Movies News Talk
Though not formally connected to the original The Last Kingdom series and shares none of the same characters, The Winter King is really the ideal precursor for the popular historical drama. Though their tone and narrative differ, their surroundings make the series perfect companion pieces even if they both draw on historical fiction books penned by Bernard Cornwell. Not only that, but visually and conceptually The Winter King and The Last Kingdom are exactly suited.
Unlike The Last Kingdom, which spans the 9th and 10th centuries, The Winter King is situated considerably earlier in English history. Based on a retelling of Arthurian mythology, the program takes place in Post-Roman Britain during what is known as the Dark Ages. Chronologically, this comes about between 300 and 400 years before The Last Kingdom. Still, The Winter King offers a fascinating approach to grasp the setting that produces the England of Alfred and Uhtred as shown in the previous episodes despite decades of isolation.
Alfred's aim of a united England under Anglo-Saxon control is shown in The Last Kingdom as a just and moral ambition quite fairly uncontroversially. Though there are exceptions—typified by Uhtred's conflicting loyalties—Alfred's struggle against Danish invaders shows the Saxons as plucky underdogs, which makes viewers unavoidably side for them over the invading Danes. Given the contemporary definition of "Englishness," such a perspective is maybe not surprising. But as The Winter King makes abundantly evident, English and British history is really far more convoluted.
The Winter King emphasizes even more the morality of The Last Kingdom in showing how Alfred's forefathers were once the kind of invaders the king now tries to repel. Unlike the generally likable characters in The Last Kingdom, the Saxons in The Winter King assume the position of invading attackers. With the island united under Arthur the only true chance for survival, in this narrative it is they who pose a threat to native Britons. Apart from providing a striking and historically correct juxtaposition with The Last Kingdom, this representation helps to deepen knowledge of British past. The Winter King presents The Last Kingdom's morality even more complexly and finally rewards in illustrating how Alfred's forefathers were once the type of invaders the king now tries to repel.
Apart from offering fascinating historical analysis, The Winter King tackles many of the same narrative concerns as The Last Kingdom. The charming protagonist in both tales discovers he is rejected and alone from his house. Notwithstanding this position, he discovers he is driven to be a major player in determining the course of England and Britain, with effects spanning generations.
Both shows also look at the concept of what it means to be English using the main character as a portal. In The Winter King, the idea of a united country is somewhat vague; nonetheless, there is a feeling that gathering under one banner is the only way one may ensure existence. Though through a far more completely formed concept of nationhood, this is essentially the same message as The Last Kingdom. The two series also have comparable attitudes on spirituality, a topic that emphasizes once more how The Winter King is the ideal setting for The Last Kingdom. Christianity is still a young idea in the series; much more faith is placed in Merlin's druidic pagan skills. Though The Last Kingdom contains this form of magic, most especially in season 3 via the character of Skade, attitudes toward faith have clearly changed. The two series create interesting companion pieces that help one to grasp how spirituality evolved in Post-Roman Britain.
Given that both tales share the same author, maybe the most convincing case for seeing The Winter King as an unofficial The Last Kingdom Prequel is Having produced some of the most beloved characters in all of fiction and dozens of historical fiction books, Bernard Cornwell is among the most popular writers in Britain. The two shows are true to the tone of the original even if both The Last Kingdom and The Winter King deviate greatly from the source material.
Both shows brilliantly depict Cornwell's inimitable ability to make intangible historical events seem instantaneous and within reach. The plays also capture the author's ability to bring long-dead and otherwise far-off figures back to life, therefore imbuing them with a vitality that may make them variedly sympathetic, horrific, or relatable. Both episodes highlight this feature of Cornwell's work, which guarantees that The Last Kingdom feels much more linked to actual history than it did previously and makes them natural companions pieces.
Many fans still want to rediscover Bernard Cornwell's immersive image of pre-medieval England following the end of The Last Kingdom with the feature-length Netflix film Seven Kings Must Die; one television series offers the ideal platform. Starting on the BBC and then switching to Netflix, The Last Kingdom's compelling narrative and likable characters helped it to be rather successful with viewers. Though the show concentrated on Alexander Dreymon's Uhtred of Bebbanburg and his story has come to an end, fans still have a means to return to this intriguing era in British history.
Though it has fictional components, The Last Kingdom's devotion to actual history is what makes it so appealing. Because they really lived, figures like Uhtred, Alfred, and Aethelfled are far more vivid and their stories seem even more interesting. The popularity of The Last Kingdom depends on this historical component, hence choosing a successor becomes far more difficult than deciding on any average medieval action series. Fortunately, though, the ideal precursor scene creating The Last Kingdom's universe and narrative already exists.
The Historical Drama series The Last Kingdom chronicles the life of Saxon hero Uhtred of Bebbanburg, raised by Vikings following the murder of his father. The show follows his path to recover his inheritance and bring England's kingdoms together under one king. Conversely, the historical drama series The Winter King chronicles the fable of the fable King Arthur. Set in Dark Ages post-Roman Britain, the show investigates the beginnings of the Arthurian legend and the ascent of a legendary king bringing the Britons together against Saxon invaders.
Both The Last Kingdom and The Winter King provide amazing window views into several periods of British history. With its sharp conflicts, political intrigue, and nuanced characters, The Last Kingdom offers an engaging picture of Anglo-Saxon England. Delving into the mysterious realm of Arthurian mythology, the Winter King weaves together components of history, fiction, and folklore. Both shows are engaging Historical Dramas that transport viewers to an adventure, mystery, and power struggle environment.