Ep 5. Legacy

Set in the 12th century in England, The Pillars of the Earth follows the construction of a grand cathedral in the town of Kingsbridge. In season 1 episode 5, titled Legacy, tensions between the church and the nobility continue to rise as King Stephen wages war against Maud for the throne of England.

Prior Philip (Ian McShane), the long-suffering monk in charge of the cathedral construction project, finds himself caught in the middle of this conflict. He's determined to maintain the integrity of the project, and to keep his monks out of danger, but this proves more difficult than he imagined.

Meanwhile, Jack (Eddie Redmayne), the gifted young stonemason who is working on the cathedral, becomes increasingly involved in the politics of the town. He's still reeling from his encounter with the bishop's mistress, and he's also being courted by Aliena (Hayley Atwell), the noblewoman who has fallen in love with him.

With tensions running high, both within and without the cathedral walls, the episode Legacy is a gripping installment in the series. As the title indicates, the characters are wrestling with the legacy they will leave behind, both individually and collectively. For Prior Philip, this means trying to build a lasting monument to his faith, even as the world around him threatens to crumble. For Jack, this means grappling with the consequences of his actions, and deciding what kind of man he wants to be.

The episode is also notable for the way it balances the personal stories of the characters with the larger historical context. While the conflict between King Stephen and Maud is not the primary focus of the series, it's clear that this struggle for power is having a profound impact on the lives of the characters. By showing us how the political upheaval affects the everyday world of Kingsbridge, the show creates a rich and immersive world for viewers to explore.

As always, the production values of The Pillars of the Earth are top-notch. The sets, costumes, and locations all feel authentic, and the attention to detail is impressive. The cinematography is particularly striking in this episode, with several scenes taking place in the dark corners of the cathedral, lit only by candlelight. This creates a moody, almost gothic atmosphere that is perfect for the story being told.

Overall, Legacy is a standout episode of The Pillars of the Earth. It continues to build on the strong foundation laid in earlier installments, and it sets the stage for an even more exciting second half of the season. With excellent performances, stunning visuals, and a compelling storyline, this episode is not to be missed by fans of historical drama.