The Last Kingdom

 

The Last Kingdom

By Bernard Cornwell

 

 I was really hoping that I could hold off from watching the show until after I had finished reading the books, but I caved in between book 13 and book 14. I was a little nervous - would the show follow the book, or would it change the plot, and therefore change the characters?

Of course, there is always a discrepancy between the book and the television adaptation, but I was actually pleasantly surprised by the television show. I thought Alexander Dreymon was the perfect Uhtred, and he really did the characters justice. Likewise, I thought the historical setting was very convincing.

I will always prefer the books because that is where I discovered Uhtred, but I am really glad it was adapted to television because I thought Cornwell really deserved it. His writing is incredible and has brought so much pleasure to so many people. 

Like with Vikings, you do need to stick with the first couple of episodes, but in some sense, and I cannot believe I am even saying it, The Last Kingdom works so well as a television show that it could topple Vikings from the pedestal I have placed it upon. Ragnar Lothbrok does not hold a candle to Uhtred!

Vikings - why did you have to end?

 

Only Floki could make me laugh and cry at the same time.

If you have not watched Vikings yet, firstly, where on earth have you been? But secondly, keep with it. The first couple of episodes are a bit hit and miss, but it really does take off.

But now this great show, which first appeared on our television screens in 2013, has finally come to its devastating end. I admit, I put off watching it, just the same way one puts off reading the final book in a series. All things have to end, it does not mean you want them too.

I feel a sense of what I can only call grief that Vikings has finally come to an end - I know that sounds silly, but I really feel bereft. I know the critics have and will continue to say this was inaccurate and that was wrong, but forget the critics, for this has been one of the most entertaining shows that I have ever watched. 

The casting was brilliant. The story was unforgettable. And the ending, well, perhaps I was hoping for them all to meet up in Valhalla, but actually, the one they went with was so much more touching.

Floki has always been one of my favourite characters, but in this final series, there was something about Ivar that really got under my skin. No one could have portrayed him the way Alex Høgh Andersen did.

 

So what now? Where do we go from here? If this were a book, then we would close it, put it back upon the shelf and think of it fondly, retuning maybe, one day, to read it all over again, and to once again ride with Ragnar, and fight alongside Lagertha. But it isn't a book. But I will cherish the memory of it, forever.

Skål.