodes. One can only hope. |
| Double W | 13 Dec 2014 12:20 p.m. PST |
I found the whole brother-on-brother duel funny, because you know the writers wanted to have a big battle scene but realized they didn't really have the money for that. "Hey, we'll just get the leaders to fight instead and make up something about Mongol honor." You're right about the armor. It was surprisingly ineffective at stopping sword blows. |
combatpainter  | 13 Dec 2014 3:02 p.m. PST |
I agree. I want to give it a chance though. It is really slow moving. Yawn…. |
| Meiczyslaw | 13 Dec 2014 5:21 p.m. PST |
I haven't watched it yet, but saw the preview a few days ago. My wife's take: "Y'know … I might watch it if they hadn't named it Marco Polo." |
| darthfozzywig | 13 Dec 2014 5:23 p.m. PST |
"wise blind master" who must have echolocation or something, given he can dodge blows better than most people with vision. His secret is calling out "Marco!", forcing his opponent to reveal his location. "Polo!" *smack!* |
 ochoin  | 13 Dec 2014 5:35 p.m. PST |
Does it point out MP was a Croatian? |
| 45thdiv | 13 Dec 2014 6:11 p.m. PST |
I barely got through the 1st episode. I will give it a pass. |
Puster  | 14 Dec 2014 2:29 p.m. PST |
>Does it point out MP was a Croatian? I assume that POV is mainly held in Croatia? |
| Double W | 14 Dec 2014 4:44 p.m. PST |
No, MP is an Italian in the series. In fact, the guy portraying him is an Italian actor who had to learn English before taking the role. |
| ochoin | 14 Dec 2014 5:37 p.m. PST |
I'm being a bit mischievous with the Croatian claims but here's some "fun facts" behind the claim: link The Chinese seem to give them credence. |
