The Last Kingdom

The Last Kingdom (2015-)
Season 1 - 8 Episodes (2015)

Watch The Last Kingdom on Netflix
Starring:  Alexander Dreymon, Ian Hart, David Dawson, Emily Cox
Rating: --/TV-MA

Plot: 
A BBC Two show based on The Saxon Stories novels by Bernard Cornwell. Netflix is producing a second season to be released in 2017.
Uhtred is an orphaned Saxon captured and raised by Viking Danes. Uhtred is forced to war against both the Vikings who want to kill him thinking he killed his Viking master who treated him like a son and the Saxons who want to end his bloodline and secure their own right to the throne.

Verdict
The first episode is spectacular. It tells the sweeping story of how Uhtred ended up a Vikings. The series a great recreation of the time period, and provides plenty of characters to love and hate as we watch Uhtred's attempt to becomea nobleman. He's accepted by neither Viking nor Saxon, yet wants to be the king of both. It's an underdog story that stands apart due to the setting and side characters. Netflix is producing the second season, and I'll be watching as soon as it's released.
Watch it.

Review
As much as I liked the first episode, I wondered if the following episodes would be as good. It's easy to nail the succinct introduction, but a more difficult job to continue the plot. I wasn't as impressed with the second and third episodes, but they are still good.

The fire that started it all.

Many recommendations praised this as a way to fill the Game of Thrones (2011-) (read my Season 6 review) void, also comparing it to Vikings (2013-). It's more like Vikings but easier to follow, and I enjoy it much more. It doesn't have the mammoth cast of Game of Thrones, and thus is a very different show. You don't need a spreadsheet for all the characters on the screen.

It's difficult to stand out with the breadth of television available. This is a very good show, but it doesn't make it into the great category, granted that is an elusive mark. This is still better than a lot of available options.

Alexander Dreymon doesn't feel as coarse as a Viking should. While that may be the point as he is a Saxon, I can't shake the feeling that he's not quite right for the part. As the season progressed I liked him more. It could be character development or just getting used to him. Emily Cox is believable as Brida, though early on I hoped the show would give her more space to be more than just a sidekick, but unfortunately we see even less of her as the season progresses.

As soon as Uhtred was captured as a child, I predicted we would see his rise to power. That's his attempt at least. This has a great premise. It's fun to root for the underdog, and the production values are top notch. The first episode showcases great editing when Uhtred is pushed into the river as a boy and emerges as a man.

Uhtred tries to play both sides in his bid to reclaim his birthright, but no one trusts him. We want Uhtred to succeed. We know he's a man of his word, but King Alfred who doubts him is a hypocrite himself. It should be no surprise when Alfred breaks his word to Uhtred.
Uhtred still considers Young Ragnar his brother, but the show never plays this connection up. A couple of times Ragnar helps Uhtred, but it just seems like plot contrivance rather than devotion to a brother.

While Uhtred is the protagonist, he's one of the least interesting characters, part of that is due to his focus on becoming a king. This will change later, though it doesn't make him more likable. For much of the season he's just the typical braggart viking. Some amount of vulnerability would help expand on the character.

The story is fairly typical, but told well. A good supporting cast really helps set it apart.

King Alfred watches the fight.

Uhtred is on the verge of earning Alfred's trust when one of Alfred's men, Odda takes credit for Uhtred's battle prowess, claiming the victory as his own. Uhtred flies off the handle, as Viking do, and lands himself in trouble with the king. Even I was annoyed and aggravated at the slight by the king. Not only that but the king makes him grovel for forgiveness. I am surprised that despite all the men that saw Uhtred fight, no one spoke up. This is while Uhtred is at the feet of Alfred, who should be seeking penance of his own. I was ready for Uhtred to kill Alfred, but that's the point. Those in power don't always deserve the power.

Leofric and Uhtred

Episode five starts the lead up to the finale. Leofric and Uhtred gather a band of men and dress as Vikings to start raiding nearby towns. Uhtred is upset that he didn't get the spoils of victory since he single handedly won the battle.
Uhtred's wife, an arranged marriage by Alfred, sees that despite his tenderness Uhtred is still a viking. He's not going to change.

Alfred puts Odda in charge of investigating Uhtred and the raids. This just seemed contrived. Alfred should realize that Odda is a sniveling jerk. Is Alfred that oblivious? Odda was the would be king whose father passed him over for Alfred. We know Odda is jealous of Uhtred for his wife and the position of power he's assumed despite being a viking.

The Saxons and the Viking Danes face off.

The last episode is the big battle finale against the sinister viking Scorpa.  It delivers an epic fight and impressive moments. It isn't on the level of Game of Thrones season 6, but what is?

The Last Kingdom is the classic underdog story with a viking setting. With Netflix taking over season two,  I don't know if the writers and producers will return or the staff will be new. Season two has a lot of potential, but it could also become a mess.