# Crossbow (1987)

> A legendary archer and his son defy a tyrannical governor in fourteenth-century Switzerland during the struggle for Swiss freedom.

Canonical page: https://ember.film/tv/4055

## Facts

- Seasons: 3
- Episodes: 72
- Episode runtime: 26 min
- Status: Ended
- Genres: adventure, action, family
- Created by: Anthony Horowitz, Friedrich Schiller
- Network: France 3
- Cast: Will Lyman, Jeremy Clyde, Dana Barron, Hans Meyer, Nick Brimble, Guy Rolfe, Valentine Pelka, Anne Swift
- TMDB rating: 7.2/10
- IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0140731/

## Ember's analysis

- Pacing: brisk
- Intensity: moderate
- Complexity: simple
- Violence: moderate
- Tone: heroic, adventurous, buoyant, rousing

## Synopsis

Crossbow (1987-1989) is a French-produced medieval adventure series created by Anthony Horowitz and Friedrich Schiller, broadcast on France 3. Its legendary hero William Tell (Will Lyman) and his son are imprisoned by the tyrannical governor Hermann Gessler (Jeremy Clyde), who aims to crush the Swiss uprising before it spreads. Supporting players include Dana Barron as Eleanor, Hans Meyer as Tyroll, and Nick Brimble as Horst, all woven into the rebellion. Each episode builds around Tell's archery, daring escapes, and clashes with Gessler's soldiers as the resistance gathers strength. The series runs for three seasons of twenty-four episodes each, forming one continuing story of oppression and defiance. Set in fourteenth-century Switzerland, its mountain villages and castles give the adventure a sweeping, rugged feel. The tone is heroic and buoyant, with swashbuckling action balanced by warmth between father and son. Fans of Robin Hood and The Adventures of Robin Hood will find resonance in its folk-hero defiance and family-friendly swagger.

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