The Last Kingdom - General Discussion

[Meredith Quill]

A place to suggest shows that are similar, may be similar? I'll kick it off with...

Britannia

[snowwhyte]

I saw the trailer for Britannia and was thinking i'd give it a watch. It's out on Jan 18th in the UK and on Amazon Prime in the US but i don't know when. 

Vikings is the obvious recommendation but i would think most people who watched The Last Kingdom have tried Vikings.

[Meredith Quill]

7 minutes ago, snowwhyte said:

I saw the trailer for Britannia and was thinking i'd give it a watch. It's out on Jan 18th in the UK and on Amazon Prime in the US but i don't know when. 

Vikings is the obvious recommendation but i would think most people who watched The Last Kingdom have tried Vikings.

Jan 26th Amazon Prime in the US. All episodes drop at once.

[Razzberry]

Yay!  Can't wait to see Brittania, thanks.

[John Potts]

On ‎08‎/‎08‎/‎2017 at 7:21 AM, supposebly said:

Erik and Aethelfeld, sitting in a tree, k-i-s-s-i-n-g. First comes sex, then comes betrayal, and it all will end in death.

For a poem, that lacks a little something... how about "First comes sex, then treachery... then it's death with no one happy"? It's a bit forced, but it sort of rhymes and scans.

Have to admit, I found Alfred's plot in dealing with Aethelflaed's abduction was really disappointing this Season. I find it hard to believe that in the book Alfred's response was simply to pay (and keep paying) a King's ransom was what Bernard Cornwell wrote (not read that book, so I can't say). I'd have preferred it to have Alfred simply to write her off as a dead loss which would make him look like a cold hearted callous bastard... but (IMO) that's better than being an idiot (he's impoverishing his Kingdom to hire the army that will be used to destroy him).

[Anothermi]

Again, nothing definite, but this one is promising. I think.  Seems I missed it last fall. It gives us hope for a possible late fall airing of Series 3.

Warning: Some info provided might be spoilery. The link describes a casting call back in Sept 2017 for a specific character (new, described and probably a spoiler). It includes time frames:

Quote

The casting call also gave dates of filming. The show is filming between Oct 23, 2017 and mid-May 2018. That means the third season will likely air sometime towards the end of 2018.

[Which Tyler]

First look pic

https://mobile.twitter.com/TheLastKingdom/status/1042060740792922112

 

Mr Bernard Cornwell, in makeup, for his cameo

https://mobile.twitter.com/TheLastKingdom/status/1047812618201784325

 

S03E01 to be screened exclusively at Comicon London, 27/10/18 - so a good chance of release before the end of this year, almost certainly being given dates in 2 weeks

https://mobile.twitter.com/TheLastKingdom/status/1044270996331606017

Edited October 11, 2018 by Which Tyler

[supposebly]

7 hours ago, Which Tyler said:

S03E01 to be screened exclusively at Comicon London, 27/10/18 - so a good chance of release before the end of this year, almost certainly being given dates in 2 weeks

https://mobile.twitter.com/TheLastKingdom/status/1044270996331606017

Yeah!!! I can't wait.

[Anothermi]

11 hours ago, Which Tyler said:

First look pic

https://mobile.twitter.com/TheLastKingdom/status/1042060740792922112

Good to see that Uhtred has adopted the Tribute-to-Erik hair style.

[Haleth]

Wow!  I didn't think there would be a season 3.  This is good news!  (Funny, I just recommended the books to someone a few minutes ago.)

[LanceM]

Season 3 teaser trailer!

 

[Anothermi]

OK. For the most part I recognized Uhtred (Erik look-a-like now), and it looks by this trailer that they want us to think he is siding with the Danes this time. Which he may be. But the last bit "Let it begin" looked so much like Erik! Have they brought him back from the dead?

Aside from that. I can't wait. Poor Alfred is not doing well health-wise. How long might he have? (I haven't read the books this series is based on, I only read them when the series is done, so I'm not asking for historical spoilers). And Uhtred seems to have a new woman. (what's new?)

I miss this show.

[LGraves65]

Season 3 comes to Netflix on November 19!

[LanceM]

Official season 3 trailer.

 

[John Potts]

On ‎20‎/‎10‎/‎2018 at 3:47 AM, Anothermi said:

Poor Alfred is not doing well health-wise. How long might he have?

Historically, Alfred was always sickly (he probably had asthma) which is more emphasised in the books and is one reason why the Vikings tended to dismiss him - he just had the annoying habit of beating them in battle! As for the Books:

Spoiler

Alfred dies not far into the series (in the appropriately entitled Death of Kings, which I'm guessing is the basis for Season 3): His son (Edward) succeeds him as King of Wessex while Aethelred rules Mercia (husband of Alfred's daughter, Aethleflaed, who later succeeds him to the throne of Mercia). Ultimately, Edward's son Aethelstan would inherit both Kingdoms (Aethelflaed had no children - in the books, this is because Aethelred REALLY resents his wife but needs the marriage to maintain the support of Wessex) - and goes on to conquer the North, becoming the first King of all England.

[Anothermi]

13 hours ago, John Potts said:

Historically, Alfred was always sickly (he probably had asthma) which is more emphasised in the books and is one reason why the Vikings tended to dismiss him - he just had the annoying habit of beating them in battle! As for the Books:

  Reveal hidden contents

Alfred dies not far into the series (in the appropriately entitled Death of Kings, which I'm guessing is the basis for Season 3): His son (Edward) succeeds him as King of Wessex while Aethelred rules Mercia (husband of Alfred's daughter, Aethleflaed, who later succeeds him to the throne of Mercia). Ultimately, Edward's son Aethelstan would inherit both Kingdoms (Aethelflaed had no children - in the books, this is because Aethelred REALLY resents his wife but needs the marriage to maintain the support of Wessex) - and goes on to conquer the North, becoming the first King of all England.

Haha. Yeah. 

Health-wise, I was mostly remarking on the fact that the makeup in the trailer showed him greyer than usual and the circles under his eyes were more prominent this time round.

[LanceM]

Meet the new characters in season 3 (spoilers obviously)

 

https://www.denofgeek.com/uk/tv/the-last-kingdom/61810/the-last-kingdom-meet-the-new-series-3-characters

[frenchtoast]

Season 3 starts Nov 19 on Netflix. Here's a place to discuss episodes and characters from the season. Please note there is a book vs show topic where questions may be posed, differences discussed etc. Book talk is considered spoilers.

Destiny is all. (That may be wrong, but close enough)

[LanceM]

The Last Kingdom writer Stephen Butchard and cast members Alexander Dreymon, David Dawson, Millie Brady, Toby Regbo, Emily Cox, and Eliza Butterworth at the MCM London Comicon last month discussing season 3.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnBzrDi93DQ&feature=youtu.be

[LGraves65]

I've only watched the first two episodes, but it's been good.  Would be better if the actress playing Skade could act.

[I-Kare]

On 11/20/2018 at 4:04 PM, LGraves65 said:

I've only watched the first two episodes, but it's been good.  Would be better if the actress playing Skade could act.

Could not agree more. 

[Stella]

I thought the second episode was quite good. I found the conversation between Uhtred and Brida truly moving. I'm looking forward to more of them together.

I'm not ready to call out Skade's actress yet. But I definitely see the concern. I think the character is little too predictable or something. I guess Uhtred has to get new love interests/sex partners every other season or something? I don't see the need for this not surprised at all.

[iMonrey]

Had to re-watch Season 2 because I couldn't remember most of it for the life of me. Enjoyed the re-watch, and have so far only seen the first episode of Season 3 - and really not feeling it yet. I get that there is some table setting to do, but the series is starting to feel redundant. A new day, a new big bad Dane, a new horde to fight off, lather rinse repeat. I really want the story to move towards Uhtred reclaiming his home at Bebbanburg. I haven't read the books so I have no idea how far down the line that happens if at all. But I'm not sure the TV show will last that long. A time jump might have been in order. 

Hate hate hate Uhtred's new hair! Yuck. That's actually more of a modern thing - the shaved head with the ratty ponytail on top. 

I would have bet money that was a different actor playing Sihtric this season but it's the same guy according to IMDB. He looks about a foot taller and his face looks completely different. 

And yeah - the actress playing Skade is horrible. 

[Stella]

I agree that there is some redundancy in the storylines but I do feel like the third season is quite good. I've watched 7 episodes now and by far the 6th was my favorite for the emotional punch it packed. I really appreciated the focus on Uhtred and Brida.

It seems pretty clear that if the series continues Alfred is not going to be there which will bring some much needed new dynamics and relationships. (I mean maybe Alfred will live for further seasons but up to the end of episode 7 they are strongly suggesting he's too sick now to live much longer.) And that will be good for the story even though Alfred is a central character and the actor is excellent.

And 7 episodes in I'm definitely in the Skade is horrible camp but it's not just that the actress is weak. I think it's more that the character is so ridiculous and the drama around her is somewhat undermining the season. 

Edited November 28, 2018 by Stella

[benteen]

I finished Season 3 last night and I thought it was great.

[skyways]

Agreed. I felt I was physically there. 10 episodes are too short. I wanted to see more Athelflaed, Athelred, his adviser, Hild instead of Skade, Haeston, Bloodhair in short enough of the Danes!!!

But Ragnar why? WHY??!!!!😵😭

[snowwhyte]

I was slightly worried when Sihtric and Uhtred had a falling out and I really hoped it was all part of another of Uhtred's schemes. One of my favourite things about this show is the friendships. After all they have been through together i don't want to see them fall out over petty things.

[MLee]

I loved this season.  I agree that Skade was a little - a lot - over the top.  At least she calmed down after the first episode.  Looks like they're planning a 4th season, and I'm excited for it.

[Auntie Anxiety]

Finished the third season earlier today. Loved it. Finally managed to keep track of who is who and where allegiances lie which made it that much more entertaining. I read that it looks like there will be at least a Season 4 if not a Season 5. Having Netflix money behind the production made it more interesting visually.

[buttercupia]

Not done w/season 3 yet, but I thought the Skade character looked far too modern. like she should be in a lip synching girl group instead of the 9th century. also, terrible actress.

 

ethelred's hound-"you can't just kill underlings like that, this IS the 9th century!" ROTFL.

[Mnemosyne]

Pretty entertained by this season, though I definitely thought the skade stuff was unnecessary. 

Poor Tura and Beocca. Finan lives! I love that snarky Irishman! Bring on Season 4!

[iMonrey]

Yes it ended up being a pretty good season after a somewhat rocky start. I think the problem was starting the whole thing out focused on Skade and Bloodhair, two characters I care nothing about. Luckily the whole season wasn't overly focused on them and both were dispatched! I never cheered so hard as when Uhtred drowned Skade - I was holding my breath in fear that he might change his mind and let her up or that she would survive somehow. 

And the actress just seemed too modern, as someone noted above. They do a really good job of hiring actors who look as though they fit into the ninth century and this one just didn't. 

I was actually quite heartbroken when Sihtric and Uhtred had a falling out and elated when we found out it was all a ruse. It just proved how invested I am in these characters and their relationships. 

Alas, we still have Cnut and Haesten to deal with - I would have preferred they had been dispatched. But at least that punk Aethelwold is finally dead, as is Alfred. I hope Edward learns to stand up for himself and ignore his mother, I hate that bitch. 

Quote

ethelred's hound-"you can't just kill underlings like that, this IS the 9th century!" ROTFL.

Best line of the series!

[Triskan]

Okay... so I just watched episode 9 and I kinda needed a place to go...

Wish we had episode topics, at least for the last three, as I dont wanna venture this thread too long until I've watched 10.

But... man... that ending. :( 

[Razzberry]

Wait, it's out already?  Yesssssss!  I need to get caught up!   Agree about needing separate episode threads, difficult to discuss without them.

[Captanne]

This is a beautifully done show -- I think it rivals Vikings and, right now, is better.  The performances are strong, the locations and sets are incredible, the filming is neat, and the actor playing Alfred is knocking it out of the park.  I'm glad to see Uhtred's actor has improved -- he was always "good enough" but now I find his performance compelling.  (Not sure about the accent in places but really don't care.)

 

ETA:  The score is also very good.

Edited December 6, 2018 by Captanne

[Bizabra]

In real life, Aethelwold was a scourge to Edward and Aethelfled for years and years.  Sad they diverged from that. 

[Captanne]

I think these are taken from books by Cornwell (sp?) -- do you know if the author diverged?  If so, perhaps they are being true to the novels.  If not, then yeah, the divergence is on the show.

[snowwhyte]

I tend to feel that with everything that Aethelwold has done on the show and how much he is hated by pretty much all parties if he is able to continually avoid being killed it becomes unrealistic. I thought it was stretching it slightly that Alfred didn't have him executed for treason. Leaving him alive while he remains a threat to the kingdom goes against Alfred's mostly pragmatic nature. Although, I guess we have seen that if anything makes him act more emotionally it is his family. I'm thinking particularly of his reaction to Aethelfled's kidnapping last season.

[iMonrey]

I also think it's a bad idea to let a "villain" keep running around loose causing problems for too long. After awhile it's just tedious and ridiculous. Aethelwold managed to survive three seasons somehow, and I think that's the limit. They've managed to dispatch the "big bad" within the same season they were introduced in most cases and I think that's best. As it is, the story is becoming a bit redundant because they no sooner kill off one big bad than another one comes along to take his place.

[Razzberry]

I'd love to see Guthrum again, but supposedly he's no longer a threat and confines himself to East Anglia as 'Athelstan'.  I doubt his conversion was genuine.

David Dawson is just magnetic, as always.  He's really badass despite being sickly.

[Captanne]

Finished Series Three last night. In my opinion, this is the best period drama no one is talking about.  I don't know the novels but this series has got everything for everyone (swords, mud, armor, battles, accents, soap opera, intrigue .... blessedly, no dragons or manifestations of the supernatural that aren't a wink and a nod.)

Well done, show.

Edited December 10, 2018 by Captanne

[PeterPirate]

I very much enjoyed season three.  I feel I can watch seasons 1 and 3 and skip over season 2, which I found too soapy and also not based on historical events.  Yes, they stretch the timelines a lot in season 3, but at least we know that the real Aethelwold outlived Alfred and died fighting with Danes.  

[Captanne]

Honestly, I ran over to Wikipedia to read up on Uhtred of Babbenburg and I was very nervous about the outcome of this season.  (Given that I don't know if it's been picked up for another and I haven't read the books so I don't know how long Uhtred is with us.)

[Razzberry]

I like the show much more than Vikings,  maybe because it's more historically accurate and less stylized.   I was dismayed to see Uhtred's hairdo imitating their's, and fear the facial tattoos could get out of hand, but it's very well written, acted, and looks more authentic.  Dawson deserves an Emmy.

[Captanne]

I'm not concerned about the man bun although I did find it distracting as in -- why?  We never see it down and assume it's up so it doesn't get in his manly way while he's being manly.  But, when he gets misty-eyed, can't he literally let his hair down?  That's the distraction.  Otherwise, no concern.  LOL

[buttercupia]

Uhtred's season 1 hair was the best Uhtred hair, and that's that.  :)

[Tyro49]

Just finished season 3 - do we now really have to wait a year for season 4?

[jackjill89]

I really enjoyed this season... the back half more than the first half. I liked all the maneuvering regarding the king. I thought they put too much emphasis on Skade. She was a bore. Honestly, she looked so grubby to me, she must have really cast a spell to ensnare all those men. 

[Captanne]

I also found Skade took up way too much time and attention -- but the interesting thing for me is that the actor who plays Uhtred was really invested in the curse and, therefore, sold it to me.  Every time I thought, "Oh God, not her again" I remembered that she was driving every thing he did.  Which made his vengeance actually satisfying for me as a viewer.  (I'm not big on vengeance and usually find it repulsive.)  I credit the writing, but really the actor.  I never lost sight of the fact that, while Skade may be a difficult character to give to a modern audience, she mattered to Uhtred.  And Uhtred never let us forget it.

 

ETA:  He was vastly helped by the fact that his soulmate was in on the obsession with the curse.  Gida (and her performer) carried a lot of the burden of making Skade's threat credible.

Edited December 18, 2018 by Captanne

[benteen]

On ‎12‎/‎6‎/‎2018 at 8:14 PM, snowwhyte said:

I tend to feel that with everything that Aethelwold has done on the show and how much he is hated by pretty much all parties if he is able to continually avoid being killed it becomes unrealistic. I thought it was stretching it slightly that Alfred didn't have him executed for treason. Leaving him alive while he remains a threat to the kingdom goes against Alfred's mostly pragmatic nature. Although, I guess we have seen that if anything makes him act more emotionally it is his family. I'm thinking particularly of his reaction to Aethelfled's kidnapping last season.

Agreed.  Alfred chose the worst possible solution here.  You keep him alive and active and only make him more determined to take the crown by taking his eye.  This is where Alfred really could have needed a Night's Watch.