The Winter King promises to give an interesting historical perspective to the legend of King Arthur. The first episode is not that impressive yet, but it has potential. The story of King Arthur has been filmed countless times in recent years. After Merlin, Camelot and Cursed, The Winter King from MGM+ and ITV is the latest addition. The Winter King is based on a book series by Bernard Cornwell (who also wrote the books on which The Last Kingdom is based). Unlike most series, this is not a fantasy series and is told more like a historical drama. Does a new version of the legendary king really add anything? Time to find out in this review.
When King Uther (Eddie Marsan, Ray Donovan) loses one of his sons in battle against the Saxons, he blames his other son, the illegitimate Arthur (Iain de Caestecker, Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), and banishes him to France. Without an heir, Uther tries to secure his legacy at all costs. When he finally manages to father another child, the druid Merlin (Nathaniel Martello-White, One Dollar) foresees that this boy could mean the end of England, and brings Arthur back to save the kingdom.
Don't expect magic, but historical drama
Don't expect sorcery, dragons and magical swords. The approach of The Winter King is mainly an attempt to tell a realistic-looking historical story. Merlin is not an all-powerful wizard, but a druid who generates visions with medicinal herbs and natural rituals. In terms of style, The Winter King is more like The Last Kingdom of Vikings. Still, the lack of fantasy elements is not a loss at all. It is refreshing to see the legend of Arthur filmed in this way.
In terms of story, the series still has a lot to get going after the first episode. All characters still need a thorough introduction and that may not always be done in the most original way. Quite a lot happens in the first episode, but because of all the introductions, you don't always get the idea that the pace is very fast. Despite that, the ending mainly makes you curious for more.
Many characters still feel very flat in the first episode
Most of the actors do a pretty decent job, but so far, with a few exceptions, we've seen mostly flat characters. Iain de Caestecker and Nathaniel Martello-White are good actors who both have interesting characters. Stuart Campbell (SAS: Rogue Heroes) also plays a character with a lot of potential to become a strong player. I hope more characters will be explored more in the future.
So is The Winter King really going to shed new light on the legend of King Arthur? For now, I say very cautiously yes. A lot of pieces are still being put in the right place in the first episode, it certainly has the potential to grow into something good. I am very much looking forward to the rest of the season.
