Ep 3. Effigy / Ddelw

The Bastard Executioner season 1 episode 3, "Effigy / Ddelw," follows the continuing story of Wilkin Brattle, a former knight and now an executioner. In this installment, Wilkin grapples with the aftermath of his latest execution, trying to reconcile his innate sense of justice with the brutality of the tasks he's been assigned.

The episode opens with a brutal (off-screen) execution of a group of rebels who were trying to overthrow the occupying English forces in Wales. Wilkin was the one who carried out the execution, and he's clearly troubled by the experience. As he tells his fellow executioner and friend, Toran, "I understand the law...but sometimes it's just hard to stomach."

After the execution, Wilkin takes a walk in the woods to clear his head. There, he stumbles on a group of Welsh rebels who are building a symbolic effigy of a monk in protest of the English rule. Wilkin tries to ignore them and continue on his way, but the leader of the rebels, Annora, is a shrewd and perceptive woman who sees right through him. She convinces Wilkin to help them with their effigy-making, promising to pay him for his work.

Meanwhile, Wilkin's wife, who is pregnant with their first child, is still recovering from an attack by a group of soldiers in the first episode. She's bedridden and delirious, and Wilkin is torn between wanting to be with her and needing to work to support them both. To add to his troubles, he's also experiencing vivid flashbacks to his time as a soldier in King Edward's army and the atrocities he committed there.

As Wilkin helps the rebels with their effigy, he begins to see the appeal of their cause. He's torn between his loyalty to the English and his sympathy for the Welsh, who are fighting for their own freedom and independence. Annora is a charismatic and powerful leader, and it's clear that she sees potential in Wilkin as a potential ally.

The episode also introduces a new character, Lady Love, the wife of the Baron who rules over Wilkin's village. Lady Love is young and idealistic, and she's determined to bring peace to the region by finding a way to negotiate with the Welsh rebels. She meets with Annora to discuss her plans, but Annora is skeptical, knowing that the English have a long history of breaking promises to the Welsh.

Overall, "Effigy / Ddelw" is a compelling and thought-provoking episode that delves deeper into the complex issues of power, loyalty, and resistance that the show has been exploring since its premiere. The characters continue to be well-drawn and intriguing, and the plot is full of tension and surprises. Fans of historical dramas and shows with strong political themes will find much to enjoy here.