Watch World Without End

World Without End is a historical drama series based on the novel of the same name by Ken Follett. Set in the 14th century, the show revolves around the fictional town of Kingsbridge and its inhabitants' lives during the beginning of the Hundred Years' War between England and France. The series premiered on ReelzChannel in 2012 and stars an ensemble cast of talented actors such as Cynthia Nixon, Miranda Richardson, Ben Chaplin, Peter Firth, Charlotte Riley, Tom Weston-Jones, and Nora Waldstatten.

The story begins in 1327 with a prologue that introduces the main characters and sets the stage for the ensuing drama. Four children of differing social status - Caris (Charlotte Riley), Merthin (Tom Weston-Jones), Gwenda (Nora Waldstatten), and Ralph (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) - witness a violent confrontation between two knights on a bridge. This incident sets off a chain reaction of events that will shape their lives and the fate of their town.

The story then jumps 16 years into the future, and we see how the children have grown up and changed. Caris is now a skilled healer but is thwarted by the male-dominated medical community; Merthin has become a talented architect, but his ambitions put him at odds with the traditionalist guild; Gwenda is trapped in an abusive marriage, and Ralph has returned to Kingsbridge with a lust for power and riches.

The series explores various themes, including love, loyalty, betrayal, greed, and religious hypocrisy. The Black Death looms large over the town, and the fear and devastation it brings underscore the precariousness of life during this era. The town's political struggles reflect the larger conflict between England and France, and the series gives us a glimpse of the social and economic upheavals that come with war.

One of the show's strengths is its attention to historical detail. The production design and costume departments have done an excellent job of portraying the era with authenticity, from the grand cathedrals to the grimy streets. The show also does an excellent job of exploring the lives of everyday people and how they were affected by events beyond their control.

The cast is uniformly excellent, with each actor bringing depth and nuance to their roles. Cynthia Nixon is particularly compelling as Mother Cecilia, a nun who struggles with her faith and her role in the church. Miranda Richardson is equally brilliant as Petranilla, a conniving and power-hungry woman who will stop at nothing to get what she wants. Ben Chaplin also stands out as Sir Thomas Langley, a knight with a tragic past who must navigate the treacherous politics of the court.

Despite the series' strengths, it is not without its flaws. The pacing can be uneven at times, with certain episodes feeling slow or meandering. Some of the characters' storylines are more compelling than others, and there are some underdeveloped subplots that could have been fleshed out more.

Overall, however, World Without End is an engrossing and well-acted drama that manages to capture the spirit of the era. Its exploration of historical themes and richly drawn characters will appeal to fans of period dramas and history buffs alike.

World Without End is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (18 episodes). The series first aired on October 5, 2012.