Marco Polo is hot and there are naked chicks swordfighting. Sydney and I rate each episode of Netflix's new drama based on how many times one of the most famous travelers ever appears shirtless (and how many naked girls there are) in the most epic, horrible bingewatch of the holiday season.
The reviews are out. There's not much more anybody else out there can tell you … but when it comes down to talking politics with Aunt Judy or staring at your family in silence, everyone gets a little desperate. Marco Polo is a pretty tough sell, except for the saving grace that Lorenzo Richelmy is easy on the eyes. And there are naked Asian chicks everywhere. Like everywhere. Someone is just screaming the word "fetish" somewhere.
Truth be told, some of the cinematography and locales are stunning. But there's not much redeeming value, even if Marco Polo is one of the most famous travelers in history. Bingewatching the show could be one of the stupidest things I've ever done, right up there with the time I walked into a mirror. I've had nights in college that involved keg stands that lost less brain cells than this. I warned you.
For historical background, the show takes place during the Yuan dynasty in the 1200s. It is the only dynasty that the Mongols ruled China. For the record, Genghis Khan actually never ruled in China but his grandson, Kublai Khan, did. But to review this show on actual plot would be hearsay.
If you're determined to watch it for the eye candy, there are episodes to skip and ones to watch. Each page contains spoilers and a final nakedness tally separated by episode. Asterisks in the tallies denote extra skin or where a weapon is involved (you'll have to watch to find out).
Sexiest Episode: Episode 5, Episode 3 as runner-up
Unsexiest Episode: Episode 7, Episode 10. Tie.
