The Adventures of Captain Alatriste is about a former soldier named Diego Alatriste. He works as a swordsman for hire, finding himself tangled in betrayals, political schemes, and romance. Set during the Spanish Golden Age, this series is a faithful adaptation of the international novel, Las aventuras del capitán Alatriste.
Aitor Luna takes on the role of Captain Alatriste.
Captain Alatriste Review
Years ago, my aunt recommended the English translation of The Adventures of Captain Alatriste by Arturo Perez-Reverte. The first book hooked me instantly, and I quickly went through the entire series. I loved Reverte’s world and meeting this “Spanish Musketeer.” Last month, I learned about a TV series based on Reverte’s novels. Excited, I started watching to see how the rich beauty of the books translated to TV.
I wasn’t blown away, but I wasn’t disappointed either. The Adventures of Captain Alatriste was pretty good. It’s easy to watch and set towards the end of the Spanish Golden Age. The production team did a great job with the sets, capturing the 17th Century wonderfully. The series also highlights the art and literature from that era, featuring references to notable authors and artists like Diego Velasquez, who is shown painting the Spanish Princess. This adds a layer of authenticity to the story.
The series had the potential to be amazing but fell short in characterization and plot. With so much happening, it’s easy to lose track of the details. Sometimes, the characters were overly dramatic, appearing almost childish. However, the main characters were mostly well-played. Aitor Luna, as Captain Diego Alatriste, stood out. He brought the right mix of arrogance and humility. Alatriste’s loyalty to the crown is unwavering, despite attempts to tarnish his reputation. His honesty makes him compelling—people always know where they stand with him.
Final Thoughts on The Adventures of Captain Alatriste
Overall, The Adventures of Captain Alatriste is a solid adaptation. It weaves multiple storylines together across 18 episodes, from the Spanish Inquisition to personal love lives. It’s worth watching, maybe not to binge, but definitely worth a look. And to clear up any confusion, it’s not like the books—the books are much better!
Where to Watch: Amazon Prime
Content Warning: Suitable for ages 16 and up due to nudity and other adult situations.
Have you seen The Adventures of Captain Alatriste? What are your favorite foreign language period dramas?
