But does it live up to the hype?
Based on the first episode, I would argue that mostly, yes it does.
For those tuning in, you are in for a treat.
Which is a good sign.
Set in the 9th century, the country we know as England does not exist.
Soon only Wessex will stand, the Last Kingdom.
This is the epic sweep of the grand story.
The main beats are there, nothing is changed for changes sake, but the script is very economical.
Character development is quick and to the point, and mostly effective.
That goes for all the cast actually.
They make their scenes count.
Instead, his character is a child through most of it, played by Tom Taylor.
And he is superb.
Amongst a cast featuring Rutger Hauer, Matthew MacFayden, and Ian Hart, this young boy shines.
Does this make some of the action seem small?
Perhaps in scale, but not in stakes.
