Last Kingdom Season 3 (DVD) [2018]

Having just finished binge watching Series 3 on Netflix(well I say binge watch- It took us a week which is not bad for a middle aged couple with a life) the Last Kingdom has really raised it's game. Episode 1 was the television equivalent of a punch in the face- the homicidal Skade(the wonderfully named Thea Sofie Loch Naess) kicked proceedings off with a Hannibal Lector worthy dispatching of a religious order and mayhem ensued for the rest of the episode and beyond. Some might argue that the veritable kitchen sink was thrown at this series and if so it worked. Everything that was good through series 1 and 2 seemed somewhat reduced by this series.The sheer intensity of the piece was breathtaking at times(it cannot be a coincidence that free of the Beeb's input Netflix has upped the ante).Literally everything seemed more cogent and coherent. Political in fighting was given greater depth, religious beliefs and rituals seemed more pertinent and divisive and the sheer earthiness of the times with the never ending undercurrent of familial and tribal violence never more than a hairs breadth away.As to the performances Ian Hart finally found his stride as Father Beocca and was superb,Alexander Dreymon was equally wonderful as Uthred(some of the dialogue for these two particular characters was very nicely shaded) but ultimately David Dawson stole the show as King Alfred a outstanding performance of such sensitivity and intelligence that it enabled the myriad other characters (his son in law Aethelred and pretender to the crown Aethelwold to name but to) to weave their plots around him without you feeling that he would succumb to their machinations.TV programme of the Year.

This is the 3rd exciting series of a wonderfully acted and produced Saxon/ Dane period of English history.We totally loved and admired Uhtred and all his family, friends and traumatic life.However.Finding that this series,taken over by Netflix, has lost a bit;-......the measured pace (which made the acute eruptions of violence all the more telling). And lost giving the personalities time to develope fully. Even the colours don't seem so deep and rich. And you wouldn't catch a woman going off to watch a battle wthout at least a cloak and hood on her! Somehow it all seems a bit rushed, as though they are trying to get max effects in as quick as possible. Also the music is generally not so apprpriate. And worse of all .....gorgeous Uhtreds' hairstyle!!!!!! It doesn't suit him and not what you would have if you were sort of half Dane half Saxon.Anyway it's better than no Last Kingdom at all.

Pre-ordered the item and it was delivered exactly on the day of release. The production value of this series is like a big budget movie. Filmed in Hungary and every town and village built as proper buildings and not film sets makes a huge difference to the atmosphere and the acting is so good too. It's a pity these tv series don't get on the Oscars, this would win hands down and it's better than Vikings as it's historically more accurate.

Here the late ninth century is again evocatively recreated with its mud, blood, and buildings made of wood (they so easily set on fire, as many will be). King Alfred still has his great vision of Saxons united, his Wessex paving the way. All though is changing - his health failing, many considering his son Edward not ready to rule. Danes and other formidable enemies are ready to swoop - prospects of power and rich pickings impossible to resist. Warrior Uhtred, key to past successes, has never been more needed. Instead the King, straitjacketed by piety, has declared him an outlaw. Although born in Northumbria, Uhtred was brought up by Danes. Which way will he turn now? One thing for sure, he holds the country's destiny in his hands.Ten episodes full of spectacle, intrigue, changing alliances and some very real surprises. Excellent scripts. Superb production values (no holding back on those three ferocious battles). Alexander Dreymon convinces as Uhtred - fearless when doing what he believes right, but here troubled by other concerns, not least fears he has been cursed by a sorceress. Skade is that sorceress, totally ruthless and seemingly able to bewitch even the most powerful of those she targets.So many characters make their presence felt - amongst them Ian Hart as Father Beocca (ever the voice of reason but handy with a sword) and Harry McEntire as Alfred's highly duplicitous nephew Aethelwold, determined the throne will be his. Truly outstanding is David Dawson as the dying King, a most moving portrayal. His hopes had been high but now near collapse. Too late he realizes his great dream for the country requires not only those who worship his God but worthy allies who follow other beliefs.Here are mInds in turmoil, outcome only to be decided by fighting on an epic scale.. Thousands will perish before the outcome is clear. Hail here a gripping series which magnificently achieves all it set out to do.

I (and my sister) thoroughly enjoyed the first two series of Last Kingdom, following the fortunes of Uhtred. It first came to our attention when it was shown by the BBC. We both waited, in anticipation, of the next series. As soon as this series appeared on Netflicks, I watched it, happy not to have to wait another week for each episode - but my sister, not having Netflicks, was gutted that season 3 would not be televised, as had the first two seasons. The DVD was sent as part of her birthday gift, and she was thrilled (although still disgusted with the BBC for leaving fans in limbo). The series was great - but if you've not seen the first two series, perhaps invest in the three series DVD.

..... the beginning is particularly gruesome - suggest anyone with a delicate disposition or who doesn't enjoy seeing people or animals butchered, fast forward until it calms down.

I’m really in love with this series. What’s not to like? There’s wars, some history, beautiful women, handsome warrior like men. The makers seem to have got the period just right. The cast are wonderful. Can hardly wait for the next season. Highly recommended..