The Adventures of Captain Alatriste follows the journey of Diego Alatriste, a former soldier turned swordsman for hire. Diego finds himself entangled in betrayals, political drama, and romance, all set against the rich backdrop of the Spanish Golden Age. This TV series is a solid adaptation of the international novel, Las aventuras del capitán Alatriste, featuring Aitor Luna as Captain Alatriste.
Several years ago, my aunt suggested I read the English version of The Adventures of Captain Alatriste by Arturo Perez-Reverte. I was instantly captivated by the first book and breezed through the entire series. I fell in love with Reverte’s world and the “Spanish Musketeer.” Recently, I found out there’s a TV series based on these novels. Excited, I watched it, eager to see how well the books translated to the screen.
I wasn’t blown away, but I wasn’t disappointed either. The Adventures of Captain Alatriste was enjoyable and easy to watch. The show is set in the late Spanish Golden Age, and the production team did a fantastic job with the set design, perfectly capturing the 17th Century. The series also showcases the art and literature of that time, with notable references to famous authors and artists, like Diego Velasquez painting the Spanish Princess in one scene. This added a layer of authenticity to the story.
The series could have been outstanding but struggled with characterization and plot. The storylines are numerous and can be confusing, making it hard to keep track of who did what and why. Additionally, the characters often felt exaggerated, giving them an immature appearance. However, not all characters were over-the-top; the main characters were usually well-executed. Aitor Luna, who plays Captain Diego Alatriste, was fantastic. He balanced arrogance with humility perfectly, and Alatriste’s loyalty to the crown was unquestioned, despite others’ attempts to cast doubt. His honesty made him a compelling character—you always knew where you stood with him.
In summary, The Adventures of Captain Alatriste is a solid adaptation, weaving multiple storylines together over 18 episodes, covering everything from the Spanish Inquisition to personal romances. It’s worth watching, possibly not for a binge session, but certainly worth a look. Just to clarify, it doesn’t compare to the books—the books are much better!
The show is available on Amazon Prime and is rated 16 and up for nudity and other adult themes. Have you seen The Adventures of Captain Alatriste? What are your favorite foreign-language period dramas?
