Entertainment

How Much 'Bastard Executioner' Can We Expect?

For me, the start of Fall TV marks the beginning of new obsessions. And while I have several various shows on my radar right now, the one I'm most excited to see make its debut is Kurt Sutter's new FX series The Bastard Executioner . Set in the 14th century, the show will center around a knight by the name of Wilkin Brattle (Lee Jones), who vows to stop fighting after the horrors of war become too difficult for him to deal with. But, obviously, considering the title of the series, things don't exactly go according to plan and Brattle once again finds himself in the midst of violence and bloodshed. Now that sounds like an intriguing journey, which we will see come to fruition throughout the full 10 episode order of The Bastard Executioner 's first season. Because that's right, folks. We will get to enjoy 10 glorious weeks of Sutter's new series.

Though most FX shows typically get a 13-episode order like American Horror Story or The Americans (not to mention Sutter's former series, Sons of Anarchy), the network has decided to give The Bastard Executioner the Game of Thrones treatment with a round 10-episode arc. The same tactic was done during Fargo's first season, which proved to be highly successful. Perhaps this could signify a similar outcome for TBX? Normally, I'm not exactly for the whole "less is more" approach. (My philosophy is generally: the more TV, the better), however, there can be a few surprising upsides to having a shorter season run. Such as…

Less Filler Episodes

Sometimes there just isn't enough plot to stretch into the longer seasons, so the writers are forced to draw out the time using filler storylines that more often than not can be to the show's detriment. But when you have a shorter season, no such thing is ever really necessary and makes every week feel like an action-packed affair.

Details Are Easier To Remember

In my old age (OK, so I'm not really that old yet, but still), I occasionally have a hard time remember various plot details if a show is on the air for too long, especially if a winter hiatus is involved. Then you've got shows like Sherlock that are too short (three episodes apiece) and only take place once every 2 years or so, if we're lucky. Dealing with just ten episodes per year, on the other hand, feels like a happy compromise. It's long enough to satiate my appetite for the series, but compact enough so that I don't forget what happened in the earlier episodes.

It Leaves You Wanting More

This is what turns a good show into a great show. You always want to leave viewers wanting more. I feel that way with every passing Game of Thrones season. Ten episodes never feels like enough, and it's because of that very reason that proves it's actually the perfect amount.

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