tbjgolden

Full disclosure - this is a 10/10 because of how important this story is, and that this series does a creditable job of telling it.

There are clearly some simplifications and historical question marks. But lets not overlook the importance of what this series represents, and how well it executes on this promise.

As well known as this story is to Britons, the story is far less known internationally. And even within England, many who learnt it at school have since forgotten how this epic moment in history plays out.

While the series is a fun watch, it is also grounded mostly in historical accuracy for the most part.

The good:

• The acting was exceptional throughout, without exception
• The fight scenes are excellent
• It does get gory occasionally - in line with the nature of the story - and it feels largely realistic
• The characters are so strong - the writer built atop the source material well
• It has somehow avoided getting the Hollywood treatment, thank god
• No horns on Viking helmets
• It doesn't choose a side for you

The bad

• Historical accuracy on the broad strokes was good in general but does get dicey in some areas
• Given that 1066 has never really had a high quality production like this before, and this production does generally aim to follow the history otherwise, it does seem like a really questionable choice to cast many non-white actors. On the bright side, it is at least slightly more reflective of the next generation's demographics, so if it does help non-white English kids engage with it better then it'll be worth it

I'd rate it a 9 if I were being objective, but I've waited my whole life for a quality 1066 epic so please understand my keenness for this to do well.

This is a very fun watch.

Clearly its divisive so worth pointing out why that might be. First, the female lead character plays a millenial and since she provides most of the gags that's gonna turn some folks off. But well, I'm a millenial so works by me.

Secondly, Timothy Spall is a strange casting choice. He's obviously more typically a serious actor and a good one, so to see him in a more light hearted gag dense murder mystery show is odd. People who like him normally might not like this as much. Its got a tone not unlike Ecclestone/early Tennant Doctor Who, so gag filled, charming and unserious but with solid stories. In all, it makes it a perfect thing to watch with the whole family.

There are obvious comparisons to Ludwig, because they both are BBC murder mysteries with absurd premises, but this (arguably to its benefit) doesn't really try and take itself seriously and make an absurd plot viable. It is a touch melodramatic, but thats not exactly un-Welsh! I also find it is actually a better whodunnit than something like Ludwig, because it gives you some time to try and solve it after giving you the details.

I strongly disagree with those that don't find the female lead gags funny. Perhaps its not their sense of humour but its definitely mine. The British and Welsh cultural references (which this show goes hard on) are pretty good.

Lastly, I cant help but feel like Wales needs this show. Rare to see legit Welsh on non S4C and the natural flowing between languages is a rare treat. Not even Welsh, just find the international or even UK representation both shallow and sparse (Gavin and Stacey was a long time ago and don't get me started in those AFC Wrexham guys). Certainly could do far far worse than this!

Looking forward to a second series.