The Last Kingdom - Series 1 Review
This review of The Last Kingdom Series 1 is spoiler-free.
So, I didn't really have any idea of what The Last Kingdom was about before I started watching it. While I definitely believe this was for the better in the grand scheme of things, I can't help but think more time between this and Vikings would have gave me an even better view of this show. Up until this point I really haven't heard of much TV or Film covering the Saxon and Dane period of history, but now happening upon two shows covering this very subject is quite intriguing. While they cover the same era, they are drastically different in some aspects and I believe that helps them to stand out from one another. Let's explore The Last Kingdom together, shall we?
For those uninitiated or simply haven't had the time, I believe Vikings Season 1 was a fantastic start to a show I can't wait to get back to. While I don't want to spend a ton of time comparing these series (I most definitely will be doing my next comparison on these two), it's impossible not to because of their many similarities. After acknowledging that straight away, something that stood out to me straight away in this story is the depiction of religion and it's reign over the people of this time. Seeing a story that focuses on a Saxon-born man is a great departure from the stories we already have had to this point. The clash of ideologies between the two cultures of the Danes and Saxons is incredible. The lengths at which these men are willing to go without succumbing and being baptized or brought into the others faith is incredible. I know many people don't necessarily enjoy television that leans heavily into religious themes but I believe this should be an exception to the rule.
Here's the thing though with this show, there just simply wasn't that many compelling characters and stand out performances. When I think about the show as a whole, the two characters that truly standout are that of Uhtred (Alexander Dreymon), and King Alfred (David Dawson). There is no question that these are the two major characters of the series, constantly conflicting or working together throughout the first season. David brings a rather kingly heir to the character that is desperately needed to clash with the rather brutish style of Uhtred. While the plot around them is rather muddled I found them to both be very strong characters in the series. I can only hope moving forward that these two continue to be the main source of strength for the series.
Another strength this series has is it's action. Well done combat comes all throughout the series and at times that wouldn't be expected. But the thing that stands out for me is how smart these people are compared to those in other series. The military leaders make smart choices with combat and know when to change if necessary. This stood out to me and I was thoroughly impressed by the writing for this small fact. Expect blood and gore throughout, but it is necessary and excellently done.
One thing I need to address with The Last Kingdom though is the influence from the unmistakable king of series like this: Game of Thrones. The Last Kingdom takes heavily from this series when developing plot, creating conflict between family and such. It has great elements that come from this series in the action and characters that stand on their own, but the attempt to create a compelling and thick plot just did not stand as well as I would have hoped. While The Last Kingdom is a good watch for viewers of action and Vikings, it simply doesn't do enough with it's plot to keep people interested throughout. While that may not be a ringing endorsement for a show that I seemed to praise early, I still believe it's a good enough show to watch when the chance arises. The story many not be interesting for every minute, but the plot intrigues enough to make viewers want to come back for more.
