I'd heard about this series for a long time. Patrick Troughton, the second Doctor Who, who was also the catholic priest that the anti-Christ impaled in THE OMEN, had played an insane AZTEC high priest! I was dubious. I love me some historical dramas, and I happily accept quite a bit as far as other races/cultures being represented by whitey(Charlie Chan...my man), but this seemed a bit like a silly ideer. I am happy to report that my fears have not been realised in the slightest.
THE FEATHERED SERPENT was a children's show produced in 1976 by Thames television. The seventies were a crazy time for historical dramas; I, CLAUDIUS, THE CLEOPATRAS, THE WARRIOR QUEEN, ARTHUR OF THE BRITONS, and on and on. They had no fear in the choice of subject. If you think that a UK show couldn't pull off THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS, then you are quite wrong...as wrong as I was about this show. Lots of costumes, big, garish sets, and larger-than-life intrigue, splashed across a historical universe that really could only exist in the imagination...and what an imagination.
THE FEATHERED SERPENT was a children's show produced in 1976 by Thames television. The seventies were a crazy time for historical dramas; I, CLAUDIUS, THE CLEOPATRAS, THE WARRIOR QUEEN, ARTHUR OF THE BRITONS, and on and on. They had no fear in the choice of subject. If you think that a UK show couldn't pull off THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS, then you are quite wrong...as wrong as I was about this show. Lots of costumes, big, garish sets, and larger-than-life intrigue, splashed across a historical universe that really could only exist in the imagination...and what an imagination.
The plot centers almost completely on the machinations of the high priest Nasca (Patrick Troughton), who is trying to purge the religion of the gentle god, Quala, and replace it with the human sacrifice-demanding god of death, Teshkata. The figure that stands directly between Nasca and the power that his death-god demands is Emperor Kukhulkhan(Tony Steedman), and his daughter, the lovely Chimalma (Diane Keen). Things are further complicated by the presence of a contingent of the Toltecs, headed by Prince Houtek(Brian Deacon), accompanied by his servant, an impulsive but brave boy named Tozo(Richard Willis). Kukhulkhan takes this opportunity to arrange a possible marriage between Houtek and Chimalma to unify their peoples...much to the chagrin of Chimalma's former suitor, Mahoutek, Chief of the Jaguar guards(Robert Gray). Nasca weaves his deadly web, using murder, druggings, and deceit as his evil tools; he stops at nothing to serve the desires of his dark god...and his own black heart.
I'm honestly amazed that this was a children's show! There are brutal murders here; it's actually quite chilling at times. Troughton really was a master at playing an utter sociopath, capable of shifting with each development in order to further his goals. The rest of the cast was fun, and I got lost in the interior logic of their imaginary ancient Mexico. THE FEATHERED SERPENT really was a pleasant surprise.
Well, pleasant may not me the right word, actually, but it was certainly captivating.
I'm honestly amazed that this was a children's show! There are brutal murders here; it's actually quite chilling at times. Troughton really was a master at playing an utter sociopath, capable of shifting with each development in order to further his goals. The rest of the cast was fun, and I got lost in the interior logic of their imaginary ancient Mexico. THE FEATHERED SERPENT really was a pleasant surprise.
Well, pleasant may not me the right word, actually, but it was certainly captivating.