The Last Kingdom: Season 1-5 – Separating the Shield-Worthy from the Sword-Fodder
As someone who loves a good historical drama, I was immediately drawn to The Last Kingdom when it premiered in 2015. Based on the Saxon Stories book series by Bernard Cornwell, the show follows the story of Uhtred, a Saxon-born warrior raised by Vikings and torn between his birthright and his adopted people. With five seasons now available to binge-watch on Netflix, the question on everyone’s mind is: which one is worth watching?
Season 1 of The Last Kingdom sets the stage for the rest of the series, introducing the main characters and the ongoing conflict between the Saxons and the Danes. While it may not be as action-packed as later seasons, it’s still worth watching for character development and historical accuracy. However, the show hits its stride in season 2, which sees Uhtred seeking revenge for the death of his adoptive father and getting more involved in the politics of Wessex.
By the time season 5 rolls around, the show has become a must-watch for fans of historical dramas. With the final season wrapping up the storylines of beloved characters like Uhtred, Brida, and Aethelflaed, it’s a satisfying conclusion to the series. While a few rushed plotlines and graphic scenes may not be for everyone, The Last Kingdom is a worthy addition to any TV show binge list.
The Last Kingdom: Season 1
Ah, the first season of The Last Kingdom. It’s where it all began. As a fan of historical fiction, I was excited to dive into this BBC adaptation of Bernard Cornwell’s Saxon Stories. And let me tell you, I was not disappointed.
The show takes place in 9th-century England when the land was divided between the Saxons and the Danes. Our protagonist, Uhtred, is a Saxon boy taken captive by the Danes and raised as one of their own. As he grows older, he finds himself torn between his loyalty to the Danes and his desire to reclaim his Saxon birthright.
One of the things I love about this show is how it portrays the conflict between the Saxons and the Danes. It’s not just a simple good vs. evil story. Both sides have flaws and strengths, and the show does a great job of exploring those complexities.
And let’s not forget the action-packed scenes. This show is not for the faint of heart. There are battles, sword fights, and plenty of bloodshed. But it’s all done in a way that feels authentic to the period.
I would say that Season 1 of The Last Kingdom is worth watching. It sets up the story and the characters in a way that will keep you hooked for seasons to come. So grab your shield and sword, and get ready to dive into the world of medieval England.
The Last Kingdom: Season 2
Ah, season 2 of The Last Kingdom is where things heat up! If you thought season 1 was action-packed, wait until you get a load of this one!
In season 2, we see our protagonist, Uhtred, continuing to navigate the complex world of the Saxon and Dane conflict in medieval England. As he tries to reclaim his birthright and honor his father’s legacy, he finds himself caught up in a web of political intrigue and betrayal.
One of the things I love about season 2 is how it delves deeper into the historical fiction aspect of the show. As a fan of Bernard Cornwell’s Saxon Stories, I appreciate how the showrunners have stayed faithful to the source material while adding their unique twists and turns.
Of course, no season of The Last Kingdom would be complete without plenty of Viking action. Season 2 delivers on that front, with some truly epic battles and skirmishes leaving you on the edge of your seat.
Overall, I would say that season 2 is worth watching if you’re a fan of the show or historical fiction. It’s a great story continuation and sets the stage for even more conflict and drama in the coming seasons.
The Last Kingdom: Season 3
Ah, season 3 of The Last Kingdom. This season is where things start to heat up. The plot thickens, the conflicts intensify, and the action is more action-packed than ever.
As a fan of historical fiction, I was excited to see how the show would continue to portray the conflict between the Saxons and the Danes in England during the medieval period. And boy, was I not disappointed.
In season 3, we see our protagonist, Uhtred continue to fight for his birthright and the land of his ancestors. But this time, he’s not just fighting against the Danes. He’s also fighting against his people, the Saxons, who view him with suspicion and mistrust.
The season is filled with twists and turns, as Uhtred is caught in a power struggle between King Alfred and his son Edward. Meanwhile, the Danes are launching yet another invasion of England, and Uhtred must navigate the treacherous waters of both sides to protect his people and his land.
As a fan of the Saxon Stories by Bernard Cornwell, I was pleased to see how closely the show followed the source material. The show’s historical accuracy is impressive, and it’s clear that the writers did their research.
I would say that season 3 of The Last Kingdom is worth watching. It’s action-packed, historically accurate, and full of conflict and intrigue. So if you’re a fan of Vikings, medieval history, or good old-fashioned drama, this season is definitely for you.
The Last Kingdom: Season 4
Ah, season 4 of The Last Kingdom. This one was a wild ride, my friends. It had everything you could want in a historical fiction TV show: Saxon-Dane conflict, epic battles, and plenty of drama.
The season picks up where season 3 left off, with our protagonist, Uhtred, still trying to reclaim his birthright of Bebbanburg. But, of course, things are never that simple. He’s also dealing with the aftermath of his decision to side with the Saxons in the ongoing war with the Danes.
One of the standout characters of the season is Brida, Uhtred’s former friend turned enemy. She’s now fighting on the side of the Danes and is a force to be reckoned with. Her storyline adds an exciting layer of complexity to the conflict as she fights for her people and seeks revenge against Uhtred.
As always, the show does a great job of balancing historical accuracy with action-packed entertainment. The battles are intense and well-choreographed, and the attention to detail in the costumes and sets helps transport you to medieval England.
But what sets The Last Kingdom apart is its characters. Uhtred is a flawed protagonist, but you can’t help but root for him as he navigates the complex political landscape of 9th-century England. And the supporting characters are just as compelling, from the cunning Alfred the Great to the fierce shieldmaiden Finan.
I’d say season 4 is worth watching if you’re a show fan. It’s a great story continuation and sets things up nicely for the upcoming season 5. So grab some mead and settle in for some Saxon-Dane drama.
The Last Kingdom: Season 5
Okay, folks, let’s talk about the final season of The Last Kingdom. As a die-hard show fan, I must say that Season 5 did not disappoint. It was an epic conclusion to an already action-packed historical fiction series.
The plot of Season 5 revolves around the continuing conflict between the Saxons and the Danes in medieval England. Our protagonist, Uhtred, still seeks to claim his ancestral birthright but faces many challenges. The season was full of twists and turns, keeping me on the edge of my seat.
What I loved about Season 5 is that it stayed true to the historical accuracy of the Saxon Stories by Bernard Cornwell. The showrunners did an excellent job of bringing the story to life on screen while remaining faithful to the source material. And, of course, the action scenes were as epic as ever.
One of the standout moments of Season 5 was the introduction of a new villain, Sigtryggr. He brought a new level of conflict to the show, and I found myself rooting for Uhtred even more as he faced off against this formidable foe.
Overall, I would say that Season 5 is worth watching. It’s a fitting conclusion to an excellent TV show and will satisfy you. So, grab some popcorn, settle in, and prepare for an action-packed ride through medieval England.
Characters
As I binged through all five seasons of The Last Kingdom, I became increasingly invested in the characters. From the brooding Uhtred to the fiery Brida, each character has a unique personality and backstory that makes them stand out.
Of course, Uhtred is the show’s central figure, and it’s hard not to root for him as he battles his way through the various obstacles that come his way. But it’s the supporting cast that brings the show to life. Bethlehem may be a conniving villain, but he’s also strangely likable. And Aethelflaed, with her intelligence and determination, is a true force to be reckoned with.
One character that surprised me was Sierra. At first, she seemed like just another love interest for Uhtred, but as the show went on, she became so much more than that. Her journey from sheltered princess to fierce warrior was one of the highlights of the series for me.
And then there’s Alfred. I wasn’t sure what to make of him at first. But as the show went on, I respected him more and more. He may be a bit of a stick in the mud, but he’s also a brilliant strategist and a true leader.
Of course, I can’t talk about the characters without mentioning some of the standout performances. Timothy Innes kills it as the young Edward, bringing nuance and complexity to the feeling I wasn’t expecting. And Emily Cox is a total powerhouse as Brida, bringing a fierce intensity to every scene she’s in.
All in all, the characters are what makes The Last Kingdom worth watching. Whether you’re rooting for the heroes or the villains (or both), there’s something here for everyone.
The Last Kingdom: Show Overview
As a fan of historical dramas, I was excited to dive into The Last Kingdom. The show, based on Bernard Cornwell’s Saxon Stories, follows the story of Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a Saxon-born warrior who is raised by Vikings and must navigate the political and social tensions between the Saxons and Danes in 9th-century England.
The Last Kingdom is a thrilling and addictive show that kept me on the edge of my seat throughout all five seasons. The acting, particularly by Alexander Dreymon as Uhtred, is top-notch, and the character development is impressive.
One of the things I appreciated about The Last Kingdom is that it doesn’t shy away from the graphic violence and brutality of war but doesn’t revel in it. The show strikes a good balance between portraying the realities of war and not being gratuitous.
The Last Kingdom also incorporates historical events and figures into the story, and I enjoyed learning about the political and social landscape of 9th-century England. However, as with any historical adaptation, some liberties are taken with the source material.
The show’s final season ties up loose ends nicely, but some fans have criticized it for feeling rushed and not giving certain characters their deserved endings. I was satisfied with the finale and thought that it provided a satisfying conclusion to the story.
I highly recommend The Last Kingdom to fans of historical dramas and anyone looking for a binge-worthy TV show. It’s not entirely on the level of Game of Thrones, but it’s a solid entry in the genre.
Note: This section contains no spoilers for the show.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Last Kingdom worth watching, or should I rewatch The Office again?
As someone who has watched The Last Kingdom and The Office, I can confidently say The Last Kingdom is worth watching. While The Office is a classic comedy, The Last Kingdom offers a gripping storyline set in a Viking era that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Which season of The Last Kingdom has the most shirtless scenes?
This is a question I get asked a lot, and honestly, I’m not sure why. But for those curious, it’s probably a tie between Seasons 1 and 2. But let’s be honest; the show is much more than shirtless scenes.
What’s the deal with Uhtred’s hair in The Last Kingdom?
Uhtred’s hair is a hot topic among fans of the show. Some people love it, some hate it, and some can’t stop talking about it. But regardless of your opinion on his hair, there’s no denying that Uhtred is a badass warrior who knows how to get things done.
Is The Last Kingdom better than Game of Thrones, or am I just trying to start a fight?
Look, I’m not here to start any fights. Both shows have strengths and weaknesses, which come down to personal preference. But if you’re looking for a show with great characters, intense battle scenes, and a historical setting, then The Last Kingdom is worth checking out.
Can I watch The Last Kingdom without feeling guilty about not reading the books?
Absolutely! While the show is based on a book series, you don’t need to read the books to enjoy the show. Of course, if you’re a fan of the books, you’ll appreciate the show even more. But if you’re looking for a great TV series to binge-watch, then The Last Kingdom is a solid choice.
Which character in The Last Kingdom would make the best drinking buddy?
Now, this is a tough one. The Last Kingdom has many great characters, but if I had to choose, I’d say Finan would make the best drinking buddy. He’s funny, loyal, and always up for a good time. He’s a skilled warrior, so you know he can hold his own in a fight.
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