In trouble within moments of his naked arrival on a sun drenched beach, Jason is on the run from armed guards. Promptly shot by an arrow, he is befriended by the nervy Pythagoras (Robert Emms), whose triangle obsession looks set to become a running gag. Pythagoras shares a house with Hercules (Mark Addy), an overweight strongman who is less than keen to harbour a fugitive. His weight and cowardice also look to become a well-mined vein of humour.
Together the three make an entertaining band, with Jason clearly being the brains of the team as well as displaying some remarkable aerobatic ability, but for us it is Mark Addy’s Hercules who makes the greatest impression. We do acknowledge of course that Jason’s chiselled physical attributes may catch the eye of a few viewers too!
Taking up the Cretan myth of the Minotaur, Jason fulfils the role of Theseus when he honourably assumes Pythagoras’ place as a tribute for the beast. In doing so, Jason catches the eye of the King’s daughter Ariadne (Aiysha Hart). Making an inept attempt to provide him with a fighting chance, Hercules and Pythagoras end up coming along for the ride.
The Minotaur itself was impressive, with the cavern scenes in shadow and lit by flaming torchlight. We might argue that the monster was despatched rather easily, but this was to expedite a transformation back to humanity and the seeding of some portentous mystery.
As a pilot episode, we expected a good deal of world building and the script from Misfits creator Howard Overman did not disappoint. The frisson of attraction between Ariadne and Jason was noted by Queen Pasiphaë (Sarah Parish) who looks set to provide some scheming arch villainy. Her husband King Minos is played by genre stalwart Alexander Siddig in a suitably regal, if so far undemanding role.
Falling on what appears to be Jason’s side is Juliet Stevenson’s wide eyed Oracle, who knows a good deal more about his history than she is telling. However, like all good fortune tellers she speaks in riddles, apparently to protect him from the dangerous knowledge of his own parentage.
There’s plenty here to like in Atlantis and it is a smart move to make the central character one from the modern world, who can under cut the mysticism with a knowing reference or two.
Visually impressive with its sundrenched Moroccan setting, the show appears light on CGI and heavy on well-shot, smartly-handled action which bodes well. We look forward to seeing where this is going, especially with the introduction of Jemima Rooper as Medusa next week.
Aired at 8.25pm on Saturday 28 September 2013 on BBC One.
> Order Series 1 on DVD on Amazon.
Watch the Atlantis launch trailer…
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