Bernard Cornwell's 'The Last Kingdom' episode 1 review

[Captain Blood]

Now on episode 3.
Got to say, I don't think it's getting any better.
I can't take dapper little David Dawson at all seriously as King Alfred The Great.
I'll probably stick with it through to the end now, but it's all a bit lame... 

[Harry Faversham]

Game of Thrones it 'aint, boring, wordy dross... it is. 

[Silent Invader]

I tried it again last night, having last dipped in on episode 1. 

Was somewhat dull, both in plot and colour (yes, I know I am being anachronistic ;-)) so I think I have been spoiled by the likes of GOT, Vikings and Black Sails (I haven't seen Outlander but have heard good things).

It is a bit like Sharpe, which at the time seemed so vibrant but now pales in comparison to more current offerings.

[thebinmann]

Funny what you say about Black Sails, I saw a bout five mins the other day and it looked quite poor (dialogue, acting and characterwise). Is it good?

[Captain Blood]

Quite divisive, Black Sails. Personally I love it, but some people find it a bit slow going. Not to me, but it's not all action, that's for sure. In terms of conjuring up the pirate milieu, I think it hits all the right notes.

[Mr.J]

Just seen episode 4 and I'm still not enamored. I will see it through now but it's just dull.

[thebinmann]

Maybe I'll try Black Sails again from the start then...

[Silent Invader]

Maybe I'll try Black Sails again from the start then...

I thinks it's great and therefore worth a go 

[Atheling]

I just watched the Arn (TV series not the film) last evening and the difference in quality between the Swedish offering and the BBC's is embarrassing, for a UK citizen at least!

Arn:



Darrell.

[Cubs]

I think The Last Kingdom is ... okay ... but the shortcuts and plot revisions made in the adaptation have robbed it of a lot of its flavour.

[Gibby]

I just watched the Arn (TV series not the film) last evening and the difference in quality between the Swedish offering and the BBC's is embarrassing, for a UK citizen at least!

Arn:



Darrell.

Completely agree. Arn is such a brilliant series. Don't explore that user's channel though! Eek!

[AdamTheGreat]

I personally did not like it all too much, especially after the reading all the books to date. I'm always annoyingly pointing out differences to the family. Will still continue on for now.

What is up with you and long threads, Blood?   

[THE CID]

I think the last Kingdom is quite good. I know historically its poor, but is still better than most the crap on TV.

[Paul]

I just watched the Arn (TV series not the film) last evening and the difference in quality between the Swedish offering and the BBC's is embarrassing, for a UK citizen at least!

Arn is pretty good and the books by Jan Guillou are well worth the read....None of the repetitive Story lines ...and (considering an uncalled for, innacurate and IMHO, mildly racist comment on page one of this thread) made in conjunction with Denmark, Norway
Finland and Germany

[Atheling]

None of the repetitive Story lines ...

Which is my point- it's a more creative and imaginative writing style, that combined with the more historically accurate kit makes for a much more engaging show.

Don't get me wrong, I still make my annual pilgrimage to Stratford to the RCS and usually really enjoy the historical anachronistic costume, but the RSC do Shakespeare (among other plays) and not Historical Drama.

Darrell.