We're deep into winter, and it's time to hunker down to enjoy winter movies, in which plants are the stars! This time I'm watching episodes from the British drama series, Cadfael, which aired from 1994 through 1998. The mystery series is based on the books by Edith Pargeter, writing under the pseudonym Ellis Peters, and stars Sir Derek Jacobi.
The series is set in medieval England in 1138 during the 20-year civil war between King Stephen and Empress Matilda. It takes place in the fictional Shrewsbury, but several characters are based on real people.
In the opening episode, rebels are in control of King Stephen's castle in Shrewsbury, but are overthrown by supporters of the King. The 94 rebels are sentenced to death by hanging, and the Benedictine Abbey of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in Shrewsbury is called upon to give last rights. The monk, Cadfael, is assigned the task. Brother Cadfael is a Welshman in his 60s who was called to the monastery late in life after an adventurous life as a Crusader in the Middle East for 15 years, then as the captain of a fishing boat. While in the Middle East he learned how to garden and heal with herbs. At the abbey he tends his vegetable garden and prepares herbal remedies in his medicinal shed.
Cadfael soon discovers there are 95 bodies, instead of 94 (one corpse too many), and the 95th was strangled not hanged. He sets out to find the murderer. During the investigation, loyalties are tested and motivations questioned. Cadfael finds botanical clues to track down the killer, and administers healing herbs to those in need. His knowledge and intelligence solves the crime and brings justice. Brother Cadfael finds a friend and ally in Hugh Beringar, who is appointed sheriff of Shrewsbury for his part in solving the crime and proving his loyalties.
I enjoyed seeing Cadfael's character at work in his garden and his medicinal shed, and the small details of medieval life. His worldly experience serves him well as he solves the crime and engages with those he encounters along the way. I also appreciated learning more about this time in British history. This is the perfect series to watch while waiting out the winter, until the gardening days of spring. I found the DVD at a local library, and through online retailers, such as Acorn Media.
The series is set in medieval England in 1138 during the 20-year civil war between King Stephen and Empress Matilda. It takes place in the fictional Shrewsbury, but several characters are based on real people.
One Corpse Too Many (Season 1, Episode 1)
In the opening episode, rebels are in control of King Stephen's castle in Shrewsbury, but are overthrown by supporters of the King. The 94 rebels are sentenced to death by hanging, and the Benedictine Abbey of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in Shrewsbury is called upon to give last rights. The monk, Cadfael, is assigned the task. Brother Cadfael is a Welshman in his 60s who was called to the monastery late in life after an adventurous life as a Crusader in the Middle East for 15 years, then as the captain of a fishing boat. While in the Middle East he learned how to garden and heal with herbs. At the abbey he tends his vegetable garden and prepares herbal remedies in his medicinal shed.
Cadfael soon discovers there are 95 bodies, instead of 94 (one corpse too many), and the 95th was strangled not hanged. He sets out to find the murderer. During the investigation, loyalties are tested and motivations questioned. Cadfael finds botanical clues to track down the killer, and administers healing herbs to those in need. His knowledge and intelligence solves the crime and brings justice. Brother Cadfael finds a friend and ally in Hugh Beringar, who is appointed sheriff of Shrewsbury for his part in solving the crime and proving his loyalties.
I enjoyed seeing Cadfael's character at work in his garden and his medicinal shed, and the small details of medieval life. His worldly experience serves him well as he solves the crime and engages with those he encounters along the way. I also appreciated learning more about this time in British history. This is the perfect series to watch while waiting out the winter, until the gardening days of spring. I found the DVD at a local library, and through online retailers, such as Acorn Media.
No comments:
Post a Comment