The Spiritual Sequel of The Last Kingdom Is This 31-Year-Old British TV Series
Though the fascinating narrative of life in Anglo-Saxon England gives the show a very specific focus and taste, the series has an unexpected spiritual link to an apparently unrelated previous TV series despite its setting. Based on popular books by Bernard Cornwell, The Last Kingdom largely shows important events from a pivotal moment in English history from the standpoint of one man. Though one set in a different era, this method combined with its narrative concerns, characters, and more general style makes the show somewhat similar to another work of Historical Fiction.
First on BBC and then later on Netflix, running for five seasons and a feature-length film, The Last Kingdom combined true English historical data with dramatic fictional narratives. Based on the figure of Uhtred of Bebbanburg, the show features numerous actual people ranging from Alfred the Great, to Aethelstan, Cnut, Aethelflaed, and many more. Their stories were entwined with more factually dubious elements even while they generally reflected history. Though Historical Fiction exhibits this attitude to narrative, one episode especially has the most obvious thematic parallels to The Last Kingdom.
Sharpe Is The Ideal Afterglow To The Last Kingdom
The 31-year-old British TV series Sharpe is the perfect spiritual sequel to The Last Kingdom, despite being set in a somewhat different age, having none of the same characters, and telling a quite different tale. Usually, formal follow-ups would be worthy of comparison only if they clearly connected themselves to a chronological predecessor. In Sharpe's instance, though, the show gains from both unquestionably narrative and thematic links as well as a shared source that shapes the way their related stories are presented.
Like The Last Kingdom, Sharpe is grounded on a set of books written by British novelist Bernard Cornwell. Sharpe occurs over a millennium later during the Napoleonic Wars, whereas The Saxon Stories—which form the basis for The Last Kingdom series—are set in the early Middle Ages. Sharpe is more focused on seismic events witnessed through the eyes of one quite small soldier than on the business of monarchs, warlords, and those determining the future fate of a whole nation. Still, the two original series—and thus the Tv Shows—have almost exactly the same style and substance.
Sharpe and The Last Kingdom Are Remarkably Like
Though the two tales span more than 1,000 years, Sharpe and The Last Kingdom have far more in common than only their author. While fictionalizing some details to fit the story, both shows cover significant events from their own eras and offer a rather complete picture of the most pivotal occurrences from their particular period. While Sharpe chronicles many of the major events of the Napoleonic Wars, beginning in Spain and running all the way up to Waterloo, The Last Kingdom reveals important specifics about Alfred's wars against the Danes, with big engagements like Edington playing a pivotal role.
Every show deftly blends fictitious characters and elements that give Sharpe and The Last Kingdom a grim and realistic feel with the truth of incidents like these. The two series enjoy behind-the-scenes scheming and backstabbing; most repugnant figures are usually the most clever and sneaky. Both shows have a certain moral element as well; their imperfect but finally decent heroes butting heads with foes who are often more sophisticated in their political game playing.
Sharpe and Uhtred Lead Exactly.
There is nowhere more clear the link between The Last Kingdom and Sharpe than with the two main protagonists of the show. Though Uhtred born to inherit Bebbanburg and Richard Sharpe raised in poverty and came from different socioeconomic strata, the two men have a nearly identical perspective and attitude to life. Both have much honor yet are seriously defective. Both are driven and stubborn; this approach gets them both in hot water. Though inadequately politically, the couple have a maverick energy that will help them well in war and are more than fit for violating orders.
The couple also have equally sad love lives, with a string of relationships usually ending tragically - frequently from their own errors. From their partnerships, Sharpe and Uhtred also clearly share certain traits. Men both have very devoted followers; Sharpe's Chosen Men fight alongside him into battle with the same tenacity as Uhtred's troops. The couple also have equally sad love lives, with a series of relationships always ending tragically - usually via their own blunders. With Sharpe's Teresa and The Last Kingdom's Aethelflaed virtually exactly matching in attitude and way of life, even their most famous partners are quite similar. These links go beyond mere surface level connectivity. They create naturally occurring companion pieces for Sharpe and The Last Kingdom.
Sharpe and The Last Kingdom: An Interpretive Study of Historical Fiction
Set in 9th-century Anglo- Saxon England, the historical fiction series The Last Kingdom chronicles Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a Saxon warrior reared by Vikings. Showcasing the conflict between Saxon and Viking cultures and the ascent of England as a unified monarchy, the series combines historical realism with fictional narrative. Following the exploits of resourceful and driven British soldier Richard Sharpe, Sharpe—also a historical fiction series—occurs during the Napoleonic Wars. Both shows explore the complexity of politics and war and highlight the bravery and fortitude of people among historical upheaval.
Sharpe and The Last Kingdom are tales of heroism, devotion, and the continuing human spirit, not only historical dramas. Audiences have connected with the shows for their captivating stories, strong characters, and rich portrayal of historical events. Whether your taste is for the dramatic campaigns of the Napoleonic Wars or the epic conflicts of Anglo-Saxon England, these shows provide an engaging window into the past, highlighting the hardships and victories of common people caught up in remarkable circumstances.
