The Tithes is a three-part animated science-fiction anthology series set in the world of Warhammer 40,000. Animated in the digital, 3D style, each story revolves around the concept of the Imperial Tithe, the Warhammer version of taxes that keeps the complex and dystopian galactic civilisation known as The Imperium of Man functioning, if barely.
Episode One, Sacrifice, is the tale of two Space Marines and sees the return of Sa’kan, who we previously saw in the Pariah Nexus mini-series; this time, he’s assisted by Brutus, a different kind of Space Marine and ally. It’s basically a two-handed character piece, with two Space Marines discussing their nature whilst murdering undead alien monsters. Space Marines are always tricky to get right because it’s hard to get an audience to find something in common with genetically altered post-human super-soldier who’s incapable of simple human emotions such as fear. This short piece relies on banter and violence to make for an entertaining and clever set piece. The animation is strong, but this would work just as well as an audio drama.
Episode Two, Harvest, is the stand-out best episode in this short series, and it’s the sort of thing you could show to someone who isn’t into Warhammer. They’d get the whole vibe, though they may still have questions. Set in a world that is about to be devoured by the pan-galactic locust-style monsters known as the Tyranids, it focuses on another two elites from the 40K setting, in this case, a Sister of Silence and a Custodes. The former only communicates through sign language (and you’re advised to turn on subtitles). The latter is an elite warrior, answerable only to the Emperor himself. They are tasked with escorting a small collection of folk off-world, much to the chagrin of many others. It’s a taut, well-paced tale that expands the world of 40K in a firm and interesting way.
Finally, Episode Three is called Bullets and focuses on the setting’s most compelling faction, the Astra Militarum, aka The Imperial Guard. Set in a world filled with barbarian Orks, this tale has it all: fighter planes taking on alien aces, humans taking a bold stand against monsters, etc. Tightly acted and extremely well done, it does suffer from perhaps the darkest story in the set, the tone of which is so dark it actually feels a little boring and cliched.
Overall, this is a fascinating addition to the growing collection of animated drama on Warhammer.TV.
