It appears that on the Isle of Man, the location on Netflix goes a bit funny and there's only 1 season of this on Netflix...
use a free vpn
Yeah I'm thinking I'll try that but I spoke to a guy at Netflix who said it should all be there. Told me it might be my internet speed (??) but I'm not sure. Accidentally quit the conversation as he told me to run a cable to my PlayStation. I'll give it a try but there are other changes that don't make sense.
Also not sure how to run a VPN on PlayStation. Could download Hotspot Shield on Chrome on the laptop or something but not sure about the PS4.
A Haunting Poem
I Scream
You Scream
We all Scream
For I Scream.
I'm not sure what the problem is but it's not grabbing me this series. The plots seem recycled/too predictable, Uhtred & Co don't have the same vibe at all (why are Finan and Sitric never speaking to each other any more? Their banter used to be brilliant) - it makes me suspect a change in writing team but I can't find anything definitive about that.
I decided the run up to this was a good excuse for a full re-watch. Just started series 4.
Somehow, I'd forgotten just how strong this show was. What a blinder of a first series in particular. Even had Mr Not a Blacksmith watching most of it with me and he's been really enjoying it, if finding it all a bit intense.
Things I had forgotten made me well up/cry like a baby:
Spoiler
1. Iseult's reaction after saving Edward because she knows another child has died. Then Uhtred finding out his son is dead.
2. When Hild helps Uhtred after they rescue him from slavers.
3. The first scene where Beocca asks Thyra to let him help her. Ian Hart is such a wonderful actor, and the gentleness with which he approaches her is so touching.
4. (Crying like an absolute baby) When the camp is attacked and Aethelflaed taken, and Beocca thinks Thyra is dead. Honestly, from the moment he's calling her name and begging, to their reunion is just the most gut-wrenching bit of acting. Have I mentioned Ian Hart is wonderful?
5. The voice over from Uhtred as Odda kills himself in the prison cell about what would make a man die for his country - "It can only be love". Simon Kunz did a wonderful job with Odda.
6. When Brida tells Uhtred that Ragnar is dead. The delivery of the line "he sleeps in the cold of Niefleheim because of you" is like a bolt through the heart. Emily Cox, what an actress.
7. The last time Alfred rides out, when you see every bit of what holding up his sword costs him. The way the cast silently play the knowledge that he won't live much longer is also very moving.
8. The final conversation between Alfred and Uhtred is some of the best writing and acting I've seen on television. They did a great job of bringing the series to a close, but I think it would be fair to say the loss of David Dawson as Alfred was very much felt. How this series was never nominated for any awards for the acting really is a travesty.
9. Alfred's death. You know its coming the entire series, and somehow it's still so, so sad when it arrives. The way he quietly goes as he's holding out a hand to his wife.... damn it, this beautiful show.
10. Uhtred's speech in the square at the end. Him seeing Leofric for the last time in the crowd. "But it was never less than an honour to serve him....". Cried buckets, don't care.
Conversely, things that made me punch the air/laugh myself silly.
Spoiler
1. "They're Danes. REAL DANES!" - we've been saying this to each other ever since and cackling like idiots. Aethelwold was the most revolting character but Harry McEntire was a treasure.
2. "My lord, you had one job." Iseult subtlety scolding Alfred for burning the cakes.
3. When the men of Wessex start appearing out of the trees, and Alfred's speech before the Battle of Ethandun. My friend and I get far too much use out of the gif of Alfred yelling "No mercy!"
4. "Shall I hit him, Lord" - ah, bless Finan.
5. "Brida my angel, it appears you've swallowed a wasp." BEOCCA I WAS NOT PREPARED FOR THIS LEVEL OF SASS YOU BLOODY LEGEND.
6. "We will show the bastard heathen how a warrior should be!" - Warrior Princess Aethelflaed is best Aethelflaed. Millie Brady does such a great job.
7. (Absolutely howling) The stand off between Uhtred's gang and Steappa when he's attacked Alfred at the beginning of series 3. Highlights:
"Uhtred, do not make me step on your Irishman!" - Steappa having none of Finan's bullshit.
After letting Hild in after she tells them off for being children
"So the Abbess may enter but I may not?"
"We're afraid of the Abbess."
8. Beocca doing the old "I'm calm now" before nutting the guy who ends up chasing Thyra for a second time.
9. When Alfred decides on that last ride out that Edward needs a sharp lesson in how he's nowhere near being a king yet by holding off entering the fray to rescue Uhtred. "You can bleat or you can make a decision. What will you do, boy?". I miss Alfred so much.
10. Aethelflaed spending the third series onwards having zero fucks to give about her husband and what he thinks. Go on, lass!
Seven Kings Must Die is really just a happy bonus at this point - what an absolute gem The Last Kingdom is as a series. I can only hope for casting, writing and acting half so good for The Winter King adaption.
This post has been edited by TheRetiredBridgeburner: 05 April 2023 - 12:14 PM
That reminds me, I might have to get Netflix back in order to watch Seven Kings Must Die...
One point I noticed in my latest rewatch of this show is that actually, Eliza Butterworth, who plays Aelswith, is a fantastic actor and she really makes that character come alive. Like, she's just so brilliantly venomous and in later seasons is conniving along with the best of them.
A Haunting Poem
I Scream
You Scream
We all Scream
For I Scream.
That reminds me, I might have to get Netflix back in order to watch Seven Kings Must Die...
One point I noticed in my latest rewatch of this show is that actually, Eliza Butterworth, who plays Aelswith, is a fantastic actor and she really makes that character come alive. Like, she's just so brilliantly venomous and in later seasons is conniving along with the best of them.
Si HATES her so much at the moment and I don't think he believes me about how good a job they do of rehabilitating her just enough in series four and five. You're right though, she's a brilliant actress. Honestly, was anyone in this cast not great?