Unleashing the Epic Finale of The Last Kingdom

The Last Kingdom, a televised adaptation of Bernard Cornwell's The Saxon Stories, premiered on BBC in 2015 before moving to Netflix. The series follows Uhtred of Bebbanburg (Alexander Dreymon), who is taken from his Northumbrian home, enslaved by Danes, and eventually adopted by them. His journey to avenge the Danes who raised him and reclaim his birthright as Lord of Bebbanburg explores the possibility of peaceful coexistence between Saxon and Dane. The series ran for five seasons, concluding in 2022, and was followed by The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die, released a year later.

However, unlike the successful and acclaimed final season of The Last Kingdom, Seven Kings Must Die did not receive the same praise from critics and fans. While the original series ended with Uhtred triumphantly recapturing Bebbanburg, Seven Kings Must Die picks up in the future with a new generation taking on leadership roles. Despite its impressive battle scenes, intricate political alliances, and complex characters that explore modern themes, the film fails to add substantially to the original series' conclusion due to its rushed pace and missing characters.

As a follow-up to a beloved series, Seven Kings Must Die joins the ranks of television shows that have spawned film sequels, some of which continue the narrative, while others revive the story world. While it can stand alone as engaging entertainment, it ultimately falls short as a product of The Last Kingdom franchise.

In the year 2022, The Last Kingdom came to a close as Uhtred finally achieved his goal of reclaiming Bebbanburg. In his efforts to unite the Saxons and Danes, he offered Northumbria as a safe haven for both. However, Uhtred refused to allow Edward to be recognized as their overlord, knowing the trouble he had caused. Instead, he promised to eventually acknowledge a king capable of uniting England without such issues. This marked the end of Uhtred's journey, as he was surrounded by his children and the allies he had made along the way. It was a fitting conclusion that honored his Saxon and Danish heritage, fulfilling all the promises he had made throughout the series. For Uhtred, his family, and his friends, The Last Kingdom provided the perfect ending that supported the destiny the series had bestowed upon him from the very start.

Seven Kings Must Die continues Uhtred's story but doesn't pick up right where The Last Kingdom left off. It revolves around his promise to bring King Edward's eldest son Athelstan to the throne, with the help of his trusted friends Finan, Sihtric, Father Pyrlig, and Aldhelm. The film features several familiar faces, including the aforementioned characters played by Mark Rowley, Arnas Fedaravicius, Cavan Clerkin, and James Northcote respectively.

The Last Kingdom's finale sees Uhtred committing Northumbria to Athelstan, asking him to promise never to marry or have children, and to name his younger brother Edmund as his next heir. Afterward, Uhtred experiences a vision induced by Valhalla, featuring several fallen characters, such as Brida, Ragnar, Haesten, and others. With Edward's death marking the beginning of Seven Kings Must Die, the prophecy states that seven kings must fall before England can unite. The final battle claims the lives of five uncrowned kings, bringing the total to six. Uhtred's death would fulfill the prophecy, and his Valhalla vision implies that his story will have a somber conclusion, upsetting the hopeful end to the TV series.

Has The Last Kingdom's Reputation Been Damaged?

Modeled after Cornwell's novels, The Last Kingdom remains true to the text and the historical events that inspired it. The series finale provided a satisfying conclusion that left viewers feeling optimistic about Uhtred's future. However, Seven Kings Must Die fails to capture the same pace and spirit as its predecessor. The film struggles to offer insight into the time gap between the series and the movie, along with the current tensions that drive the narrative. The absence of pivotal characters such as Uhtred's eldest son and daughter, Lady Ælfwynn and Lady Æelswith, makes Seven Kings Must Die feel incomplete. The exclusion of these characters and the lack of acknowledgment toward their importance in Uhtred and Athelstan's development in The Last Kingdom lineage is disappointing. Ultimately, Seven Kings Must Die adds little to the series and fails to live up to its predecessor's legacy.

The Last Kingdom and The Last Kingdom: Seven Kings Must Die are now streaming on Netflix.