The Last Kingdom

What's particularly disappointing is that the creators obviously had a bigger budget to work with, but oddly enough, this seemed to harm the quality of the writing. There were moments where I genuinely felt sorry for how clumsily certain plot twists were resolved. / Lesson learned: Money can't buy talent. (29/04/2024)

The creators picked up right where they left off in the lackluster ending of the previous season with more dull plot and weird stuff. A black actor as a Christian priest in 9th - 10th century England? That's a head-scratcher. How did this mysterious character find his way into the clergy during those times? It's a stretch, to say the least. And while I appreciate bold storytelling, this seems like a misstep. I'm a bit worried this season might turn into a mess. On the bright side, the nods to bird flu and Saruman's Uruks were interesting touches. / Lesson learned: I know that you shouldn't bite the hand that feeds you but can someone tell Netflix to finally get their heads out of their asses? Sorry for the bluntness, but I used to love this series. (07/04/2024)

The second episode improved on many fronts compared to the previous one. On the other hand, Alfred didn't just leave behind offspring; he left a predisposition to diseases as well, so the creators are wallowing in melodramatic whining over the inevitable. With spring still distant, this theme might linger for a while. I can't shake the thought of how much better the plot used to be when the series was on a tighter budget. / Lesson learned: Money not only corrupts people but sometimes scripts too. 3*+ (08/04/2024)

Finally, some much-needed action fitting for those dark times. You'd think I'd be one satisfied viewer, but that would require the writers to have a basic grasp of tactics (strategic thinking seems too much to ask). I'm left scratching my head about what the Romans were planning to build on the site of fictional York. Modern-day York, perhaps? Judging by the kilometers of stone drains under a single fortified courtyard, it wouldn't surprise me. Plus, there were way too many tearful scenes for my liking, considering the times. (11/04/2024)

The storyline felt noticeably better than in the previous episode. However, I can't help but feel a tinge of nostalgia for the original charm that once defined the series. The departure of a key character was inevitable, yet somewhat drawn-out. Plus, the theological discussion felt unnecessary and detracted from the focus on depicting the dark realities of the Middle Ages, which I hoped to see more of. A pretty average episode. / Lesson learned: God doesn't talk much. (13/04/2024)

What a letdown. This time, the blame lies squarely on the script and direction. I felt like the creators were mocking me. In the midst of an intense battle, suddenly, some sort of Sabbath broke out and everything fell silent, and I witnessed a profoundly melodramatic scene that left me reeling. To add insult to injury, in that split second, not only did the attack abruptly end, but the unruly crowd vanished without a trace. It was a failure on the part of both scriptwriting and direction. (18/04/2024)

Who would've guessed that amidst the somewhat lackluster sixth season, the creators could pull off an episode rivaling the heights of previous seasons? Certainly not me, but here we are. The episode delivered on all fronts - it was packed with atmosphere, tension, and even served up some impactful action. If only they'd trimmed down Brida's aimless wandering, it could have easily earned that missing fifth star. / Lesson learned: Never trust frozen water. 4*+ (21/04/2024)

While I was pleased with the direction of the previous episode, this one fell short of expectations. While I applaud the exploration of politics, the heavy focus on anti-partisan conflict didn't quite resonate with me. Particularly, the confrontation with the first and only York partisan dampened my overall enjoyment. P.S. Anyone who's ever wielded a hammer against a sixty-meter concrete sidewalk knows that certain fight scenes could use a more realistic portrayal. / Lesson learned: Standing your ground may lead to ending up lying in a pool of blood and your own entrails. (22/04/2024)

This episode was a bit of a mixed bag for me. Don't get me wrong, I did have a good time watching it, but the essence of the earlier seasons has somehow gone missing. Yet, I can't say I was left completely disappointed. That said, I wouldn't mind if the creators steered the plot in some fresh directions. And then, there was that whole "All for one!" finale, which felt a tad too cheesy for my taste. / Lesson learned: When the gods align, things tend to take a turn for the better. (27/04/2024)

Well, color me surprised! After the chaotic mess that was the fifth episode, I didn't hold out much hope for the rest of the season. Even though this episode wasn't packed with action or medieval torture antics, I'm giving it five stars. It delved into conversations instead, with dialogues that sent shivers down my spine at times. I can't decide if I was more shocked or delighted. / Lesson learned: Never underestimate the power of quality camouflage. (28/04/2024)

The finale of this season was a letdown in certain respects. While I appreciated how Uhtred's story came full circle, I couldn't overlook some glaring issues in the lead-up to it. The siege scene, in particular, reminded me of the dynamic duo of Benioff/Weiss, who often employed questionable tactics in the battle scenes in Game of Thrones. In this instance, about fifteen men attacked the gate with a battering ram, while the rest of the army seemed to be waiting around. Plus, the brave king failed to realize he could've sent some men to the woods to tie up some ladders, so they all stood around like workers waiting for the morning bus. The show has definitely seen better days. (29/04/2024)