Mystery!: Cadfael (TV Series) Monk's Hood (1994) User Reviews

A bit more insight into the earlier life of Brother Cadfael.

[planktonrules · 8/10 · 1 December 2013]

In previous installments of "Cadfael", the shows gave hints about the early life of the title character before he joined the priesthood. However, some of these glimpses are hashed out further. You know he went off on the Crusades and that he'd lost his fiancée as a result. However, here you actually get to meet her--and both she and Cadfael are surprised by their chance meeting. I like that the film gives you more insights--and makes the character even more multi-dimensional.

The show starts with a nasty landlord disinheriting his step-son. You KNOW based on previous "Cadfael" shows that he's likely to end up dead--and he soon is. However, Cadfael is pulled into the case because it's his unguent that is used to poison the man. While no one suspects Cadfael, it is an interesting coincidence that the dead man's wife is Cadfael's old fiancée! And, out of his life and respect for her, he decides to intervene in the case even though the temporary head of the order declares that Cadfael is NOT to get involved. Can he figure out the real murderer? Well, duh! But it's worth seeing exactly how all this is worked through and the plot twists.

This is a better episode of the show. It's not only because of his past coming into play but because of the interesting way it all works out at the end--since Cadfael feels sorry for the killer and seemed to feel that the dead man had it coming! My only qualm is that the show seems to be establishing a pattern--rich people are evil and will die in the episode! Well worth seeing regardless.

Dark Age

[tedg · 22 June 2008]

TeeVee mysteries captivate me, because there I such a wide variety. Some are very clever and understand what works. Some are amazingly daft about the charms of mystery, or even engaging narrative. Often, they try to get by with simple scenery.

That's how the book series is set up: the mysteries are thin, and the description of the medieval context is rich. It obviously worked for the readers. It works less well in the TeeVee version. I think its because we are so used to seeing sets and costumes like these. They give us absolutely nothing from the era that is not delivered by sets. But in any case, to have an effective film, you need the richest narrative you can deliver.

And they just do not here. Having a sometime great actor is a waste unless you give him something to do.

The episode I viewed was this one. According to the scriptwriter's playbook, you need one main driving story, here the murder. You need a second story that complicates the first. Here it is about a temporary petty tyrant at the monastery, and his corresponding inept substitute in the sheriff's office. And you need a backstory. In this case, the new widow is the detective's lost fiancé from the past.

Its all so mechanical, almost cathecatical. This episode was a waste and the whole series looks bankrupt.

Ted's Evaluation -- 1 of 3: You can find something better to do with this part of your life.

We learn more of Cadfael's past

[Bernie4444 · 10/10 · 15 October 2023]

"No man is measured by the love he gives to others, but how he is loved by others."

A wealthy landowner Geravase Gurney wills his land to the abbey in exchange for a small home and to have the Abby supply the meals. His stepson is cut out of his inheritance this way. The mother is caught in-between and tries to reconcile them both. Before the deal is done, he is poisoned. Yep, too many people had access to the meal, so it is up to Cadfael (Derek Jacobi) to figure out who did it and why. If you have a pre3ty good idea, you are wrong.

Of occurs to add a little spice the toe story when Cadfael discovers a little something of his past that makes it imperative he find the answer.

This is the time that Abbot Herribert (Peter Copley) is replaced by Abbot Radulfus (Terrence Hardiman) see him in a different light as Walter Fane in "Miss Marple: Sleeping Murder"

Monk's Hood

[Prismark10 · 6/10 · 5 March 2020]

A nasty lecherous nobleman cuts his stepson off from his inheritance. Instead he gives his estate to Shrewsbury Abbey as long as he can stay nearby.

When the nobleman ends up being poisoned from his food, the stepson is regarded as the main suspect.

Cadfael investigates as it was his herb that was used to poison the nobleman. The dead man's widow was also someone Cadfael was once engaged to marry before he went off to fight in the crusades.

Another episode that gives more characterisation to Cadfael with an exploration of his past.

With Abbot Heribert called away, those in temporary charge of the Abbey are determined to stop Cadfael's meddling.

A good enough adventure, but some of the characters are just too broad. The nobleman was bombastic and bad who had it coming to him. Brother Jerome is so slimy.

The episode discusses the application of various local laws regarding issue, relevant here with Shrewsbury being so close to Wales.

Jonny Lee Miller is featured as the stepson.