If you enjoy watching sexy guys engaging in sword fighting, romancing women, cracking a few jokes and battling the enemy - and all of it set within 17th century France - then this is the show for you..

It's a series of stand-alone episodes but with a long-term story arc developing in the background, which finally comes together by the series final. It's not a drama that has complex story lines or anti-heroes and it doesn't stick faithfully to the original book source, which may annoy purists - though all the main characters are present - it's just a 'lighter' drama for those who want to watch something different to the almost constant dark and gritty crime dramas that are common today. It does have a modern twist, with issues such as slavery and women's rights coming up in two episodes and even Constance is a bit of a modern girl at the side of many previous and dull incarnations of the character - and this time she's married, as the books author originally intended. The series also looks gorgeous ( filmed in Prague because parts of the city are untouched by modern buildings, unlike much of Paris today ) with no tacky blue tabards and feathery hats in sight, giving 17th century Paris a realistic feel, with dirty streets and even dirty hair in the case of D'artagnan.

The four main characters are well cast and distinctive from one another in a realistic fashion, from young D'artagnan ( Luke Pasqualino does a good job of bringing warmth and humour but also a little darkness to a character who's often the dullest of the main characters or too boyish for some viewers to take seriously. At 23 years of age, he still makes a young, immature and cocky D'artagnan but one with hints of the handsome man and great Musketeer he will become - important in a potentially long-running series ) to brooding Athos to ladies-man Aramis ( though he has dark aspects to his character as well, crucial to a character who could so easily be 2 dimensional ) to a Porthas who's clearly Porthas but not as cliché or OTT as previous incarnations, making him just as handsome as the other three musketeers. The characters feel a bit darker, three dimensional and more 'real' than some past incarnations.

Peter Capaldie plays a villain who is far from pantomime, very much lingering in the background during the first half of the series and gradually becoming more unstable as the series goes on, as he tries to prevent Queen Anne and others from having too much influence over the good natured but child-like King Louis. Peter does a fine job of portraying a character who's not really a villain in his own mind because he genuinely wants what's best for France. He's even charming before his need for control becomes more dangerous.

There is a lot of violence in the show, which you'd expect with a drama that involves lots of sword fighting, guns & knives but there's no sex scenes ( only bed scenes ) and very little swearing, which means you could watch it with your parents or older children, as long as you were comfortable with the level of violence.

The show isn't perfect - some elements are rushed ( such as how quickly D'artagnan is taken in by the 3 Musketeers as part of their group and the fact that most of the time, D'artagnan seems to be a Musketeer in all but name) some scenes are cliché ( in episode 1, Aramis has to quickly escape his lovers bedroom via the window )and whilst Constance is a likable, fun and strong female character ( even sounding a bit 'modern day' at times ) she becomes attached to D'artagnan quite quickly and it makes her vulnerable in her actions, which might be an issue for some viewers, though it wasn't for me - she's hard on the outside but soft on the inside. D'artagnan's attraction to her is more of a slow burn and this benefits the relationship because their feelings are growing from friendship and respect as well as physical attraction. Whilst Athos and Milady are very much enemies, they still have a lingering attraction, which argubly makes them the sexiest couple on the show.

This is very much a show where the boys rule but there are still good and strong moments for the female characters, a fun show but still with serious and intense moments ( especially as the series goes on, so you need to stick with it for several episodes, as episode 1 is generally regarded as the weakest of the series ) and whether you stick with it largely depends on whether you warm to the show's main characters and are longing for something 'lighter' than the dark dramas of modern times.

When I first heard of this show, I looked at wikipedia to get the critics reaction, and found many were lukewarm at first but liked the show after awhile. But for me, this was a winner from episode one, a light-hearted, old-fashioned swashbuckler with a brisk pace and a nice sense of humor.

While I read the book, that was probably 40 years ago, and I mainly remember the Richard Lester movie. Based on the first few episodes, I'm a bit disappointed in the two main women; the good one seems rather bland, and the evil one seems rather uncomplex for what I recall was, in the book, a fascinating character. I'm hoping that improves. But overall, lots of fun.

Comparing books to on screen representations is always tricky; what you see on the page isn't going to be the same as others may. The Musketeers have appeared in so many guises, from Charlie Sheen and Kiefer Sutherland camping it up in 1993 (between this and Batman and Robin, it's amazing Chris O'Donnell has continued to do so well), through to the kiddy cartoon 'Dogtanian and the Three Muskehounds'. Do a search for a picture of Porthos, and you'll likely find Captain Archers Beagle from Enterprise. They have become a pastiche of themselves, more known for their catch phrase as their actual back stories.

None have really got as close to the original books as this series.

Aramis may be a former priest, who seems able to charm any lady he comes into contact with, but neither of those qualities are over played. Athos is a dark, brooding, level headed father figure in the group. His back story with Milady de Winter becomes apparent quite quickly, and is sure to continue to be a thorn in the side of the Musketeers adventures. Porthos becomes much more real in this series. Still larger than life, still living life with violence and a smile, but with a much broader history and reason for being the way he is. They've fought in wars in the name of the King, and come out with not only the scars but the camaraderie that goes with it. Captain Treville does a great job in keeping them in line.

And D'Artagnan is the country bumpkin. Ruled by his passions, his skill as a Musketeer are evident, but he still need tempering. He has great great chemistry with Constance, who is friend, mummy and potential love interest to him, but like Athos/Milady, that journey will take a while to reach fruition.

This is definitely the best Cardinal. Yes, he's evil. Yes, he plots and schemes to destroy the Musketeers. And, yes, his motivations are driven by more..fiscal..desires. Yet, he's also a lot more believable and watchable for doing so. Not just some one dimensional monster, with a single plan, he even helps the Musketeers at times (for his own benefits, of course). The Musketeers may not like him, but nor can you see them running him through, like they do to many of their other foes.

The sets and costumes are great; from the Musketeers understated leather armour, to the Cardinals pitch black flowing cloak that make him look like a Dr Who baddie (yes, the irony). From the Royal palaces with their sumptuous ceilings, to the hustle of the newly redesigned Paris. It flows. The quality may be film set clean (and there may be the occasional Hollywood explosion), but it all adds to the overall rip roaring adventure, that fits perfectly into the time slot allowed, while the characters and their interplay pulls the stories along at a brisk pace.

I'm not one to squabble over mismatches between source material and movies - as long as the story is consistent within its own universe.

From this point of view, this series has managed to put all of the recent Hollywood adaptations to an absolute shame.

First of all, the adaptation is so good that sometimes it's difficult to say where the Dumas novels end and where the adaptation begins. Sure enough, the events from the books aren't borrowed entirely and sequentially but rather they are somewhat transformed and scattered.

The main plot points are there, but with extra background and extended events which strengthen character building.

This is definitely a necessary step especially because the original story (so very popular) has turned the characters, their demeanor, names and status into stereotypes ... and stereotypes can be boring especially when the original context is transformed.

The musketeers keep their names, general demeanor but their background stories are enriched (while keeping the main points).

Aramis is a former priest with a soft spot for the ladies ... but there's much more in the hold. Athos remains somewhat misanthropic with lots of mystery behind him (and with a history alongside Milady de Winter) Porthos gets more of an overhaul especially given the original largely straightforward character type. D'Artagnan in turn seems to be more of a bon-vivant type now and although he keeps his original motivation and history, he is portrayed here a lot more child-like. I'm not saying this is necessarily bad, but we'll have to wait and see what the writers will make of it.

Richelieu gets a great portrayal from the future Doctor Who actor, greatly improving upon the original character with more details and more political plots which are mostly well-thought out as opposed to the incredibly brainless plots of the Hollywood movies. Let's hope they'll keep up the kind of work that we've been shown in the first few episodes.

Obviously, nothing is perfect. There are inconsistencies here and there as well as questions left hanging. But we've got at least a season to see where they lead.

I am a big fan of all Musketeers related adaptations. However, it was refreshing to see the characters in the spirit of Dumas's novel, but with new story lines rather than the original story which in my opinion has been done to death!

Having watched the first two episodes, I have been enthralled and entertained. The acting is good and each character is already forming with a ladies man gentleman Aramis, a slightly misanthropic Athos, Porthos, brave and strong and loyal, heroic D'Artagnan.

Also of note are Milady and the Cardinal, who is a character more loyal to his motivations in Dumas's novel, rather than just being an out and out villain.

Nice detail in sets and location and a modern twist on the swashbuckling. A lot better than some of the recent Hollywood adaption. (Which would not be difficult though!)

8/10.

When I saw the first episode the show seemed a little off to me, all the elements where there but the story line was a bit askew, but then I realized that they wanted it that way to open up the storyline for the long haul and ALL of the musketeers adventures. Bearing that in mind it was a very pleasant series.

D'artagnan seems to be a lot more gruff in this version, compared to the brazen but fun loving one in all the other variations. It has the upside of making his fights seem more life and death. As far as the other musketeers go they actually do a really great job of playing off of one another the entire time which makes them seem a lot less divided then in say the movies.

Overall I think once this show really gets going everyone is going to see how much better it is.

I have to admit I found the first episode OK it wasn't amazing, but the second episode the characters started to grow on my - love the casting on all the musketeers and well.... its Peter Caapaldi!!

I always enjoy a light hearted historical adaptation and have to admit my favourite thing about this series so far is the costumes and the sets - the lighting is fantastic. It really gives the show the right atmosphere. it i'm being fussy the one thing that I wholly dislike is the theme tune - I just don't think it fits.

Give it a chance we are only just getting to know them, its fun, its frolicy, its BBC 1 on a Saturday night!

Having read all the books a few times over the years I was really looking forward to watching this, what a disappointment. Why do producers and scriptwriters think they can do better than the author? There is plenty of material to explore within the three books. The locations and visual period feel is well done however the dialogue is dire. Captain of the musketeers "you three my office now" about sums it up. The setting is Paris 1620 but the feel is America 2014, modern cops and robbers in drag really. The only good thing is that it has encouraged me to dust the books off and re read them. This is really well done children's television not for anyone who wants to watch some gritty drama with some depth and decent dialogue to give some form of period feel. Too modern for my taste and too simple.

Moving series created by Adrian Hodges , being partially based on Alexandre Dumas novel , though adding important changes . It is filled with derring-do , intrigue , love stories , drama , swashbuckling and moving swordplay . An awesome casting and big-budgeted production by BBC television , shot in Czech Studios and location make for a fairly amusement swashbuckler . This is the recent recounting of the Dumas's novel with a fine cast headed by handsome Luke Pascualino as hot-headed D'Artagnan in a brave role as a young and handsome soldier of fortune , a dashing , audacious lover and nimble athlete . When his father (Oliver Cotton) is killed , D'Artagnan travels from his family farm in Gascony to Paris and seeks vengeance against his murderers . But he meets with three two-fisted Musketeers : Athos (Tom Burke) , Porthos (Howard Charles) , and Aramis (Santiago Cabrera) , they're rollicking adventurers , fighting to live and living to love . The brightest and best musketeers of the King's Regiment are commanded by Mister Treville (Hugo Speer) , chief of Musketeers , and dispatched to risked assignments . D'Artagnan to be aware they are Musketeers and is invited to unite them in their objective to struggle against guards of Cardinal Richelieu well performed by Peter Capaldi and the astute Milady De Winter (Maimie McCoy) who is lovely as a jewel , deadly as a dagger the wickedest woman in all Christendom . They must defeat a beautiful double agent and her villainous employer from seizing the French throne and engulfing Europe in war . At the beginning of the movie , the map of Europe shows several states and kingdoms of that era ; as Spain is leader in the continent whose power is disputed by France and England , all of them entangled in a web of treachery and intrigue , including their cunning spies , crosses and doublé-crosses . Meanwhile , D'Artagnan falls in love with a gorgeous young , the married innkeeper , Constance (Tamia Kari) , she is a golden-haired beauty . Furthermore , there is developed a series of intrigues between Luis XIII (son of Henry IV) : Ryan Cage , Queen Anne of Spain : Alexandra Dowling , dazzling as her gilded palace for her , men dared a thousand perils ; and , of course , the nasty Richelieu (Peter Capaldi) , as evil as ever . The musketeers join forces for royal vengeance with the shout : ¨One for all and all for one¨. Then , the musketeers whose friendship has become a legend to stir the hearts of men and shouting their slogan set out to help the Queen . Straightforward as well as gallant D'Artagnan and the three musketeers scheme their peaceful plans that are turned upside down , clashing against a malicious Richelieu who is determined to make life as unbearable as possible for the intimate friends and carrying out several missions , such as : to get some valuable letters on behalf of King Louis -in first episode- or facing off a nasty villain , Vadim (Jason Fleming) -in 2º episode- , who attempts to kill Louis XIII and organize a full-scale robbing , while Athos , betrayed by Milady of Winter , is accused for killing and condemned to firing squad , among others .

The series formed by 30 episodes , though won't return for season 4 . This delightful adaptation based on Alexandre Dumas classic novel starts with the youngster D'Artagnan who arrives in Paris and subsequently takes place the known swordplay against the three Musketeers . And shortly after , both of whom join forces versus their enemies . Adequate and colorful cinematography , stunningly shown on the splendorous images being filmed in Czech Republic , including Chateaus , monasteries and palaces such as Château Ploskovice , Strahov Monastery , among others . Glamorous production design is well reflected on the luxurious interiors , impressive sets and exteriors stunningly filmed . Besides , a thrilling as well as evocative musical score . It was professionally realized , including a cool and well provided visual style , fencing , drama and clangorous action in equal proportions .

This classy story has been remade on several versions , as the MGM classic version in musical style by George Sidney with Gene Kelly , Paul Lukas , Gig Young , Vincent Price , Frank Morgan and Lana Turner as Milady ; 1973 amusing version by Richard Lester with Michael York, Oliver Reed and Raquel Welch ; 1993 modern adaptation by Stephen Herek with Charlie Sheen , Kiefer Sutherland , Oliver Platt and Chris O'Donnell, and 2001 rendition by Peter Hyams with Justin Chambers, Mena Suvari and Tim Roth , among others. And other recent version : ¨The three Musketeers¨ (2011) that bears remarkable resemblance to this one , being starred by Logan Lerman , Luke Evans , Matthew Macfadyen , Milla Jovovich , Mads Mikkelsen , Orlando Bloom , Til Schweiger , Dexter Fletcher and directed by Paul W. Anderson . ¨The musketeers¨ series (2014) is an outstanding and entertaining adaptation of the classy that will appeal to the costumer genre buffs and it results to be acceptable adaptation with big budget based on the classic .

Loved the clobber almost as much as the plots ..nice one !

A very nice TV show with a wonderful flair, the sets, the costumes, the actors everything just fits perfectly. The show really makes you feel like being right there in the 17th century. So many interesting characters, you really feel with the characters. I liked every season, there's a lot of variety no episode feels the same.

--8 out of 10 stars--

If this programme didn't contain characters with the names Athos, Porthos, Aramis, and D'Artagnan, nobody would think twice about considering it an adaptation of anything.

One could argue that the aforementioned characters are, in fact, based on those of the same names found in Alexandre Dumas' masterpiece "The Three Musketeers," but the only similarities are found in the base stereotypes and character tropes that could be boiled down to apply to any thousands of characters through literature and television for hundreds of years.

Therefore, it is a shame that the creators of this programme believed it necessary to use these iconic names, and to call this programme inspired by "The Three Musketeers." This assertion causes literary buffs like myself to look forward to a retelling of a greatly loved tale, and to new portrayals of characters and relationships that I have come to deeply admire.

Alas, it is because of these expectations that I have come to be disappointed by this programme. I admit it: I watch adapted material judging more on the basis of adaptation than individual product--and without a doubt, this is a poor, poor adaptation. It is a squandered opportunity; for I believe, with the programme's production values and decent cast, the creators could have created something fresh and exciting. Instead, they have labelled this an adaptation and, instead of forging new characters, have butchered characters much loved by many.

Imagine--a brand new period piece on television: marvellous costuming, rollicking plots, flashy sword fights, brand new characters establishing their own original quirks and worthiness. *Sigh*. Rather, we are made to wait for contrived reveals about characters "reimagined," and for bits of familiar plot clumsily inserted into what could have been original story lines.

Perhaps, if I pretend that this is simply a television programme about three unknown musketeers in the service of the king at *around the same time but not necessarily when Athos, Porthos, and Aramis were musketeers* I will be able to enjoy it. If nothing else, Tamla Kari plays a wonderfully refreshing female character. I hope she doesn't lose her quirks and depth as she inevitably develops into a love interest.

On the plus side: superb costumes and sets. Great fight choreography. From a female's perspective: hot guys! It is entertaining but it could have been so much more! On the minus side: I have read all the Dumas novels: Three Musketeers, 20 Years After, 10 Years Later, Vicomte de Bragelonne, Louise de la Valliere, The Man in the Iron Mask. There is enough great material in Dumas to make any multi-season TV series. Why in the world would some no-name BBC writers think they could do better than Dumas? The plots are over-done and contrived whereas the original Dumas stories never strained the reader's credulity. The Fronde uprising reduced to a simple jewelry heist? Why would the writers take something deep and complex and dumb it down to trivial TV formula tripe? How sad this series wasted hot actors and great characters on dumbed-down TV formula plots when they could have used real history and the original Dumas stories to make a really epic series.

After just seeing four episodes I'm enthralled. I was so sad when the fourth episode was over I went back to episode one just to get more of D'Artagnan. The fights are realistic, the acting is phenomenal, the comedic timing is spot on. Peter Capaldi is one villain whom you love and hate, and the king is arrogant enough to annoy but not so awful you wish him gone. Athos is dark, but you get to see his humanity. Porthos is hilarious, but you get to learn about his past. (It's historically fascinating and quite a new take on a hero of the time.) Aramis is handsome and aware of it, but there is still something of a priest in him. Lady D'Winter is beautiful and dangerous, Queen Anne is an idealist and I really enjoy their take on her. Constance is a little spit fire and the chemistry between she and D'Artagnan is very real. I definitely hope this series runs for a long time.

Well acted, always good and often surprising plot twists, entertaining historical fiction, detailed production, good musical score, convincing character development...recommend all 3 seasons as each has one or more unique plot elements yet they all tie together. Straightforward and fun yet surprisingly thought-provoking. Generally true to time and place if not event, and with contemporary sensibility, these tradeoffs are acceptable and enjoyable aspects of modern dramatization. Tom Burke is excellent as Athos, and there really are exceptionally good cast members and performances even in supporting or special roles for a season or episode. A few nice surprises along the way with occasional indulgences. Good action scenes but nice overall balance with court intrigue, romance, politics, and character arcs. Appropriate for family audiences.

I have been really amazed after watching the first episode of The Musketeers, the story seems to be awe-inspiring and got my attention the way they have put the scenarios and much astounding action in the first episode. Though the show has been shown as the musketeers of 17th century where law and order is an idea more than the reality, the directors and crew have setup the environment quite well and its fascinating to see they have totally pulled the 17th century in this show with amazing get ups, houses and streets. I'm going to follow this show for sure for its different storyline, amazing cast and seems to me to be a top show of 2014, obviously after the likes of game of thrones and few others.

The first season is perfect entertainment for a rainy Wednesday night. Stoke up the fire, and watch some buckles being swashed. However, the second season becomes earnest and preachy, so that you start to care more about the plot holes, historical inaccuracies and 2 dimensional characters.

Maybe the third season will improve.

Well, the third season did not improve. Add one part omni-competent, indestructible villain, one part anachronistic social justice warrior and one part simpering younger royal, and every cliché rides off into the sunset, by the final show.

I fell in love with "The Musketeers" from the moment I've seen the first scenes (Athos' intro)! It made me remember a very loved book! It made me fell in love all over again with my favorite character (Athos)! I loved the costumes! I loved the stories! I loved the places where it was filmed! I really enjoyed something new in this cherrished univers - new adventures, old principles (friendship, adventures, love)! An original and fresh mode to bring to life an old story! A real fresh breath of air! What I missed: the musketeers' luch at La Rochelle and the towel flag... Plus I would have liked more sezons...

As usual, British productions are beautifully costumed, the locations and sets are incredible with much attention to detail and authenticity, and the acting is excellent. Although we wished the network had not canceled the series, we were glad to see all three seasons. Thanks for a job well-done!

A very talented cast and some interestingly earthy and multi-layered performances. Maimie McCoy as Milady de Winter is particularly captivating, you know her light is going to zap you but you want to fly into it none-the-less. The rest are in most ways filled out but there is but a brain and a half between them all for the purpose of plotting and conniving to destroy the powerful and rule the country. Within the first minute, bad guy puts on a mask and then tells everybody his name is Athos and everybody believes its him, rather than anybody but him. The idiocy digresses from there. I can only suspend my disbelief so far before I start WANTING these heroes to be jailed or executed. I give it a 6 or 7 for now and continue to watching hoping they replace the writers with some who can do a little heavy lifting (Or hopefully learn to do it themselves).

Fanfic about the history of France written by Englishmen who did not study the culture, values of the time, with gross historical errors. Moral values, the notion of good and evil are not timeless and universal, each society and time has its moral values. And the series wanted to impose 21st century Anglo-Saxon values on 17th century French. The series is a complete failure to reproduce the historical period.

By far one of the best TV series I've seen in a long time.

I was a bit apprehensive about watching the first and final season - the second season seemed like it ended at the right place, and I have found far too many final seasons to be disappointing, but I'm glad to say I was wrong.

All in all, great action, well scripted, real actors, good settings and photography, and, in parts, touching.

Highly recommended.