Atlantis certainly not lost at sea

What would you do if you were transported from the present day to Ancient Greece? If the BBC’s newest Saturday night offering is anything to go by, the answer is to simply embrace the journey.

Atlantis tells the story of Jason, a modern-day man who finds himself lost in the mythical land of the show’s title.

He soon befriends Pythagoras (of triangular theorem fame) and Hercules, an overweight, middle-aged man with a huge ego – and a huge appetite.

The dynamic relationship between the three characters was without doubt the show’s strongest facet.

As the trio slay minotaurs and take on ferocious bulls, they form a close friendship. Their comic banter keeps the series fresh and prevents it from taking itself too seriously.

The series also benefits from some strong plotlines. From when the trio stumbles across a mysterious baby crying in the woods, to when Hercules falls in love with a young girl named Medusa, we find ourselves hooked.

Atlantis does not stick religiously to the Greek mythology that it is based on.

This, however, is certainly not a bad thing. I don’t want to be able to guess what lies in store for each character, and the show mixes various elements of mythology together, keeping the programme both intriguing and exciting.

The dynamic relationship between the three characters was without doubt the show’s strongest facet

During the series, Jason also forms a relationship with the king’s daughter, Ariadne. It was hard not to feel that their relationship moved a little too quickly – after a few encounters, Jason declares that he loves her.

However, the romance adds yet another element to the series. Ariadne cannot marry a commoner like Jason, and her betrothal to Heptarian makes a union between her and Jason even less likely. Of course, this only makes Jason more determined and focussed.