the bastard executioner

The Bastard Executioner is no more. The FX drama series is laying down its sword following Tuesday’s airing of the season one finale. Series creator and showrunner Kurt Sutter has gone to unusual lengths to salute the hard work that went into producing the show while boldly acknowledging that the ratings weren’t strong enough to justify a renewal. The sword-and-sackcloth drama about the struggles of warrior knights in 12th century Wales proved to be “an acquired taste,” by Sutter’s admission. And Bastard was produced on much more than a Medieval budget. “We did not hold back from showing the brutality of living in 1325 Wales,” he told Variety. Sutter and FX Networks CEO John Landgraf had a candid conversation recently that sealed the decision about the show. “The numbers just didn’t sustain the cost of the show, quite frankly,” Sutter said. “It’s all math at the end of the day. We couldn’t establish that core audience that allows you to figure out your advertising paradigm and whether or not the show is affordable.”

“I have been awed by the talent and commitment of this TBX cast and crew,” Sutter states in the ad. “The audience has spoken and unfortunately the word is, ‘meh.’ So with due respect, we bring our mythology to an epic and fiery close.” 

Sutter said the experience of detaching from Hollywood to produce a period drama in a remote part of England was exhilarating, enlightening and by the end, a little emotional. “I love this cast and crew so much,” Sutter said.