The Last Kingdom is absolutely fantastic, but it is NOT better than Game of Thrones

As a seasoned viewer of historical dramas, I must confess that I have developed a deep affection for both “The Last Kingdom” and “Game of Thrones”. However, if you were to twist my arm and force me to choose, well, I’d have to side with the dragon-filled realm of Westeros.

In a recent article, Unilad expressed an opinion that some fans of the Netflix historical series “The Last Kingdom” consider it superior to HBO’s “Game of Thrones.” While I disagree with this assessment, the comparison may not be as off-base as one might initially assume.

To clarify things immediately: This isn’t an argument that The Last Kingdom isn’t an excellent TV show; instead, it’s a thrilling, swashbuckling adventure through an intriguing era of British history often overlooked and seldom presented in such an engaging manner. I hold The Last Kingdom in high regard, having watched it three times, and I have also read Bernard Cornwell’s Saxon Stories books multiple times. Knowing that the book series has concluded is a definite advantage for readers like myself.

The series “The Last Kingdom” offers plenty of reasons to enjoy it: its main character, Uhtred, is both likable and courageous; supporting characters like Finan, Brida, Beocca, and Hild add depth and intrigue. What’s more, the story draws from actual historical events, providing a unique perspective on Britain’s unification during the 9th and 10th centuries as seen through the lens of fictional character Uhtred.

One reason why “The Last Kingdom” continues to captivate audiences is the outstanding performance of Alexander Dreymon as Uhtred, coupled with the high-quality source material provided by Bernard Cornwell.

In what ways is Game of Thrones better than The Last Kingdom?

Though The Last Kingdom captivates me immensely, its narrative follows a straightforward path. Spanning across several seasons and the movie Seven Kings Must Die, the show primarily focuses on the journey of the Saxons as they band together to resist the encroaching Danes. This is something that the Britons failed to accomplish four centuries prior, when it was the Saxons themselves who were the aggressors.

Each season offered a unique experience, but in essence, they followed a repetitive pattern as Uhtred faced one Danish antagonist after another, with each seeming progressively more menacing than the previous one.

Many might argue that the conclusion of ‘Game of Thrones’ fell short, a fact we can all acknowledge. However, ‘The Last Kingdom’ seemingly matched this by compressing material from two books into a two-hour film, resulting in a confusing timeline for viewers due to its poor explanation.

The Last Kingdom is absolutely fantastic, but it is NOT better than Game of Thrones

Unlike “The Last Kingdom,” which was rather straightforward, “Game of Thrones” was anything but simple. It was packed with unexpected events, mystery, and underhandedness, as well as love and betrayal. Instead of having a single clear protagonist, “Game of Thrones” offered several key characters to admire or despise, depending on who was in focus during each episode. If you’re fond of villains, no other show has ever boasted such incredibly captivating antagonists as “Game of Thrones.”

In a unique manner, Tyrion is equally captivating as Uhtred. It’s hard not to root for Arya, and the same goes for Jon Snow, Sansa Stark, and even Daenerys Targaryen (up until her final moments). The villains in ‘The Last Kingdom’ are outnumbered by those in ‘Game of Thrones’.

In terms of its production, “The Last Kingdom” was comparatively modest. Despite featuring castles and fortresses, these structures were designed to fit the grim historical era, being smaller than their counterparts. Numerous outdoor scenes were filmed in various picturesque spots across the United Kingdom’s countryside.

The epic series “Game of Thrones” was filmed in various locations worldwide, featuring intricate sets and computer-generated imagery. Some viewers might lean towards the simpler productions and less complex narratives found in “The Last Kingdom,” and that’s perfectly fine.

Essentially, “Game of Thrones” offers an abundance of elements that captivate viewers. There are additional scenes meticulously crafted, a multitude of characters both adored and despised, numerous narratives and unexpected turns, and naturally, plenty of dramatic appearances by the series’ famous dragons.

George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” book series, though incomplete, stands unrivaled in the fantasy genre. When he does write, his writing is simply exceptional. This statement doesn’t disparage Cornwell, who is a historical novelist, not a fantasy writer. I have read and owned over 40 books by him, making him one of my favorite authors. What sets Cornwell apart is his dedication to writing consistently, unlike Martin, who has been working on “The Winds of Winter,” the next installment in his saga, for more than a decade.

Wondering how different the finale of “Game of Thrones” might have been if George R.R. Martin had finished the final two books during the nine years the show was airing? I didn’t dislike the last season as intensely as some, but I wasn’t overly impressed by the last few episodes either. They were still superior to the conclusion of “The Last Kingdom” movie.

“The influence of Game of Thrones revolutionized television, paving the way for series like The Last Kingdom. It’s indisputable that both shows are exceptional and captivating. They each feature characters you can root for and detest. Just because Game of Thrones may outshine The Last Kingdom in many aspects doesn’t mean you can’t cherish Uhtred and the entire experience of The Last Kingdom. In fact, you can adore both!”

2024-08-12 17:41

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