Review of The Last Kingdom (2015)

General Information

• Director: Various directors, including Peter Hoar, Jamie Childs, and others
• Main Cast:
  • Alexander Dreymon (Uhtred of Bebbanburg)
  • David Dawson (King Alfred)
  • Toby Regbo (Aethelred)
  • Emily Cox (Brida)
  • Ian Hart (Beocca)
  • Joseph Millson (Ælfric)
• Genre: Historical Drama, Action
• Runtime: Approximately 60 minutes per episode
• Network: BBC Two (UK), Netflix (International)

Plot

The Last Kingdom is a historical drama set in the 9th and 10th centuries during the Viking invasions of England. The story follows Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a Saxon nobleman who is captured and raised by Vikings after his family is killed in a raid. Torn between his birthright as a Saxon and his loyalty to the Vikings who raised him, Uhtred becomes a key player in the struggle for control of England. He allies himself with King Alfred the Great of Wessex, fighting against the Viking forces led by the infamous Ragnar the Younger and his sons, all while grappling with the complexities of identity, loyalty, and power.

Highlights

1. Alexander Dreymon as Uhtred of Bebbanburg
   • Alexander Dreymon delivers a strong performance as Uhtred, capturing the character’s inner conflict, toughness, and vulnerability. Uhtred is both a warrior and a man of principle, constantly torn between his Saxon heritage and Viking upbringing. Dreymon’s charisma and physicality make Uhtred a compelling and dynamic protagonist, whose personal journey is as gripping as the historical events around him.
2. Historical Depth and World-Building
   • The show does an impressive job of bringing the brutal, turbulent period of English history to life. While The Last Kingdom is not entirely historically accurate, it offers a gripping portrayal of the Viking invasions, the formation of early England, and the conflict between the Saxons and the Norsemen. The period details—from battle tactics to the depiction of Viking culture—are thoughtfully integrated, offering viewers a sense of the time and place without overwhelming them with excessive historical exposition.
3. Action and Combat Sequences
   • The action sequences are a major highlight, with gritty, well-choreographed battles and skirmishes that feel raw and intense. Whether it’s Uhtred fighting on the front lines or smaller, more intimate confrontations, the fight scenes are visceral and add a sense of immediacy to the storyline. The brutality of war, especially in the Viking-Saxon conflicts, is depicted without glamorization, giving the show a realistic and gritty feel.
4. David Dawson as King Alfred
   • David Dawson’s portrayal of King Alfred is nuanced and complex. As the intellectual and religious king of Wessex, Alfred’s struggles to unite the Saxons against the Vikings and maintain his kingdom’s survival are at the heart of much of the show’s political intrigue. Dawson captures Alfred’s inner turmoil, his faith, and his drive to defend his people, making him one of the more compelling historical characters in the series.

     

5. Themes of Loyalty, Identity, and Faith
   • The Last Kingdom explores themes of loyalty and identity, with Uhtred’s struggle to reconcile his Saxon and Viking sides being a central element. His quest for revenge against those who wronged him and his loyalty to those he loves drives much of the narrative. Additionally, the show delves into the role of faith, both Christian and pagan, in shaping the characters’ choices, motivations, and the larger conflicts between Saxons and Vikings.
6. Strong Supporting Cast
   • The series features a strong supporting cast that adds depth to the story. Emily Cox’s portrayal of Brida, Uhtred’s long-time companion and lover, is compelling as she grapples with her own allegiance and fate. Characters like Beocca, Uhtred’s spiritual advisor, and Ælfric, his treacherous uncle, add layers to the story, each contributing to the complex web of relationships that shape Uhtred’s journey.

Criticisms

1. Historical Inaccuracies
   • While The Last Kingdom does a great job with world-building, it takes creative liberties with historical events and characters, which may bother viewers seeking a more historically accurate depiction of the period. Some characters are either fictionalized or have their histories altered to fit the narrative, which can be distracting for those familiar with the historical timeline.
2. Pacing Issues
   • Like many historical dramas, The Last Kingdom can occasionally suffer from uneven pacing, particularly during the political maneuvering and character development scenes. Some plotlines feel slow, especially in the early seasons, as the show sets up the larger narrative arc.
3. Limited Character Development for Some
   • While Uhtred is well-developed, some supporting characters, such as Ælfric and certain members of the Viking factions, could benefit from more screen time and backstory. Some relationships feel a bit underexplored, particularly when it comes to the motivations of the secondary antagonists.

Verdict

The Last Kingdom is a gripping historical drama that blends action, political intrigue, and rich character development against the backdrop of Viking-era Britain. Alexander Dreymon’s portrayal of Uhtred provides a captivating anchor for the story, and the show’s immersive world-building and battle sequences are highlights. While the historical liberties and pacing issues may distract some viewers, the series successfully captures the chaos and complexity of the time period, making it a must-watch for fans of historical fiction and epic adventures.

Rating: 8/10