TUT

TUT is a captivating historical drama from Spike TV that first aired in 2015. The series was created as a three-part miniseries that takes viewers back to the ancient civilization of Egypt and dives deep into the life, glory, tragedy, and eternal legacy of the iconic Pharaoh, Tutankhamun, popularly known as King Tut.

The series represents an ambitious attempt by Spike TV to venture into the genre of scripted drama after a considerable period of leaning more towards reality TV and sporting events. The miniseries is a grand presentation that showcases a period of Ancient Egypt that is as glorious as it is tumultuous, filled with intrigue, warfare, power struggles, and gripping narratives.

The protagonist, Tutankhamun, is brought vivaciously to life by Avan Jogia. Tutankhamun, who ascended to the throne as a young boy, is often perceived as an inconsequential leader due to his young age. However, TUT completely breaks away from this notion. The narrative revives King Tut as a Herculean figure in his own right, who ruled his kingdom with relative aplomb in the face of mounting adversities. This version of Tutankhamun is heroic, courageous, and a true born king with a strong sense of duty towards his people and his dynasty.

The miniseries delves into Tutankhamun's personal and political life, providing insights into his struggles and achievements as a pharaoh. Viewers are given an unprecedented look at King Tut's complex relationships with key figures in his life, including his sister Ankhe, his most trusted advisor Vizier, and the military leader, General Horemheb. These relationships, filled with love, loyalty, betrayal, and political intrigue, form the key sub-plots of the series.

As every character in the narrative maneuvers for power and control, the internal politics of the court also play out in a grander, more global stage. The series showcases the geopolitical challenges that Egypt faced, powerfully portraying how Tutankhamun navigated these challenges as the ruler of one of the most powerful nations in the world.

Sparing no expense on production quality, TUT offers an incredible showcase of opulent sets that accurately depict the grandeur of Ancient Egypt. The cinematography, costumes, and set designs are nothing short of breathtaking, imbibing each frame with a rich, exquisite, and authentic visual texture that transports the audience back to the golden age of the Egyptian empire.

While the series embarks on an elaborate portrayal of Ancient Egypt, it doesn't shy away from embracing historical liberties in service of its storytelling. While it remains tethered to known historical facts, its daring narrative is a creative retelling rather than a strict history lesson. This degree of dramatization, combined with well-crafted dialogue and unsettling revelations, makes for a compelling and engaging watch.

Complementing the narrative are commendable performances by a stellar cast, including Ben Kingsley as the scheming yet loyal Vizier Ay, and Alexander Siddig as the power-hungry General Horemheb. The wide array of characters, each with their own motivations and dilemmas, further enriches the plot and keeps viewers riveted throughout the series.

TUT also makes use of CGI to bring mythological realism to the narrative, incorporating legendary creatures and other elements of Egyptian mythology. While some might argue about the accuracy of these mythological representations, there is no denying that they infuse the series with a unique mystique that further enhances its watchability.

Overall, TUT is a worthy dip into historical drama from Spike TV. It blends history with fiction, opulence with realism, and intrigue with power. Compelling in its storytelling and visually stunning in its execution, it offers an entertaining and distinctive portrayal of one of the most iconic figures from ancient history. Although it may not completely satisfy history purists due to its artistic liberties, TUT nonetheless presents an unforgettable trip into the world of the Pharaohs for those interested in historical dramas or the enigma of Ancient Egypt.