Nice swords and sorcery prequel continuum (after one episode) that has the same good feeling and quality as the original. Paddy Considine and the majority of the cast lend it weight, however (as a grown up) this is the first thing I've watched Matt Smith in and, eeek, he is really not good at acting - one of those folk that make ya wonder 'why didnae I go try it, if this is the kinda BS they'll cast in major productions?!' not just just bad, but unattractive, incompetent and downright laughable in every aspect. I really hope I'm not put off the entire series due to having to swallow the nonsense that is Matt Smith, eurgh. Always found it weird he was 'famous' but figured he must be a decent actor or charismatic enough to carry it off - nah.... must be nepotism or fellatio that got the career coz even with all the money, production and editing he's still a honking big embarrassment in this first ep. I've not read the books but I've a horrible feeling he's not going anywhere either.