The Last Kingdom
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to The Last Kingdom
The Last Kingdom (2015-2022) is an epic, action-packed historical drama series based on Bernard Cornwell's 'The Saxon Stories'. Set in 9th and 10th century England, it follows Uhtred of Bebbanburg, a Saxon nobleman captured and raised by Vikings, as he navigates the tumultuous conflict between pagan Danes and the Christian Anglo-Saxons, particularly King Alfred the Great. The series is known for its riveting action, compelling characters, and gritty portrayal of the period. It explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the birth of a nation, appealing to viewers who enjoy historical sagas with intense battles and political intrigue.
Things to Consider
Violence
The series contains a high level of graphic violence, consistent with its TV-MA rating. It is described as a 'gritty historical drama' filled with 'riveting action that rivals some of the most talked about battles in Game of Thrones' and depicts a 'cruel and brutal world'. This implies frequent and intense depictions of combat and its consequences.
The Last Kingdom is rated TV-MA for violence. It features numerous battle scenes and intense physical attacks, reflecting the 'cruel and brutal world' of 9th-century England. The action is often compared to 'Game of Thrones' in its intensity, suggesting graphic depictions of injury and death.
Romance and Sexual Content
The series includes explicit sexual content, graphic nudity, and mature romantic themes, leading to its TV-MA rating. This indicates that intimacy is portrayed beyond implied activity, with visuals of nudity and sexual acts.
Profanity
The series features profanity, consistent with its TV-MA rating. While specific examples are not detailed, the rating suggests the use of strong language is more than occasional or mild.
Scary & Intense Content
The series contains high levels of intense content, stemming from its brutal historical setting and graphic violence. The depiction of a 'cruel and brutal world', along with 'riveting action', creates a consistently tense and often disturbing atmosphere, contributing to a high level of intensity.
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Disrespect & Rebellion
Disrespect and rebellion are integral to the narrative of 'The Last Kingdom'. The protagonist, Uhtred, frequently finds himself at odds with and defying authority figures, particularly King Alfred, due to conflicting loyalties, personal codes, and a desire to reclaim his heritage. This forms a core element of the show's drama and character arcs.
Anti-Christian Themes
The series portrays the historical clash between pagan Danish beliefs and Christian Saxon beliefs. While it depicts conflicts and differing worldviews, including Uhtred's pagan perspective, there is no evidence to suggest the show actively promotes 'anti-Christian messages' or explicitly mocks Christian beliefs or symbols. It aims to represent the religious landscape of the period.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The Last Kingdom TV series does not explicitly feature LGBTQ+ characters or plotlines. While a review for the sequel film, 'Seven Kings Must Die', mentions a 'gay character', this refers to the movie and not the television series itself. An academic discussion also notes certain male Saxon characters' costumes as displaying 'transgender fashion sense' due to historical brooch use, but this is an interpretation of costume rather than character identity within the narrative.
Witchcraft & Occult
There is no evidence from the search results to suggest explicit witchcraft or occult practices are a significant part of 'The Last Kingdom's' narrative. The show is rooted in historical conflict between pagan and Christian beliefs, rather than active magic or occult rituals.
Substance Use
The search results did not provide specific details about substance use in 'The Last Kingdom'. Given the historical setting, the casual consumption of alcohol would likely be present, but there is no indication of explicit drug use, glorification of addiction, or central plot points revolving around substance abuse.
The Last Kingdom presents a complex moral landscape, deeply rooted in the historical clash between pagan and Christian worldviews in early England. Core themes revolve around identity, loyalty, destiny, and the formation of a unified Christian kingdom from disparate warring factions. From a Christian perspective, the show offers a nuanced portrayal of faith; King Alfred embodies Christian devotion and wisdom, often struggling to uphold his faith's ideals amidst brutal political realities. However, Christianity is also shown through the lens of human failings, with some religious figures exhibiting hypocrisy or being driven by worldly power rather than spiritual conviction. Character morality is often gray. While virtues like loyalty, courage, and self-sacrifice are present, characters are frequently rewarded for cunning, ruthlessness, and violence, reflecting the harshness of the era. Moral accountability is often tied to earthly consequences rather than divine justice, although some characters, particularly Alfred, grapple with spiritual implications. The worldview presented leans towards a more materialistic and deterministic view, where 'fate is all' (Wyrd bið ful aræd), a pagan concept that Uhtred often invokes. While Alfred champions a transcendent, Christian view of life and divine purpose for his kingdom, Uhtred's journey is more about earthly power, vengeance, and belonging. Redemption themes exist, often through Uhtred's reluctant alliances and his growth in understanding the broader purpose beyond personal gain, aligning with Alfred's vision. However, explicit Christian concepts of grace and forgiveness are less central to Uhtred's personal journey, which is often driven by a pagan sense of honor and retribution. Family values are portrayed through the lens of dynastic struggles and the importance of lineage, but also through complex, often broken, relationships. Authority, both secular and religious, is constantly challenged. Faith, when depicted, is shown as a powerful motivator and a source of both strength and conflict, particularly as pagan and Christian beliefs vie for dominance. While not inherently anti-Christian, the show does not exclusively endorse a Christian worldview, instead presenting the struggles and coexistence of diverse belief systems.
Additional Context
Best For Ages
TV-MA. The series is officially rated TV-MA due to its significant content including violence, nudity, sex, and profanity. This rating suggests it is suitable only for mature audiences, typically 17 years and older, who are accustomed to explicit and intense themes.
Good to Know
The Last Kingdom is a historical drama primarily aimed at adult audiences due to its mature themes and graphic content. Parents should be aware of the TV-MA rating, which signifies strong violence, explicit sexual content, nudity, and profanity throughout the series. The show's portrayal of historical events, including religious conflicts, is central to its narrative.
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