Marco Polo (Netflix Series)

Yeah, I wasn't sure if there was much CGI or not, didn't think so. Thought you wrote "there isn't a lot of CGI..." lol, misread that. And wasn't trying to call you out or nothing. Internet confusion. And yeah the flying balsa wood was funny. Ha!

Dave said:

Is he meant to be younger than he looks?

He stowed away on the ship in a barrel, which makes more sense if he was a very young boy, and I think he mentioned that he was 9 when his father returned. So, if they travelled the silk road for say 5 or 6 years, enough time for him to learn languages, then he would still be a teenager. This idea would fit better with me and the idea that the Khan would treat him like a son.

The only problem is that from the beginning to the end he doesn't seem to age and looks to be in his late 20's. I think this might be the problem with you not warming to the character.

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I read wiki about Marco Polo he went away to Asia,China when he was 15-16 in 1269 and he arrived in Kubla's court after 3 years in Silk road. The actor look easily look 19 when he came to Mongol court in China. He was away for 24 years.

I thought the actor was fine in the drama but Marco Polo is a also tool to tell the Mongol court story, Song China dynasty end story. He cant be too charismatic because he is real historical person. He isnt a fantasy hero despite the Kung Fu. I thought he grew well after 4 eps when he became smarter, at home at the court.

I adored the overall story for historical reasons, getting inside look to Mongol/Yuan Dynasty/Kublai Khan from Marco's POV. This isnt only his personal story. I would dislike the series if it became too much fiction and too little history. I liked seeing Kublai Khan struggling, being afraid not to match Genghis Khan's legacy. If this series was only about the character Marco Polo it would be a short, weak mini series. The setting, all the different people is the fascinting thing. Mongol ruling half the world brings together Italian from Venice along with Arabic,Persian ministers, Mongol warriors, Chinese on both sides etc

Then Wiki fits with what is told in the story for the time on the silk road and his age on arrival, however the actor is actualy 24. I was just saying that the reason Markpud found him uncharismatic might be that the actor is slightly too old. On the otherhand, there is definitely a second series being made, and if he going to be there for 24 years, an older actor will make it easier to believe that aging.

Dave said:

Then Wiki fits with what is told in the story for the time on the silk road and his age on arrival, however the actor is actualy 24. I was just saying that the reason Markpud found him uncharismatic might be that the actor is slightly too old. On the otherhand, there is definitely a second series being made, and if he going to be there for 24 years, an older actor will make it easier to believe that aging.

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I see what you mean but 4-5 year old difference is not much specially in films,tv where we have 50 year old Brad Pitt and co playing 30 year olds.

Im hoping the character keep matures mentally as he did later half of the first season. He went from a scared kid in prison to a trusted adviser.

I agree that the series was at its best when telling the story of Kublai Khan and how his grandfather's legacy hung heavy on him. On the other hand, the Chinese court storyline felt more cliche.

Polo wasn't terrible, and discrepancies with his age aside I think his character was believable in his actions.

markpud said:

I agree that the series was at its best when telling the story of Kublai Khan and how his grandfather's legacy hung heavy on him. On the other hand, the Chinese court storyline felt more cliche.

Polo wasn't terrible, and discrepancies with his age aside I think his character was believable in his actions.

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Chinese court storyline was not enough focused on, the villain was good but his side of the story got too little focus because most characters was in Kublais court. I liked the sister,spy,assasin to Chinese Chancellor villain. I felt for her being used because of her daugther. I hope she doesnt die because she choose the wrong side in season 2.

Yep the characters surrounding the Chancellor were more interesting than the man himself who felt like a fung-fu cliche bad guy.

And the Mongol princess who Polo fell for in s2 was great, hopefully she'll be featured more in s3..