Pleasantly surprised by the first episode *Spoilers* As a fan of Cornwell's Warrior Chronicles/Saxon Stories I've been looking forward to this series for quite some time. Mentally prepared for a major disappointment I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised. If you haven't read the novels the story of Uhtred unfolds fast, perhaps too fast. This first episode covers more than half of the first novel. Although a lot has been omitted, many of the aspects that make the novel such a pleasure to read are there, but (very) subtle. If you have read the novel you have to accept that many events concerning Uhtred of Bebbanburg and his character traits are only touched upon or skipped: his loathing for his father, his fascination for the religion of his forefathers, his contempt (or rather boredom) for Christianity, the stories the blacksmith tells him, Beocca's attempts to teach him to read, his first encounter with an adulterous Alfred (the not so Great yet), his admiration for the Romans, his growing love for Ragnar and Ragnar's family, his arrogance and big mouth, his humor and much more. I would have loved to have been able to watch at least four episodes in which of all of the above is featured but that is not going to happen. Then why did I like it so much? I have to admit I'm a sucker for guys with long hair and pretty faces, but besides that, the episode had enough to off…

This is a great medieval TV show. It got great soundtracks. Great acting, great characters and great story. If you're fan of medieval TV shows especially TV shows like Vikings, you should definitely give this TV show a chance. It's worth it. Just one thing that I see issue about this TV show is the last season where years passed, but characters still look same. Characters that must be at least 50 years old looks like 25 years old. I don't know how or why they made such a mistake, but it's very visible sadly, however in any other aspect this TV show is very good.

If you're wondering if this is like Vikings... It is, but it's better! I'd say there are two minor points against The Last Kingdom: in the 1st season, the camerawork and lighting are at times somewhat amateurish and, from what I recall, compared to Vikings, the fight/battle scenes aren't as well choreographed/edited/filmed. Apart from those points I'd rate The Last Kingdom over Vikings in every way. Even the guest star at the start of season 1 of The Last Kingdom is better than the one at the beginning of Vikings. I mean... Rutger Hauer's just perfect! Gabriel Byrne on the otherhand... why? Just why?

10.0 out of 10. If you've watch other similar Shows on the history of great Countries, Empires and people in history like Rome, Vikings, Britannia, and others you must watch this one. I absolutely love this show, it has a great story, excellent actors, overall slightly better than Vikings, but Rome is still my Favorite. They do kill off some top Characters but as far as History goes, some have to go, but 2 or 3 others I thought they should have kept that they were excellent and should have kept them. For me it just gets better, definitely check it out.