King & Conqueror

If you want to disappoint the history buffs, late Dark ages enthusiasts and spin it all with inappropriate casting then this production has succeeded. This subject has long been sought after as far as a full length epic feature and to treat it with an over abundance of artistic license is flat out disrespectful...particularly given the historical significance of Anglo-Saxon England.

The details, timeline, armor, helmets and a couple of the main characters cast diversely are all so obviously incorrect as to beg the question, "We're any of the producers or historical advisors on set, ever?" The hope lies in the resurrection and resumption in producing the feature length film Godwinson 1066. It showed promise and now certainly has a blue print of how not to proceed.

Sometimes a historical drama gets a few things wrong but is still absorbing and piques one's curiosity about the period. Not here. This is no Wolf Hall. This series is so ahistorical and melodramatic that it's just an insult to viewers. The on and off bromance between Harald and William is farfetched, and every encounter rings false. The known events of this period seem to be distorted or changed outright, when the truth would have been more interesting (see, e.g. Harald's brother Tostig). Then there is the inclusionary casting (the Mercians especially) and the scenes either exaggerating the role of women or voicing frustration with their political status. Of course there is a gay romance. The timeline is absurdly condensed and travel absurdly easy. This version of 1066 is happening in a different dimension. Worst of all is the contrived relationship between the two frenemies, Harald and William.

Why does this show pretend that it's historical? Why not change all the names (they did change at least one) and present it as fully fictional? Actual fiction by Bernard Cornwell or George R. R. Martin has more history in it than this soap opera and is more enjoyable.

Having watched the first episode, I was very distracted with the cast selection. Most of the characters do just not seem to fit. Maybe it will improve as the series progresses, but I will await the TV airings. A shame as it's obvious a lot of work has gone into the series. Good sets and costumes. For me it just doesn't work.

Why oh why would you take an already amazing historical story and completely change it to a work of fiction?? The writers and creators already had the REAL story before them so why change it so the programme becomes historically inaccurate? It renders the programme pointless. It infuriates me that we had the chance to have an incredible show about one of Englands greatest events yet some high up corporate big wig has decided to waste money, time and a chance at retelling this story. No surprise there with the BBC really. I really hope we get a proper retelling of William the Conqueror in the future where the writers, you know, actually just stick to the historical facts.

I wish this had been a reasonably historically accurate show. Sadly, it was not. The factual telling could be as dramatic and better told. Instead loads of people will think they know the history but they know only this. Some great actors. Like the costumes. A missed opportunity in my opinion. Maybe someone else will tell the real story of this place and time.