Based on the first book in Bernard Cornwell's series, The Saxon Tales, BBC America's "The Last Kingdom" follows the adventures of Uhtred, son of Uhtred, born Saxon but raised by their enemy, the Danes, when his father is killed in battle. This dual identity becomes the show's central conflict, as throughout its eight episode first season Uhtred finds himself caught in the middle of their dispute over who will gain control of 'the last kingdom' of Wessex. England's future as a united country depends on the outcome of these fights yet with friends on both sides (his Danish 'brother from another mother,' Ragnar, and feisty soul mate, Brida; the Saxon preacher, Father Beocca, he's known since childhood and new pal, Leofric) Uhtred's loyalties remain forever torn between the two groups. How he manages to balance these opposing commitments, without denying any part of who he is--as a combined product of both perspectives--makes for great television drama and is how the show is able to succeed where other attempts at Dark Ages set series have failed.

That an interest in developing a series set in the Dark Ages exists among TV execs is clear from recent efforts to do so across cable networks. Yet between the oversaturated colors on FX's "The Bastard Executioner," and the CGI weather in the first battle scene of History's "Vikings," I could never get past their chosen visual styles to discern a strong story underneath. The whole idea of escapism is not to be encumbered by an awareness of the mechanics that went into filming. Rather, the goal is to become immersed--transported back---into these fictional worlds. And while I can't speak for historical accuracy on any of these programs, "The Last Kingdom" at least feels real, with its epic-scale shield battles one moment and frank discussions of religion the next (Uhtred's paganism is a constant sore point among the Saxons). Complex characters exist equally on both sides--sickly but underestimated intellectual, King Alfred, is just as compelling to watch as the terrifyingly unpredictable Danish warrior, Ubba. And with much more great source material to pull from in the episodes ahead (the ninth book in the series was released this past Oct.) and a promising set-up for season two with the finale's closing scene, I think it's safe to say we can only expect more great things when the series returns in 2017 (filming for season two starts next year).

P.S. Bonus points for introducing this catchy curse word to the world:

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