Episode Guide
Episode 1:
- The team investigates a murder that took place in the city.
- They find out that the victim was a young woman who was killed by her ex-boyfriend.
- The team works to find the killer and brings him to justice.
- They continue their investigation into the murder and learn more about the victim’s life.
- The team comes up with a new theory about the murder and they continue their investigation to prove it is true.
The Last Kingdom is a gritty, realistic take on Game of Thrones. Set during the Viking invasions of Britain, the series relies on the charisma of its many characters to drive the story forward. The time period is perfectly captured in both atmosphere and set design, complimented by a compelling story that draws from the rich history of Britain across its 8 hour long episodes. ..
Uhtred is a Saxon-born man who has been living in England for years, working as a farmhand. One day, he hears about a war between the Danes and the English and decides to go to help the English. He is quickly recognized as an expert on weapons and armor, so he is able to help the English fight off the Danes. After the war is over, Uhtred returns to England and lives among his own people for a time. But then something happens that changes everything. The Danes come back and invade Britain again. This time, they are much more powerful than ever before. They are able to take over Northumberland and much of the neighbouring region in the North. The Kingdom Of Wessex stands alone against them, but it is not strong enough to stop them from conquering everything else. Uhtred must decide whether he wants to stay in England or fight for his country once again.
After his father is killed in battle, Uhtred is captured and raised as a Dane. He is forced to become a son to Ragnar Lothbrook and witnesses betrayal, so he flees to Wessex with fellow companion Brida in a bid to reclaim his rightful birth right as an Elderman of the Saxons. With both Dane and Saxon after him, the story sees Uhtred try to find his rightful place in the world. This sets the backdrop for the preceding episodes that regularly skip between Northumberland and Wessex. Much like Game of Thrones and Vikings before it, The Last Kingdom boasts rich history and lore that it draws on which can be seen through much of the world building. ..
The Last Kingdom is a well-done historical fiction novel that faithfully portrays the real-life story. The world is beautifully presented with establishing shots of the world and brutally depicted fight scenes helping to sell this inhospitable world.
The Last Kingdom is an excellent show that more than makes up for its lack of epic battles by presenting tense and realistically brutal fights. From a chase sequence through tall marshland to a one on one fight lit by torchlight, The Last Kingdom keeps the pacing consistent throughout its length. ..
While some may lament the slow pace and the constant switching perspectives, The Last Kingdom solidifies itself as a very impressive historical show indeed. With the tantalising prospect of a second and third season looming, The Last Kingdom promises more of the same going forward and that can only be a good thing. With a charismatic group of characters at its core and a story rich in history, The Last Kingdom is an impressive show indeed and one we’ll be watching with great interest.
