The myth of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table has been reimagined countless times over the years. Despite the fact that stories about King Arthur are often somewhat controversial, the character remains beloved and magnetic within the historical fantasy genre.
Over the past two decades, television networks and streaming services have taken bold gambles and adopted diverse narrative perspectives to explore the legend. There’s a little bit of everything, from attempts at historical accuracy to quirky humor and pure fantasy series.
Programs that stand out for their effervescent popularity include Merlin (2008), the BBC’s comic fantasy; Camelot (2011), the lusty tale produced by Starz; Wizards: Tales of Arcadia (2020), Guillermo del Toro’s refreshing animated proposal for Netflix, among others. On the big screen, on the other hand, we have seen such unforgettable epics as Excalibur (1981), King Arthur (2004), King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017) and even the comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975).
With so many versions of the King Arthur story, it might seem that there are no more possible alternatives. But, as we all know, classics never die and MGM+ channel had an ace up its sleeve.
MGM+’s most recent fiction, The Winter King, clearly distinguishes itself from other Arthurian series by not diving headlong into fantastical, supernatural elements or impossible feats. This time, Arthur doesn’t pull Excalibur out of a stone.
The Winter King mixes the legend of King Arthur with some historical facts, such as the invasion of Britain by the Saxons in the 5th century. The show follows the fearless Arthur (Iain De Caestecker – Agents of SHIELD) as he returns to Britain after being banished.
What is the story about?
The 10-episode drama series is an adaptation of The Warlord Chronicles trilogy of books by Bernard Cornwell, the same author of The Saxon Stories. Cornwell is one of the world’s best-selling novelists, with more than 50 books published.
Set in the so-called “Dark Ages”, the historical fiction explores the political situation in Britain in the face of the coming war against the Saxon invaders.
The show’s creators, Kate Brooke and Ed Whitmore, strip the Arthurian legend of its more fanciful elements, and place the characters in a more factual context. Among the issues addressed in this period drama are: human aspirations, the line of succession, political alliances, national sovereignty and the preservation of peace.
The Winter King begins after a fierce battle between the Saxons and the kingdom of Dumnonia. Unfortunately, Prince Mordred, Pendragon’s rightful heir dies on the battlefield.
Arthur’s failure as Mordred’s protector unleashes the implacable fury of King Uther Pendragon and entails grave consequences. Almost immediately, the cruel and temperamental monarch of Dumnonia banishes Arthur, his illegitimate son, after the tragic defeat at White Horse Hill.
Throughout, it is evident that High King Uther Pendragon has a difficult relationship with Arthur. Deep down, he deeply resents the respect and loyalty his “bastard” has inspired among the soldiers of the realm.
Arthur is one of the few who sees what is coming against the Saxons. He knows that “good things will go bad, and bad things will get worse.” However, hatred blinds King Uther and as a result, the defense plans proposed by the illegitimate son are buried in oblivion. The young Arthur has no choice but to make his way in distant lands.
As expected, the hero returns to his homeland years after his banishment. The story begins to come to life as the kingdom faces the consequences of Arthur’s prolonged absence.
Soon, the warrior discovers that Dumnonia hangs by a thread:
Uther’s death has weakened the kingdom’s political position; Britain is divided into several factions, and tribal rivalries are often bloody and deadly; the new heir to the throne, Mordred Pendragon has been betrayed by the ruthless king of Siluria; the Saxons continue to gain ground against a divided and leaderless kingdom.
Last but not least, Merlin and Arthur have important differences regarding the heir to the crown. The gods have warned Merlin of a delicate omen: Uther’s new son “will bring blood and death” to Dumnonia. However, the hero is unwilling to lose another half-brother under his tutelage and bluntly dismisses the advice of the pagan mystic.
Loyal to Uther, Arthur decides to honor the line of succession that his father would have wished.
The first few episodes of The Winter King struggle a bit to find a balance between period warfare, culture, superstitions, and the more personal journeys of its protagonists. However, this Arthurian drama is gradually putting the pieces in place for an impactful first season.
Now, once Arthur temporarily assumes command of Dumnonia, the protagonist seeks to unify the fractured kingdoms of Britannia in order to contain and overcome the threat of the Saxons. The problem is that the tensions between Christian and pagan tribes are heartbreaking and the resentment between one and the other makes any progress difficult. You can imagine that all the characters are tested like never before.
In Kate Brooke and Ed Whitmore’s adaptation, Arthur is a methodical, strategic and measured man who thinks before he speaks and acts.
Hardened by war, Arthur understands that the inhabitants of the kingdom need a new way of understanding themselves as part of a greater whole. Otherwise, they are doomed against their enemies.
On the adaptation
While some fans of The Warlord Chronicles trilogy – comprised of The Winter King, Enemy of God and Excalibur – feel that MGM+’s adaptation does not fully capture the spirit of the first novel, the show has been warmly received.
The fiction may not fully follow Cornwell’s vision, but this version of the Arthurian legend has been done with commitment. The way in which Arthur Pendragon’s life trajectory is reflected, his evolution “from outcast to legendary leader” is certainly captivating.
The series has no shortage of charms, including a top-notch cast, exquisite scenery, breathtaking landscapes, fierce combat and sweeping conflict. In addition, director Otto Bathurst (Peaky Blinders) offers a bold perspective that keeps audiences on their toes.
The Winter King stars Iain De Caestecker, Nathaniel Martello-White, Ellie James, Stuart Campbell, Valene Kane, Daniel Ings, Simon Merrells, Olumide Olorunfemi and Eddie Marsan.
It is fair to say that De Caestecker leads a stellar cast that does a solid job on screen.
Those who enjoy palace intrigue, political crises, magical realism, brutal violence, medieval romance and personal sacrifice will have a wonderful time with this intense show.