Longline for “The English”
“The English” is a gripping and visually stunning Western series, following Lady Cornelia Locke, an aristocratic Englishwoman, as she journeys across the American frontier to avenge the death of her son. Alongside her unlikely ally, Eli Whipp, a former Pawnee cavalry scout, they confront violent settlers, ruthless bounty hunters, and the harsh realities of survival, revealing the dark truths and complicated legacies of colonialism and the Wild West. Driven by a haunting past and a quest for justice, their journey transforms them in unexpected ways, ultimately challenging their understanding of honor, identity, and loyalty.
Title:
The English
Genre:
Western, Drama, Period Piece
Release Date:
November 10, 2022
Episodes:
6-part miniseries
Directors:
Hugo Blick
Screenwriter:
Hugo Blick
Main Cast:
Emily Blunt (as Lady Cornelia Locke), Chaske Spencer (as Eli Whipp), Tom Hughes, Rafe Spall, Stephen Rea
Production Companies:
Amazon Studios, BBC Studios, Drama Republic
Network:
Premiered on Amazon Prime Video (US) and BBC Two (UK)
Plot Summary
“The English” unfolds in the rugged, untamed American West of the 1890s. Lady Cornelia Locke, a refined English aristocrat, arrives on American soil with a vendetta: to hunt down and punish the man she holds responsible for her son’s death. Her journey through the frontier is perilous, and she soon joins forces with Eli Whipp, a disillusioned former cavalry scout of Pawnee descent. Each has reasons to distrust one another, yet they are bound by a shared sense of purpose and a mutual understanding of loss.
As Cornelia and Eli face a world that is as unforgiving as it is beautiful, they find themselves entangled in a conspiracy that goes beyond personal revenge. Together, they confront hostile locals, lawless vigilantes, and the relentless forces of colonization. Set against a backdrop of breathtaking landscapes, “The English” challenges viewers to question morality, justice, and the cultural divides that still echo today.
Inspiration and Themes
Created by Hugo Blick, “The English” draws on classic Western tropes while interrogating colonialism, revenge, and survival. It paints a vivid portrait of the Wild West that both honors and complicates the genre, inspired by stories of cross-cultural partnerships and the brutal reality of frontier life.
Cinematography and Visual Style
Shot on location across Spain and the American plains, the series features sweeping cinematography that captures the epic scale of the Western landscape. Each frame is crafted to reflect the series’ thematic focus on isolation, nature, and the transformation of individuals in their pursuit of justice and redemption.