Hieroglyph

Hieroglyph was one of the most ambitious projects undertaken by FOX in 2014. Set in ancient Egypt, the series was a unique combination of historical drama and supernatural elements. The narrative was woven around the intrigues of the palace, life along the Nile, the mysteries of the harsh desert, and the realms of ancient gods.

The storyline revolved around the life of a notorious thief named Ambrose, played by Max Brown, a man who had pioneered his craft in the underworld. The series kicked off when the Pharaoh, Shai Kanakht (Reece Ritchie), a rather unconventional leader full of progressive ideas, releases Ambrose from prison for a breakneck task. The job was to recover a valuable artefact which was of immense value and significance to the Pharaoh and the entire realm of Egypt.

The fascinating dynamics between these two characters form a significant chunk of the show. The relationship between the king and his 'servant’ embroils Ambrose in palace intrigue, and he soon finds himself in the midst of seductive concubines, criminal underbellies, and sedition conspirators.

Beyond the central plot, Hieroglyph also examines the various aspects of the ancient Egyptian world. From the rituals, customs, and rites of the Pharaoh's court to the lush landscape along the Nile and the harsh, unforgiving desert, the show actively engages viewers with its vivid portrayal. The mythical element surrounding the ancient gods and goddesses also captivate viewers' attention, as does the depiction of the ancient hieroglyphic writings that they use to communicate and predict the future.

Supernatural elements also play a significant role in the series. As the title implies, hieroglyphs play a large part, with their decoding and understanding driving much of the narrative. The show blends reality with mythology, transforming it into a rich tapestry of enigmatic signs, symbols, and hidden meanings waiting to be unravelled by the characters.

In terms of casting, Hieroglyph brought together an ensemble cast, combining actors from a wide range of backgrounds. Max Brown executes an emotional and powerful performance as Ambrose, infusing his character with equal parts charm and wit. Reece Ritchie adds an eccentric yet immeasurably powerful demeanor to his role of Pharaoh Shai Kanakht. The dynamic between these two main characters forms the beating heart of the series, drawing the viewers' attention from the first episode.

The show also features a compelling portrayal of Peshet, the Pharaoh's half-sister, and master of the palace spies by Caroline Ford. Kelsey Chow also gives a fascinating performance as the Lotus Ten, a provocative concubine who is also a spy for a rival kingdom. In addition, Condola Rashad as Nefertari, John Rhys-Davies as Vocifer, and Antony Bunsee as Rawser help in weaving a vibrant narrative that is both mesmerising and engaging.

An interesting aspect of the show is the dialogue, which is an eloquent blend of antiquated and modern language. This unique mix makes for compelling viewing and at the same time, bridges the vast time gap between the viewer and the story.

Behind the scenes, the series was created by Travis Beacham, a talented writer known for his work on "Pacific Rim" and "Clash of the Titans". The expertise offered by Beacham and the vast resources provided by 20th Century Fox Television made Hieroglyph a show with immense potential.

However, the show faced an untimely cancellation after the pilot episode, concluding its run much earlier than expected. Despite this, Hieroglyph remained a televised testament to an ambitious blend of historical reality, intriguing mythology, and engaging drama set against one of history's most captivating backdrops - Ancient Egypt.

In conclusion, Hieroglyph was an experiment in genre blending, a fusion of historical recreation with elements of fantastical and crime drama. Its captivating plot, dynamic characters, and rich setting made it an ambitious project and a unique entry in the realm of television series. :+: