Swashbuckling heroes face a tough challenge
IThe Musketeers (Saturday, BBC1, 8.30pm)
t seems that
will be going out with a bang rather than a whimper – and thank goodness for that. The programme has certainly had a shot in the arm thanks to the new, villainous characters played with such panache by Rupert Everett and Matthew McNulty. The latter takes on the role of Grimaud, who is up to his dastardly tricks this week. He seems dead set on wiping out the Musketeers once and for all, and continues his reign of terror over them by co-ordinating a variety of deadly attacks while simultaneously putting Feron to the test as his thirst of power threatens to overwhelm all who stand in his way. Unfortunately, our heroes are spread out across the country on a variety of missions – which could play into Grimaud’s hands. Santiago Cabrera, who plays Aramis, claims he knew early on that McNulty’s character would go down a treat with fans:“Just from the read-through, Matthew had a great sense of the character. “And then Rupert Everett, who bought his incredible experience to the role of Feron.You can tell he’s having a great time, and is having great fun with his character, bringing humour to the show, which the Musketeers has always had and has maintained. It reminds you how much of a brilliant job this is.” However, his own character has had a torrid time. When the series began, Aramis had moved into a monastery as he attempted to sort out his life, his relationship with God, and his feelings for Queen Anne. “You see that Aramis is still as confused as he was the day he arrived,” says Cabrera.“Over time he realises he was born to be a Musketeer. It’s than excitement and living life on the edge. His relationship with Porthos also finally settles down, and at its core there is a genuinely strong bond there. “There’s no romantic side to Aramis this time, but there’s still a fun element to the character, and I wanted to bring that back this series.” But it’s one that could be put to the test as Aramis makes an unlikely pilgrimage with King Louis, which brings back unwanted memories. To make matters worse, Athos is distracted from the problems faced by his friends – one that leaves him exposed to Grimaud’s plot. Before the day is out, a hero falls, a traitor is on the rise, and the Musketeers could be changed forever – and, quite frankly, we can’t wait to discover how all that pans out.