In this first season, the focus is on how he is abandoned by his father in service of Kublai Khan, so that he and Marco`s uncle could make use of the famous trade route.
This leads to Marco being interred in the life at the Monghol court, which is preparing to take the city of Xiangyang and unifie the whole of China under the great Khan of Khans. Opposing him is the fantastic Chancellor Sidao, a man of pure intellect, military strategy and political machinations. I really liked this fella, compared to Noshi who got shivers from him.
When the initial assault fails, combined with a failed assassination attempt on both the Khan and on his wife, it is suspected by Prince Jinghim, the Khan's son, that Marco actually works for the chinese... and it is up to Marco to prove him wrong.
The series, which in the first part might have a bit of to many "bubs" around in order to not be taken for a gratuite show, is a rather epical series, with swordflashing, kung-fu and intrigue, and makes as such for a nice mixed viewing experience. It has some weaker points, but the strongpoints for sure on an acting level are Kublai himself (a sublime Benedict Wong), the blind monk "Hundred Eyes" and the excellent and crafty empress Chabi. Whom all compensate by far for the actual rather weak initially Master Polo himself, though he gets better and more to the forefront in later episodes.
It`s enjoyable, and the all mongol / asian culture the series bathes in makes for a welcome change of setting from your usual semi-historical series. Not the greatest of series, but definitly not as weak as it was meant to be believed going by reviews in my opinion.
And now Noshi and me are going to watch season 2, laters all ;-)
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