King & Conqueror

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.

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.

The cast is packed with talent. The cinematography is excellent. The stakes couldn't be higher. In these regards, it's a success as a drama.

The issue is everything else. The script couldn't be more boiler plate. It even has the trope of ending some sentences with "was it not" just to make it sound old timey. This is a cliche that has been used in numerous times in poor historical dramas. The actors are good, but they still have to spit out the lines that they're given and the script isn't as strong as the performances.

Then there is the history. Let's just leave it that despite this being a genuinely exciting time with larger than life characters and a genuine series of epic and exciting events. I have no idea why the writers just decided to make most of it up.

We have Anglo-Saxons wearing tartan, the armour is largely wrong as our most of the architecture. Battle tactics and interactions between key people are nonsense. The question has to be who is this for? If you're a fan of history, get it right. If you can't be bothered to tell the historical story then write a fantasy like the Witcher. This is an example of a project that will keep nobody happy.

I have literally written a book about the complexities of bringing the past to life. If you're interested, it's called- Hollywood and History by Jem Duducu. This is one of these examples where it has a veneer of quality to it but the reality is this is as high fantasy as the movie 300. It's a solid enough drama just don't call it history.

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.