Introduction

Heroes and Villains is a 2007–2008 BBC Television drama series looking at key moments in the lives and reputations of some of the greatest warriors of history.

Each hour-long episode features a different historical figure, including Napoleon I of France, Attila the Hun, Spartacus, Hernán Cortés, Richard I of England, and Tokugawa Ieyasu.

The statements at the beginning of each episode read: “This film depicts real events and real characters. It is based on the accounts of writers of the time. It has been written with the advice of modern historians.”

In the United States the show was aired on The Military Channel and was called “Warriors”.

Outline of Series 01, Episode 06

After the Taiko’s death in 1598, Ieyasu has his son sent away which upsets Mitsunari. After an attack by Mitsunari, Ieyasu’s son, Hidetada, takes his men to find Mitsunari but he escapes. Ieyasu forces Mitsunari into exile and begins to take control of the government. However, when another lord begins to rebel, Ieyasu convinces Hideaki to join him in battle only to have Mitsunari turn him later on. Eventually the two armies meet and the Battle of Sekigahara begins, with Hideaki unable to choose which side to fight for. He eventually chooses Ieyasu and they win the battle, taking control of Japan.

Heroes and Villains Series

• Episode 01: Napoleon.
• Episode 02: Attila the Hun.
• Episode 03: Spartacus.
• Episode 04: Cortes.
• Episode 05: Richard the Lionheart.
• Episode 06: Shogun.

Production & Filming Details

• Directors: Nick Murphy, Tim Dunn, Nick Green, Andrew Grieve, Gareth Edwards, and Arif Nurmohamed.
• Writers: Clare Saxby, Tony Etchells, Nick Murphy, James Wood, Andrew Grieve, Lyall B. Watson, and Colin Heber-Percy.
• Historical Consultant: Dr. Stephen Turnbull (University of Leeds).
• Production: BBC.
• Distributor: BBC (UK) and Military Channel (US).
• Release Date: 29 March 2008.
• Running time: 60 minutes.
• Country: UK and US.
• Language: English.

YouTube Link