The Last Kingdom Starts Tomorrow!

[Moanranger]

I loved the first season, so really looking forward to this, especially seeing Uhtred again -v swashbuckling. I never watched GoT so I have nothing to compare it to. (GoT fans seem not to like this so much.) I do like it's historical basis.

He treated Odda terribly though. They would have been destroyed and Aethelflaed killed if it hadnt been for him. Yet he couldn't just let it go. I might have to read up some real history to find out what happens to Alfred in real life 😊

Yes I'm more interested too - he had to punish the disloyalty as the strategy was up to him. That's his inflexibility - it's not ok because he makes the decisions and his was to pay them off.

Still very sad about Erik this morning!! Why couldnt they have gone ahead, got the ransome and then Erik could have spirited Aethefled away from her vile husband subsequently for a blissful life of snogging under the moon and making little Vikings?

I am all for raising the MN fyrd and sending our longships up the Thames!! There MUST be a series 3, as a pp pointed out - the Beeb are trying to make Versailles happen and it's Just Not Working. They already have a little gem on their hands - why don't they go with it? Gah!!

Fuck! They killed Eric! I am pissed now!

I am re-watching Episode 7.
I am still distraught over Erik. Seriously.
I am surprised and embarrassed by my silliness.

I have just contacted the BBC to ask for series 3

ssl.bbc.co.uk/faqs/forms/?auto=1&eid=&id=IU7794VB4MIDN79RO4QRRG8OHC&mid=&uid=478343278

Ah Oblomov it would never have worked between them, they were from opposite sides of the tracks.

Her, a real historical character

Him, a superb work of fiction

Destiny is all.

Because I'm clearly sad, I googled Aethelflaed the real one. Ethelred died quite early and she ruled Mercia apparently very successfully. Weirdly makes me feel a little better about her and her Viking baby

so they do need to find a way to bump off the husband, so that she can rule Mercia and get back in line with the broad historical narrative!

There's no evidence that the Real Ethelred was abusive though - Bernard Cornwell has apparently apologised to him for the way he is represented in the books and TV series

Also, they were together for at least 20 years before he died and she ruled Mercia in her own right.

That just makes it worse Bore.
She and Erik were perfect together.

raisedbyguineapigs

I actually started reading the Wikipedia page for King Alfred last night

I vaguely knew about him, and about his cakes. Before TLK But needed to know More!

It's only Wikipedia, Then I shall buy the rest of the TLK books.

Bore I have followed your excellent example and have contacted the Beeb to beg for another series also. Fingers crossed!

OMG, I didn't realise last nights episode was the finale.
What will I do on Thursday nights now?
I have read the whole series of books, they are fab!

Welcome to the Fyrd!

bumbling I'm nearly at the end of Book 1 and have the next six on the shelf waiting for me

I've enjoyed series 2 more than series one. I really enjoyed the domestic details. Watching Utred come home to his hall, weary, tired, to see him wash and lumber off to bed for a rest..it could have been my own step dad home after a long day on the job-site. It looked so familiar and real.

I liked they way they showed details of Utred and Gisela's relationship, frolicking in the river, fishing, chatting, passing back and forth the infants. By setting up an example of a good and loving marriage and all the joy and comfort it can bring, it really made Aethlfled's awful husband all the more terrible in juxtaposition. It made hope with Erik for love and kindness all the sweeter and more precious. And it made the last episode all the more frustrating. I really wanted Ethelred to die in the last battle...he almost did and then Uttered saved him!

Interesting making of doc. Series one so sadly no Erik!

The most interesting thing about Versailles is that historical doc they do after it. I gave up on the actual programme but quite liked that. They should do one for the Last Kingdom. I'd definitely watch that!

Have lurked on this thread - I have loved this series too - Never been so invested in a programme and its characters. Just fab. Have also written to the bbc asking for another series.

Just seen on Twitter!

I agree about the historical bit on Versailles river

I found some 'Aethelflaed/Erik fanfiction'.
It may not be everyone's cup of tea, if you don't like that kind of thing. But I thought it was quite tame, obviously a bit sexual, but utterly beautifully written and explained their love EXACTLY how I imagined it.

Only click on link, if you are sure:

https://archiveofourown.org/works/10820988?view_adult=true

What a great finale. Really dislike Alfred now, and I was quite fond of him back in series one.

I'd love my own Erik, he was so adorable in that last episode. I have developed a deep love of vikings though.