The Last Kingdom

The Last Kingdom

Premise:
“The Last Kingdom” is a historical drama set in late 9th-century England, a time when the separate kingdoms are under constant threat from Viking invasions. Uhtred of Bebbanburg (played by Alexander Dreymon), a Saxon nobleman, is orphaned by the Vikings and then kidnapped. Raised by them, Uhtred grows up torn between his Saxon heritage and the Vikings who raised him. As he becomes a man, he seeks to reclaim his ancestral land of Bebbanburg and finds himself drawn into the conflict to determine the future of what becomes England.

Main Characters:

1. Uhtred of Bebbanburg (Alexander Dreymon): The protagonist who’s caught between two worlds – the Saxons and the Vikings.
2. King Alfred (David Dawson): The wise and visionary King of Wessex, who dreams of a united England.
3. Brida (Emily Cox): Uhtred’s close friend from childhood and a staunch Viking.
4. Aethelflaed (Millie Brady): King Alfred’s daughter and a strong, independent Saxon woman who plays a crucial role in the fate of the kingdoms.

Themes:
The series tackles themes of identity, loyalty, and destiny. Uhtred’s internal conflict between his birthright and his Viking upbringing embodies the broader struggle of England’s birth as a nation. Themes of honor, betrayal, love, and the clash of cultures and religions are also prevalent.

Critical Consensus and Rating:
4 out of 5. Critics praised “The Last Kingdom” for its compelling characters, intricate political plots, and realistic battle scenes. Some critiques were directed at occasional pacing issues and historical inaccuracies, but overall, the series was well-received for its portrayal of a lesser-known period in history.

TV Parental Guidelines Rating:
TV-MA for its mature content, including battle sequences, violence, and some sexual scenes.

Broadcast Details:
“The Last Kingdom” began airing on BBC America in 2015 and later transitioned to Netflix. Its run continues with the series wrapping on Netflix.

Recommendations:
If you enjoyed “The Last Kingdom,” consider watching:

1. “Vikings“
2. “Knightfall“
3. “Penny Dreadful“
4. “Marco Polo“
5. “Medici”