You know, I’ve seen a lot of different television shows about a lot of different things, but I can’t remember the last time I saw one that drew heavily on Aztec myth. And the folks out at Acorn Media sent out a fine example of one such title, The Feathered Serpent Complete Series. And I’ll say this much, it is the best series I’ve ever seen dealing with Aztec mythology.

The Feathered Serpent Complete Series takes us back to the time before the Conquistadores, in which Nasca, high priest of Teshcata, is out to reorganize the social order of Aztec society by dethroning Emperor Kukulkhan and preventing the marriage of two figures that will unite two kingdoms under rival deity Quala. But out to prevent Nasca–and Teshcata–from their destructive ends is a humble servant boy named Tozo, who finds himself in the midst of a contest of the gods.

See what I mean? You’ve probably never seen anything like this before, and certainly not on television. Apparently it’s got cult status–almost like a Bristol County Jr or Hercules: The Legendary Journeys in the United States–in England, and British cult television is weird to say the least, but not without its charms. After all, they also gave us Robin of Sherwood, which was weird stuff, but still pretty entertaining in its own right.

It’s part soap opera, part science fiction, and all downright entertaining. The plots are deep and twisted, and there are constant surprises at every turn. Admittedly, there’s not a whole lot of action here, but there’s enough suspense to make up for the lack of thrills. And, of course, the acting is so well done that about the only thing that separates this from being utterly acceptable and requiring nearly no suspension of disbelief is the occasional interference of the British accent, such as “jag-YOU-ahr” for jaguar.

Still though, The Feathered Serpent is a huge surprise out of left field, and another win for Acorn Media, who has already brought a substantial quantity of high-end material our way as it sits. Those of you who enjoy mysteries, suspense-thrillers and movies about archeological treasures will find this compelling and well worth your time to watch.

The Screenhead Ten Scale finds itself in at least two of those categories, and so hands over an eight out of ten to The Feathered Serpent Complete Series. There’s plenty to like here, and chances are pretty good that you’ll find something to enjoy here too.