Last Kingdom Season 5 Still Looks VERY Bad

I did it for you. I tried to pretend it looked anything like history. Like any of the clothes or people wearing them looked historical. Like the buildings and settings looked like early medieval England.
I tried.
Want to find out why Netflix/BBC "historical" epic drama The Last Kingdom looks terrible? Of course you do! We love Uhtred and want him to look good, right? We want Aethelflaed and Alfred and Edward to look like Norse and Anglo-Saxon people would! But let's have a look at why they don't, and we won't blame Bernard Cornwell because we love his work, but we'll 100% blame the BBC and Netflix.
glares
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[@Loweene_Ancalimon]

I think a lot of it boils down to condescension towards the people who lived before us, and a negation of their humanity. We view ourselves as morally superior, because we were born after the industrial revolution and certain things are available to us that weren't to them. The fact Æðelflæd (random name) was born in the 9th century and never saw a plane fly doesn't mean she didn't have the same physical and emotional needs as us. She likely found joy in sunshine and wind, had fond memories of childhood playmates, disliked a certain soup. She probably mourned past friendships, was annoyed at that one melody that kept getting stuck in her head, and she hated stubbing her toe. She had a scar on her left hand from learning to cut an apple as a child, and liked petting horses. She fought with her siblings who called her necklace ugly. She hated getting her cuffs wet when washing her hands, and shuddered when that insidious drop trickled down her forearm into her sleeve. She always called her dad out when the clouds turned red in the evening because it was their shared moment, that belonged to them and them only. People were human. They were painfully human. They liked pretty things, disliked being wet and cold, knew how to problem solve and troubleshoot. They had likes and dislikes, were all their own beautiful individual, with a mind of their own and gorgeous stubbornness. They had rich and complex internal lives. . On the scale of human history, a thousand years is nothing. Æðelflæd is just as much your peer as Anna who sits at the front desk of the vaccination centre is. TL;DR : people who lived a thousand years ago were as stupid as we are.

[@sisuguillam5109]

That! So much!

[@thebratqueen]

OMG THIIIIIIIIIIIIS. People forget that those in the past were human, just like us. It's like the tired "Nobody washed in ye olde days" canard. Like yeah they didn't know germ theory but that doesn't mean that they came in from mucking out the horses and thought it'd be yummy to eat food with manure all over the hands! Also people forget that people do the best they can with the knowledge they have at the time, which by extension means that at some point we here in 2022 are going to be the ones looked back on as the primitive savages who people say "Can you believe they were so stupid they believed XYZ?" about some day.

[@gypsydonovan]

Absolutely. Humans are born with a set of emotions. They feel things. Jealousy, fear, joy, anger, love, sadness, excitement, insecurity, hope, loneliness, curiosity. We differ in what's around us, the technology, but we are the same creatures. A lot of apocalyptic series benefit from the fact that people are still people when you strip away all the modern comforts. Some unintentionally come closer than the "historical" shows in depicting medieval life. People are skeptical & wary but curious & in need of other people. All the dumb fights & drama remain without airplanes & iPhones. Humans want to feel validated. Parents want to raise their children in safety & security. We need access to resources and greed frequently leads to conflict rather than sharing. And there have always been advocates for peace & sharing. We haven't changed.

[@beyondallmeasure]

This is a beautiful description of humanity. ❤

[@chrish2277]

I clicked 'read more' and was delighted. Well said.

[@lucie4185]

Swords and teapots should be a new decorating trend.

[@amandaforrester7636]

I support it.

[@gloriaash7511]

100%

[@CollinMcLean]

@twheels Agreed. Unfortunately I only have 1 tea pot and 2 swords but I have plenty of tea cups fortunately. And they all have fun little picture of cats on them!

[@ladyabstinencelevain8696]

I so agree

[@PinkSparklyBatman]

Watching several fashion historians I’ve learned that Hollywood is terrified of -caps/bonnets/scarves/helmets/any head covering -color -light -costumes that fit properly -proper historical undergarments -costumes made from natural fiber materials -proper historical footwear -anything that will make a show look like the actual period in history and not what someone who’s never studied these eras generally thinks of when someone says the time period -

[@TheWelshViking]

Yisssss

[@Kuhmuhnistische_Partei]

They also only know two types of helmets: some variant of those "gladiator" helmets and great "templar" helmets.

[@loraleitourtillottwiehr2473]

Also - anything that might obscure boobs or make women look like independent people not entirely oppressed by patriarchy

[@skylachiaramitaro4006]

@@loraleitourtillottwiehr2473 and yet despite the vein attempts at looking progressive by having the female character(s) remark on how uncomfortable and patriarchal these garments are, they still only use the character(s) for cleavage and „arm candy“

[@aprildriesslein5034]

To be fair, they paid a lot for those actors' faces and they by golly want to get their money's worth. At least I assume that's why no one wears headgear. 😄

[@mnk9073]

Medieval show 101: You get 4 colours and those would be dark brown, dark grey, dark blue and dark green, it's always overcast, about to rain or raining or straight up night, jewellry is either from hot topic or carved from driftwood, you get 90's haircuts, undercuts or dreadlocks nothing else, armor is leather daddy meets 80's metal band, every third sword must be worn on the back and fur rugs for everyone...

[@blueberrytarts2330]

You’re lucky if you even get 4 colors

[@l.m.2404]

Not to mention that the reason that poor people of the time period could not afford to wear clothing made from dark colored fabric as it would have been far too expensive as it was very difficult to produce.

[@nicoleallen3079]

😂😂😂🔥🔥🔥 leather daddy🔥🔥🔥😂😂😂

[@brianfuller757]

Spot on. but I don't think we get even 4 colours. Darkness rules literally. Did someone forget to mention Medieval colours to the costumers? Hair, not sccurate.

[@lauraevans2104]

OMG!!! 🤣 So true!

[@sarahhiggins1515]

I don’t understand why they don’t hire people like you as consultants for the costume departments.

[@TheWelshViking]

We'd spoil their fun and drain their budgets! XD

[@Aurelian_-vu3yz]

George RR Martin complained about the darkness of GOT as well. The entire medieval period was one of bright colors - the Boltons wore pink in the books! I wish just one show would at least make the effort…

[@eazy8579]

Tbh, I really feel like the show was unbelievably overhyped, and it was just another generic fantasy show, just with a stupidly big budget

[@samuelleask1132]

Outlaw King (not a show but a movie) made the effort to have its cast in coloured costumes and I think it paid off well

[@eazy8579]

@@samuelleask1132 it absolutely did

[@NBACoDGaming]

I think the problem doesn't really rely on the showmakers, but the public's warped perception of history. They wouldn't take the risk of being truly historically accurate, because the audience has an idea of what that time was like and might intuitively reject the show's depiction.

[@theperson8539]

@@NBACoDGaming I dunno, I don't think that would necessarily hurt their bottom line in any way, especially because anyone without that preconception that decided to do a bit of research would jump on the 'intellectual' bandwagon immediately.

[@Golybis]

"Is it an orb? Does he ponder it?" I LOST IT

[@eazy8579]

I want a sword with an orb for a pommel so I can ponder it,but it’s just so I can have an orb sword to ponder, not for any historical reasons

[@hemlatabisnauthsing54]

True, but I recall in the story line it was a stone from uthred past and he wanted to remind himself about his family. However, I do agree the costumes are badly made, I mean this time had a lot of colour as you said yourself. So why don't they for once hire someone who knows to check all the design to give them suggestions of how to make it budget friendly if they think it is too expensive without making the actors look terrible. I mean season 1 they did actually ok but afterwards the costumes goes downhill. Still love the show and the books overall storyline.

[@sarah.anneke3201]

"Is it an orb? Does he ponder it?" Aside from the general 'wtf this sword looks terrible', Sword Orb is also bad on a purely practical level. As someone who has tried experimenting with amber carving in the past, I will just say that there is zero chance of Sword Orb surviving through as many battles as it has. Amber is not a stone. It is also relatively brittle, and will decide to shatter while you're working with it if you look at it funny or it decides it doesn't like you. (Maybe other people have had better luck, but there's probably a reason so many of the amber beads we find are broken). A large chunk of amber held in place by a single loop of metal being used as a sword pommel would end up in pieces REALLY fast.

[@nicoleallen3079]

For the Amber, the key is to get real Amber. They sell a lot of crap out there, like “jade”. I’ve never tried carving amber, but I’ve used fine grit sand paper and wood working sanding tools. Then polishing cloths. 100% not worth all the work, though. I thought I’d be bougie and do chess pieces.

[@sarah.anneke3201]

Oh, I was using real amber (it passed the 'rub on denim and sniff it' test anyways, and I had different pieces from multiple sources and checking descriptions to make sure it wasn't copal), and made sure it was single pieces, as opposed to a bunch of small bits molded together. I was trying to make beads and small pendants based off of viking age finds using tools and techniques as far as I could find archaeological evidence for. (It was for a 'historical tools and technology' class at university forever ago). Sanding tools and polishing cloths would work great, and I bet the chess pieces look awesome! But yeah, from my experiments the general conclusion was 'friction/grinding = safe, and applied force = shatter'. That's why Sword Orb would be toast rather quickly.

[@cadileigh9948]

Thanks saved me from writing it

[@SuperFunkmachine]

An amber lobe or three on a lobe pommel would look nice and be far more practical.

[@SciFiFemale]

I think 50s films, like The Court Jester, The Crimson Pirate etc, where they tried to show off colour as much as possible, are more historical accurate than this, even with the pointy bras.

[@brassviking486]

That whole era trying to show off technicolor was spectacular to sit through.

[@TheWelshViking]

So good to see, such a visual feast by comparison!

[@CollinMcLean]

The Witcher was more historically accurate and it was a fantasy game with monster slayers. In the Videogames I look all around at the armor being worn and most of it looks pretty decently designed. Kettle helms, gambeson, halberds, braies and hose.

[@anthonyhayes1267]

The pellet with the poison's in the flagon with the dragon. The vessel with the pestle has the brew that is true.

[@TheGPFilmMaker]

Jimmy's passion for indoor lighting in the Medieval Period is one of my favorite things

[@jthegoat7508]

I loved every bit of The Last Kingdom, but I can see how it could be less enjoyable to people who watch it through a historical lens. I didn't mind the colors. I was honestly too invested in the story to even notice any saturation 😂😂😂

[@helenahsson1697]

My old boss would've complained about the wrong species (or sort) of grass for the time-period. He's retired now but he worked with scientists and seed-companies to develop and test different varieties of grass. Fun fact, we also had an annual test sent to us from Wales, testing how different kinds of grass for golf-courses handled winter.

[@TheWelshViking]

What a fascinating occupation!

[@helenahsson1697]

@@TheWelshViking Haha, maybe for him but I was sorting grass by species in different piles at a table, labeling them, weighing them, drying them, weighing again (to see how much of the weight was water) and compiling the stuff i excell (because I was young enough not to think computers are witchcraft) and then he did all the analysis. I just collected the data. Ok we had loads of other trials too but grass was the main thing.

[@sisuguillam5109]

@@helenahsson1697 my dad would have both loved you for doing that! People fail to understand how important and difficult that job is!

[@helenahsson1697]

@@sisuguillam5109 There's load of ppl doing that actually. There's 5 more facilities (that I know of, could be more) in Sweden alone. It's just that one doesn't really hear about it unless you stumble upon it. Most serious companies making seeds to sell to farmers want them tested by unbiased ppl before it gets to market and they pay someone to do the trial instead of setting everything up from scratch. Same with scientists who wants to try something out 🙂 It's years since I worked there but it's been up and running since early 1800s if I remember correctly and it's still going.

[@sisuguillam5109]

@@helenahsson1697 I know! I once got to tour the place my parents bought the seeds from for their shop. The dedication to get it right and the amount of work it took was impressive. They had a test field full of Chrysantemums... I still think that heaven might look like that if existes. The rows of veggies were not to be sneezed at either. Hope you are having a lovely day!

[@nevem5010]

I've always found that kind of thing slightly painful, because it almost feels like the people responsible are saying that history, the thing that fascinates and moves me, is not "good enough". And it can only be made "good enough" by making it look fundamentally not like itself. I don't take it as personally as I used to, lol, but I definitely find it baffling. Why would the viewing public be turned off by more colours and better lighting? They're not even Tiffany Problems; most people will have seen medieval artwork at some point so would be pre-conditioned to accept them. It's very weird. Anyway, thanks Jimmy. 👍

[@SRondeau]

After 5 minutes of season one, I stopped looking at this as any form of historical drama. I switched my historian's brain off and continued to watch it as a show taking place in a alternate reality or fantasy world very loosely inspired by our history. Once that was done, I appreciated the decor, costumes and the actors. But to me, this was not a show about Norsemen, Vikings, Danes or Anglo-saxons. Just a fictional story with intrigue and action. Sadly, I find that there are not many shows pretending to be historical dramas that actually do historically accurate justice to the Past :(

[@GraemeCampbellMusic]

I did enjoy it but as a Scotsman I’m confused as to why they had all the Scots in blue (I suppose like the Welsh in red), and Constantine had a tartan picnic blanket over his shoulder in the 10th century 🤷‍♂️

[@TheWelshViking]

RIGHT!?

[@Nattfare]

You never know when you need to go on an emergency picnic though. Always a good idea to have a tartan picnic blanket at hand, should the need arise.

[@42Solomon]

For God's sake put them in yellow! We know the Gaels had a preferred colour for war garments, but it was Y E L L O W!

[@CollinMcLean]

Possibly in reference to Pictish war paint? Possibly the flag of Scotland? Either way it's garbage. And I guess the Red for the Welsh... the Red Dragon? I don't know what exactly went on in their heads when they decided on this. Now plaid fabric? Absolutely, the Celts used plaid fabrics as did the Norse. But like actual clan Tartans? No...

[@anthonyhayes1267]

@@42Solomon a shade of yellow that's gorgeous at that

[@vamikos]

From what I've heard from people working on costuming historical shows (like Outlander for example), the costuming department is often understaffed and is almost always expected to not get enough budgeting. Game of Thrones shall forever be the exception, as by the end the costumes (thanks to the talent and the budget) were better at storytelling than the writers.

[@frockups5931]

Yeeeeep. A show having a large budget doesn't mean the budget goes to costumes. It doesn't. LotR and GoT are exceptions, not the norm.

[@verenafuchs2870]

The costumes of the last season were horrible...it no longer looked medival but people were all wearing black leather...

[@historiansrevolt4333]

But, but, if they aren't in a ton of leather how do we know they're more "primative" then us? 🤣 Normally it's the director throwing out the designer's research, bit no book was cracked here...

[@spirit__fox]

Everything looking dark, grey, dark dark, leather is also just boring. Nothing actually looks like itself when they all take from each other so much. Colourful would be distinct, and it would actually make shows stand out. Some of what also gets to me is that the clothes in the show are so much more boring than what actually existed during the time period.

[@origulator]

I really wish people would just admit that theyre making fantasy series when they make shows like this. Would make things a lot more acceptable if you also put some orcs or some shit in there.

[@Dewydidit]

I guess them telling you they are based on Bernard Cornwell's fictional book series wasn't enough for you? Nowhere do they say it's a documentary.

[@origulator]

@@Dewydidit fiction and fantasy are two different things my guy

[@MizzMaree7]

I think Outlander is far more "fantasy/scifi" in ways and it's historical fiction. Also, especially the first two seasons the costuming was amazeballs.

[@Dewydidit]

@@origulator You're joking right? Fantasy IS fiction. Fiction is a broad category of literature that isn't factual. Fantasy is a sub category of TYPES of fiction. Again, if you read any of the prefaces to the book series it will tell you this series is a FICTUALIZED ACCOUNT of historical events. Not ONCE does it suggest it is HISTORICAL or factual. It's like you are damning a boat for not being a plane when it never advertised itself as an airplane.

[@sebe2255]

If you believe the last kingdom is historically accurate then idk what you are doing with your life. That being said the show follows historical events surprisingly well and can be a fun starting point for further reading if you care to do so. It is not marketed as accurate nor is it intended to be accurate

[@chaoscraft7747]

I recently worked on a theatre production with my reenactment group and i had a talk with the makeup artist who basically defended everything that is wrong with modern television and movie costuming. She said that costuming and make up doesn't matter because the audience doesn't know any better. She said it wont look cool enough and getting historical accuracy is way to expensive. I don't know enough about the industry and I don't have the leftover energy to argue. But I know it isnt that hard and expensive to get at least somewhat decent clothing or make up. I dont think the problem is with the audience it's with the industry people.

[@CuchulainAD]

Actors and such thinking they know better than us plebs? I am shocked and appalled. lol 😅 In the past actors were thought of as itinerants and beggars. I think we should hold with tradition on that one.

[@TutosViolet]

I thinks it's both. People need to start demanding better or nothing is going to change.

[@angelikaskoroszyn8495]

A similar argument is used against incorporating various minorities in movie production. It's because "the public is not used to it". Ffs as a result of it you get boring and uninspired art

[@jirup]

As a textile enthusiast, The last Kingdom just makes me sad. With the whole rainbow is available, they went with dirt. And not even rich earth tones, just dirty dirt.

[@lucie4185]

Exactly why would the people who made the Alfred Jewel wear greasy black and muddy brown by choice.

[@johntravers2321]

For obvious reason. To tell a story. Color = mood, Mood = Story.

[@eazy8579]

They had the money to buy nice, rich colored dirt, but no, they went with crappy off brand dirt; never skimp when buying dirt, you end up looking like the people from this show

[@eazy8579]

@@johntravers2321 they tell it poorly because they don’t use color well, so they remove the potential for good mood

[@johntravers2321]

@@eazy8579 If you watched the show, you'd know there's very little "good mood" moments in the entire series. Color just does not fit it.

[@Lunareon]

It is also outright bad character design, when everyone looks the same. Dressing them in different colours is the bare minimum to make them memorable at all.

[@anna_in_aotearoa3166]

This is a damn good point! I'm slightly face-blind and looking at these stills, I could already tell that would be an issue if I watched the show!

[@caerrie]

I love your rant about how dark it is, because this is such a ludicrous thing historical shows and movies do! Everywhere looks like someone in there was convalescing from a debilitating migraine and they were keeping the light out ON PURPOSE. And it's not even just the "Dark Ages" being taken waaaay too literally - The Americans, otherwise one of my favourite shows set in the past, does this to show the difference between the Soviets and the Americans. Every Soviet set looks, despite a bazillion little lamps in every frame, like every and any light bulb available was on its absolute last leg. Aside from how unrealisic this trope is... it's also just plain bad cinematography. I as a viewer actually want to SEE things on screen generally, otherwise I'd be listening to a gd audiobook. I sometimes think they're aware of how bad their sets are, and are just trying to shroud their laziness in semi-darkness.

[@lucie4185]

I get so annoyed with shows that are badly lit. It's not atmospheric it just means we can barely see anything and therefore we will turn it off!

[@Anopano3000]

I get a legitimate headache watching series and films in general nowadays bc WHY IS IT ALWAY SO DARK, EVEN ON SUPPOSEDLY SUNNY DAYS!?!?!?!?!?! My dad has to turn up the brightness of our (admittedly, old) tv to the point where it's all desaturated, which doesn't help with just how desaturated everything is already edited to nowadays!

[@sheepewe4505]

The Americans is also one of my favourite history dramas, but yes, while the US scenes looked great, they did the silly trope of depicting everything to do with the Eastern bloc as dark and grey, as if sunshine and lightbulbs over 40 watts had been deemed counter-revolutionary. To be fair, grey and blue tones are the usual lazy visual shorthand for "depressing" as an orange tint indicates "desert" or "Mexico"

[@CassiBlack]

The only film(s) I can think of that do a dark scene well is Lord of the Rings. They used blue light to indicate darkness but you can still see what’s happening. I have no clue what’s happened in the last 20 years that make directors think we want to look at a black screen for an hour.

[@vincentchiariello4578]

"The wrong breed of grass" this was an unexpected but hilarious reference that almost caused me to spit out my coffee. I really enjoy your content & have learned quite a bit. In short thank you for being you!

[@TheWelshViking]

I try :3 glad you enjoyed and sorry about the coffee stains

[@codycole2684]

Takes me back to Lindybeige's the Last Kingdom season one video "that leaf is wrong"

[@vincentchiariello4578]

@@codycole2684 I'd have to dig but I'm almost positive it's in reference to a video where LB (jokingly I think) critiques the 2002 Ridley Scott movie Gladiator as the wheat fields Gaius walks through at the end wouldn't have had that kind of height during the era.

[@reginaldinoenchillada3513]

It was from that lindybeige review that I learned about the last kingdom. Thanks 4 being funny. Very depressing, dark atmosphere for season 5. Probably the film as well? "No fences anywhere?! How do u keep the goats from running away?"

[@CommentGirl12]

Hell, if I can find a Thor's Hammer based on a find at a corner metaphysical shop in Chicago for under $20, they have no excuse.

[@teacheronanadventure]

I can't remember where I heard it, but someone talked about a similar thing to the lighting and drab colors in castles, especially stone ones. Because time has eroded or faded them, we usually only see the plain stone when in reality the castle rooms would've been lined with wood walls, tapestries, and tons of paint and color. The were truly vibrant in their day.

[@stewartjohnson5053]

And the walls would I think have been limewashed white.... which for somewhere like Harlech is going to shine across the landscape somewhat.

[@Loweene_Ancalimon]

That's a big thing that gets forgotten about western European churches. They were painted. So painted. Painted Gothic cathedrals, yep. Today we praise them as models of asceticism, and admire their purity of lines, when, nope, that shit was bright AF. Inside and out.

[@noexpensespentstudios]

Looking forward to when there isn't a tax on colour so we can enjoy it again. There's a tax on colour right? That's why people have stopped using it, right?

[@ah5721]

people used color until "minimalism" snuffed it out.

[@noexpensespentstudios]

@@ah5721 You can still be colourful and minimalist though.

[@TheWelshViking]

It's really the only plausible reason

[@historywithhilbert146]

"The grass is the wrong breed for this millennium" 😂😂

[@DietrichvonSachsen]

I was actually banned from watching Vikings by my partner, as I was just constantly yelling at the screen. ("Fucking BURGONETS?!?!"). So yes Jimmy, we do appreciate the sacrifices of your sanity made for our entertainment and education.

[@TheWelshViking]

BURGONETS THOUGH

[@TheWelshViking]

*Flips table*

[@gothic3theageofwar565]

Oh damn I remember those Wessex people wearing them! It’s sooooooo out of place!! I imagine they just look at a replica, they thought it was cool and put it in the show, not even thinking from what era were those helmets from… BURGONETS IN A VIKING SHOW JUST WTF!!! I FEEL YOU MAN I FEEL YOU

[@OdessaDenby]

People never seem to remember that clothing was really vastly practical, comfortable, and useful in the era before constant temperature control... Our modern clothing is really much less practical in many ways and our modern aesthetics have bred an environment where men are afraid to wear colors because it's...feminine to wear something other than black or brown? They are definitely trying to appeal to GOT bros who will simply die if the main character doesn't have a whole sheep on his shoulders at any given moment. But yeah, the costumes are an absolute disaster. One female character wore a dress with what looked like Roman-style pinned sleeves this season (only several hundred years after the Romans left Britain). I mean, you can tell that the producers put no research into historical textiles in the scene where we are told a group of women stitched an entire tapestry in 1-2 business days lol

[@caitlinhogan5258]

Yes! I think historical men’s clothing being viewed as “feminine” from a modern lens is big reason for why so many historical and fantasy shows look like this :( And that’s a good point about temperature control as well.

[@elainestokes2787]

I'd die if there was a mosquito preserved in the sword ball!

[@TheWelshViking]

DINOSAURZ

[@Tipi_Dan]

Yes. I'd always assumed it was topaz, but realized it looked like amber watching the final season, which would never have held together for as many years as the series was supposed to go on.

[@chrisball3778]

But everyone knows that Viking age people dressed like they'd been turned away from a late 90's heavy metal bar for trying too hard. It's scientific fact. If it's not true, then why is heavy metal so popular in Scandinavia? Eh? Seriously, I think a lot of the reason TV shows use this aesthetic is just because people expect it. They may even know that it annoys people with even a little historical knowledge, but figure that's better than putting off other sectors of the audience who tune in expecting beards, brawn and brooding, all wrapped up in oodles of black leather, and won't watch if they don't get that.

[@paulaunger3061]

This is such a good point. There was a show in the late 90s I loved called 'Servants', which depicted life in a grand house from the servants' perspective and it was fabulous! But loads of people complained it was unhistorical - which it emphatically wasn't - and they never made any more of it. All it did was present an aspect of history most people aren't familiar with - and people who didn't know any better condemned it for, basically, not being about rich people.

[@kevingregory-evans6285]

Who would have thought that the colorful costumes used in medieval films of the 50s and 60s would be more historically accurate!

[@Hutchyy]

Examples of those films?

[@kevingregory-evans6285]

@@Hutchyy do you mean I need to cite my sources? LOL. Here you go - The Adventures of Robin Hood, 1938. I didn't see it until the 60s so to me it's a 60s film. That's my lived experience so must be true, LOL.

[@BrotherJing1]

I will say I actually quite like the Last Kingdom, mostly as mindless 'people beating eachother up' fodder. The one thing you can say for it is that at least there's no costume designer wandering around saying how accurate the terrible costumes are like with certain other series. That being said, Early Medieval Cornwall gets absolutely the worst treatment of any group. Not only is Peredurs village covered in droppings and generally crap but his 'soldiers' look like they've wandered out of burning man with weird wooden pitchforks and shields with HOLES IN THEM. Mind you, Cornwells original treatment in the books isn't much better although at least the other Vikings are there hired by another Cornish King and it's supposed to be that Peredur is just useless at his job.

[@dongxx]

Sure the costume designs are not true to history but how is it mindless?

[@BrotherJing1]

@@dongxx its not meant to be a bad thing, with the exception of Alfred who is excellent throughout the majority of the time the storyline boils down to Uthred and his burly bros solving a problem by stabbing it til it stops moving. Id compare it to the original Conan stories, there can br quite alot going on but it usually ends with swords

[@dongxx]

@@BrotherJing1 not only Is that a terrible comparison but you're also wrong because there are alot of times where uthred and his "burly bros" doesn't want to fight and in this very season they do all they Can to stop a war also alfred uses uthred to kill people so I Don't Know what show you are watching but it Isn't the last kindom

[@Tazza19931]

@@dongxx Agreed, that is a horrendous take if I have ever seen one. Not sure what he was watching, but he obviously doesn't know what he's talking about. Maybe some of it was lost on him.

[@dongxx]

@@Tazza19931 for real lol

[@wanjawilde1868]

I listened to the audiobooks and watched the series. The costuming is truly just horrible and you really have to forget that it is supposed to be in the past, then it's okay to watch... I have to admit that I still like the story (both storys, book and series). Before I knew about the Last Kingdom I did some research about Æðelflæd. I really like her as one of the most amazing historical figures! And right now I think about doing a historical accurate "cosplay" of her. I find it quite hard to imagine her. What she would have worn "at home" or when she stayed somewhere is logical. But what did she wear when she rode through Mercia, to fortify Burhs or fight. Did she went to the battlefield (not to fight but to keep the structure)? If not how could she lead a nation for 8 years without doing it? Or could she even fight? Did she travel on horseback or did she have some kind of cart? It's not that easy to tell but if she travelled on horseback her garments surly were a bit different... Maybe less voluminous and with riding cuts in the front and the back or something like that. And if she went to the battlefield, I believe she had to wear man's costume. She maybe covered her hair/head with a helmet then but a veil would have been dangerous... No protection, reduced sight and constrained movement. If you or someone else has thoughts about this, please feel free to share them, I'm really struggling right now...

[@anthonyhayes1267]

I'm convinced The Last Kingdom was made to torture medieval fabric enthusiasts.

[@kevinnorwood8782]

On a somewhat unrelated subject, Jimmy, have you heard the recent news about the Arthurian Age tombs that were recently discovered? In Wales, Cornwall, Devonshire, and Shrewsbury, they've found something like 65 tombs of Dark Age kings/rulers/etc. and they all date to the time when Arthurian Legend was supposed to have taken place (400-550 AD, roughly). This is a really cool discovery and I'm very excited to hear more about what they uncover in these tombs. Seeing as you've done a few videos about King Arthur yourself, I was curious if you'd heard about this discovery as well?

[@laurentius3254]

god i hate this kind of costuming in historical shows, like i could forgive it if it at least looked good, but it doesent! i think the worst part is that this kind of costuming has become so prevalent it seems some people actually believe this is what they dressed like... AND PLEASE FUCKING LIGHT THE SHOWS PROPERLY!

[@saraseydak3696]

If you ever want to rant about "Outlander", let me know, I have several pointers, one of them is racism. And yeah, lockdown made me watch a lot of crap, since I had refused to watch that show before.

[@cheryldavies5078]

So glad you mentioned the Sharpe costumes - my husband was something of a nerd in this area and always praised the relative accuracy of those uniforms!

[@theresaanndiaz3179]

Oh and as a visually impaired person the darkness is very frustrating. I long for the days when films were brighter even at night.

[@TheWelshViking]

That is a very good point!

[@stewartjohnson5053]

As someone who has poor eyesight I'll make the point that if your king is of middle years and starting to get long-sighted he'll keep his hall well lit to stop him bumping into things.....

[@mystikmind2005]

I was stunned by how briliant this series was, i could care less about the outfits or the lighting. The only slight negative thing that stood out a bit for me was some inconsistancy of charachter behaviour...... I like it when i can believe why charachters do the things they do, and i do not like it when charachters do things that seem unlikely and the motivation for doing it is a bit of a stretch and is clearly forced for the reaon of setting events in motion.... but yeah, allot of shows do this, but i still dont like it.

[@michaelkean5969]

granted unlike alot of shows TLK does cover a long amount of time between seasons. motivations change over time.

[@mystikmind2005]

@@michaelkean5969 motivations do not magially change over time just because time passed. There has to be external and internal influences to drive the change

[@josephpercy1558]

'Brilliant?' In what way, precisely? I think that's a very poor word choice. 🤣

[@ArthurianHistorian]

I like how "I hope you appreciate what I put my body through for you" is in the Last Kingdom video and not the 5k in mail video. Big mood.

[@TheWelshViking]

Hah! Good point!

[@smeastwest]

Lights! Camera! Act--oh, wait, where are the lights? Screw it--action! I would LOVE it, Jimmy, if you did a video on the different ways people lit their buildings. Those of us who don't have your knowledge have to rely on these "artistic" representations. How does a spike lantern work? What did the ancient Romans use? Anglo-Saxons? Were torches a thing, like, ever? Indoor fires? How would YOU light a king's palace? I'm so freaking curious! Of course, if you can't spend the time doing an entire video just on lanterns and such, maybe you know where a person might get reliable info on lighting in ancient, medieval, and other times that don't have gas or electricity? Keep tearing it up, Jimmy!

[@nicoleallen3079]

I’m so in for this too!!!!

[@amywhitson9479]

Yes--I feel like I don't properly understand how pre-industrial lighting worked, but I did get some better understand after reading a Wikipedia article about lamps in ancient times.

[@caitlinhogan5258]

I theorize that it’s not just a case of “medieval must look dark and grim” though that’s there too, but I think this kind of costuming is heavily influenced by what modern audiences perceive as masculine. Bright colours? Not masculine. Accessories and decoration? Not masculine. Tunics? Look like dresses. Hose? Look like tights, have become a symbol of how unmasculine and uncool old Hollywood medieval films are seen as being. I really think that’s the main reason, especially in shows aimed at a male audience. We (or rather producers etc) can’t get past our modern ideas of what masculine aesthetics are being different from what they were in past eras so we try to pretend that medieval men wore black and grey, and leather boots with “hose” thick enough to be pants and “tunics” short enough to be t-shirts.

[@laurentius3254]

god i hate this kind of costuming in historical shows, like i could forgive it if it at least looked good, but it doesent! i think the worst part is that this kind of costuming has become so prevalent it seems some people actually believe this is what they dressed like

[@eldorados_lost_searcher]

One thing that gets me is the fact that the New Model Army (way after the time period, but I'm getting to my point) had madder red uniforms, which isn't bright scarlet, but at least it's a color, not because it looked good, but because *it was the cheapest dye available!* Colorful clothing is just criminally underrepresented in these shows.

[@deanmaynard8256]

it;s amazing how much more colourful the gear looks in set photos for this and especially Vikings. Clearly they are using some sort of colour filter to make everything look as bleak and dreary as possible...

[@josephfarkas5657]

I'm sorry man, but no Hollywood designer looked at that second picture of the more "historical" viking and agreed with you. The colors are what they are for dramatic effect and nothing more. What you really miss though is that now, after watching the show, I have binged 200 times as much actual history about the period and still love the show. Not many people really care about the aspects you are mentioning and if they bother to spend any time at all, plenty of people will get all the points you are raising and manage to be entertained at the same time! I fail to see how this is at all bad in the end. The show was built for drama and cliffhangers and clearly not history, but that also doesn't make it "bad." This period in history leaves enormous gaps for imagination to run wild and that is what we humans do best. I do not understand why you feel that is a bad thing?

[@danielgally6389]

It is a little sad to see what is really from a dramatic perspective one of the most underrated shows ever in this genre berated simply for costume design, but i get your point and often thought it could have been better. Its not really that important though to the quality of the show unless you're a reenacting costume design fanatic

[@AllieB-11.11]

Exactly - the show is top quality regardless of costume issues.

[@kents.2866]

The clothing in the Witch was great. I call it clothing because it's properly constructed with wool and linen. It's clothing not a costume.

[@kabosustan2484]

I like the lightbulb sword, what if he needs to go potty in the night /s

[@TheWelshViking]

XD

[@elizabethsloan3192]

Icelanders costumes courtesy of the Uruk-hai, sword pommel originally used in Jurassic Park to create dinosaurs.

[@CassiBlack]

But Jimmy, obviously castles are dark and not decorated because that’s what they look like now! 🙄 They really should hire experts in their time period to get the look right. That was actually my dream job until I realized how little they get listened to or even hired. Thanks for putting yourself through that torture for us! We really do appreciate it!

[@petrosspetrosgali]

There's also the fact that the guy they cast as Uhtred looks NOTHING like UUtrhed, who had blond hair and stood a head taller than most of the tallest men.

[@TheWelshViking]

And is about 60 when s5 takes place!

[@KristiinaBerg]

@@TheWelshViking Uthred is around 50-55 years of age I think in season 5, because Stiorra is around 25.

[@petrosspetrosgali]

@@TheWelshViking I only BARELY made it through the first or second episode. Wasn't he around 60 in the last book? The one where they take back Bebanburg. But at least he killed Ubba by the sea!

[@Aremeriel]

@@petrosspetrosgali the battle of Brunanburh was in 937, book Uhtred was born in 858, so 78-79.

[@Aremeriel]

@@KristiinaBerg book Uhtred was 50ish when Æthelred died and 60 when Æthelflæd died (918).

[@lindsaydrewe8219]

Speaking for myself I know the costumes are crap but I'm watching for the eye candy and Father Pyrlig's hilarious asides. And yes I am shallow and a granny,so I'll watch the movie when it arrives,and chuckle to myself at the 70 yo Uhtred still looking 30 whilst swooning a bit😆

[@RavenAttwoode]

Off topic, but is there still an episode on beads forthcoming? I've been looking forward to it ever since you mentioned it in the "Viking Shineys" episode.

[@danyf.1442]

Jiiiimmmyyyy!!!!The last video on Jarl Haakon was not enough, we need a comprehensive roast of Vikings Valhalla😂. Adding: I don't know why I just realized that my Arya Stark cosplay costume would have been good enough to be an extra on TLK. I don't know whether this makes me happy or sad.

[@TheWelshViking]

If I must

[@freakyvisser]

@@TheWelshViking yes

[@melusine2913]

@@TheWelshViking We will send you tissue. 😂

[@juia7336]

The thing that I find really really depressing is that you can SMELL the game of thrones influence on this and other shows, but I could swear that earlier seasons of even game of thrones were not nearly this bad? I definitely remember the kings and the courts wearing actual Fabrics and Colours and Patterns earlier on, as well as, generally, a simpler make of clothing. It just feels like that show became a parody of itself as it became more popular, and then everything else latched on and. Well. This is the result. It's so gd depressing TT Thanks for the video and the tips! Sidenote: I think somewhere between the lighting and the camera position or something, you seem to have a serious case of cat eyes in this video, which is very funny - I definitely spent a minute or two going "oh, have I been playing witcher too much recently?" Hah

[@occupyvenus4868]

When comparing the GoT costuming from s1 to s5/6~ish with s7/8 one could be forgiven for thinking they're from different shows.

[@margaretbarclay-laughton2086]

Nah hes a Welsh Were tabby very rare and dangerous species.😊

[@moongem4489]

Yeah Michelle Clapton was the head designer in the early seasons but she left partway through. Unfortunately the writing and aesthetic of the show both became bland.

[@occupyvenus4868]

@@moongem4489 I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure Clapton was only gone for s6 and returned for 7 and 8?

[@aprildriesslein5034]

I loved the early GoT costuming. I liked how they had distinctive looks for each house, with lots of detailing -- such as the gathered necklines of the Stark women's clothes. I also liked how the costuming told part of the story too, in clever and subtle ways. Like all things GoT... it's a shame what happened.

[@expatpiskie]

When you compare the costumes of the relatively low budget Cadfael series and these modern big budget series you have see that the costuming has less to do with budget and much more to do with attitude towards history (and what you think you can get away with.)

[@TheWelshViking]

I was genuinely thinking that this last weekend as I watched Derek J

[@expatpiskie]

@@TheWelshViking I got the box set for Xmas and binge watched them. There may have been some errors but none of them glaring enough to jolt me out of the period.

[@michaelkenner3289]

Plus a monastery is the one place where everyone dressing all in black is realistic. It's been a long time since I watched it but I remember the undersheriff (as one of the most important local members of the community) always looking fashionable when he arrived in bright colours and with jewelry.

[@manchestertart5614]

The same set in Hungary was used in Robin Hood ,with Richard Armitage . The stone steps in the courtyard of the monastery were frequently featured in both series….and why not because they were beautiful buildings.

[@tessyb8]

The unexpected love for the sharpe series and granada holmes is wonderful to see

[@invisiblegoats9380]

I'd dearly love you team up with Karolina Zebrowska to just yell about women's headwear in historical shows

[@sisuguillam5109]

Yes, please!

[@TheWelshViking]

I can only ask :)

[@sisuguillam5109]

@@TheWelshViking she is such a darling. As are you.

[@Daniel__Nobre]

Albeit not being exactly accurate this show started pretty well with an overall balance between sides, an immersive approach, etc. (at least better than most mainstream shows). But when it went into Netflix hands.. oh man.. it really went downhill into soap opera realm, really quickly.

[@MrsBifflechips]

But all black clothes mean you don't have to sort laundry by colour ;) Love the swords, armour and teapot. Thank you for the video!

[@ah5721]

they didnt have black !! only brown /black sheep

[@TheWelshViking]

Hah! Troo!

[@AM-kr4pv]

I feel very called out right now.

[@MrsBifflechips]

@@AM-kr4pv There is nothing wrong with wearing black. Most of my clothes are black, and the ones that aren't are dark enough to go in the dark load. That's how I know how easy it makes laundry!

[@cuttwice3905]

Did I see fine knit shirts in the costumes? Knitting didn't exist and nålbinding anything bigger than a sock is ridiculous.

[@TheWelshViking]

Oh yes you did!

[@davidcheater4239]

You're throwing so much shade. I LOVE IT. My big question from the photos was why does everyone have dirt and/or blood on their face in every shot. People did wipe their faces. Honestly, there had been tv shows where I had to turn down the saturation because they gave me migraines (Pushing Daisies).

[@horseenthusiast1250]

I lost it at the orb pommel pondering! What's sad is knowing how bright clothing of that era really was...and then noticing that the pommel of ponderment is one of the brightest things in that shot...

[@rin_okami]

I'm glad to see you appreciate Mr. Jeremy Brett as well, I knew you were a man of good taste.

[@rubz1390]

When I watched season 1 I thought the show was promising since they actually depicted shield walls as opposed to "Vikings" mosh pit battles. Sadly that was discarded later on. Still I will still watch this,because I like the characters. Btw I think BBC ain't got nothing to do with the show since season3 I think, they sold it to Netflix. I think the orb pommel has significance, if I recall in the first season Uhtred fathers tell his it is some sort of space rock or something.

[@SigneofHorses]

Ps does Welsh IKEA still carry the flokati rugs? I need one

[@ymor1451]

The palace is dark because the lighting crew is embarrassed by the customs and want to hide them.

[@whatkatyread5166]

I only watched the 1st series, and it was many eons ago now, but what pissed me off was how prim and dreary and sexist the Saxons were portrayed as being. That was not the impression of them I got from Saxon literature!

[@stewartjohnson5053]

This is a common theme though - and one Cornwell himself can be guilty of... i.e. how boring and awful early medieval Christians were compared to fun and vibrant pagan Norsemen. Which does make one wonder why the Vikings obviously eventually found Christian society a better option.

[@CollinMcLean]

Colors of my costume. A navy blue herringbone wool klappenrock, an undyed linen tunic, a pair of grey linen pants (I've been thinking about sewing some walnut brown ones or striped ones), with red or beige legwraps and two tablet woven belts to choose from. One is a vibrant red and gold version of an Oseberg pattern and the other is gold and white pattern from Birka. And around my neck is a string of amber and brightly colored blue and yellow beads with a silver hammer. Some bright vibrant reds, some beautiful emerald greens, show us some color and personality! Quick video idea Jimmy that I think would make you feel happier. Having your fans sends you pictures of their historical costumes and then you can rate them. Getting to see people who have a greater appreciation for historical costume and who try to put effort into their clothes.

[@nicoleallen3079]

I used to clean, card, and comb wool with my grandpa. Then he would have me help dye the wool with natural colors. I still have so much of the wool he spun. They’re all madder orange, brown, pink, and blue. He could never quite get a red though…lol.

[@jameslawrence8073]

All of the historical inaccuracies annoy me but the thing that gets me most is still just how dark everything is, it doesn't make a shiw edgy or whatever it just makes it difficult to tell what's going on

[@Jailbreak49]

"Hoo boy?" More like "SUTTON Hoo boy!" ...Lord, I apologize.

[@TheWelshViking]

HAH. Get out.

[@tigdepp4484]

I really wish someone with the ability to do something would listen to your " rant ". I love your rant! Your passion is obvious & I love it. I truly look forward to your posts! Thank you! Much love & respect from Arizona! 💜🖤🖤💜

[@herminadepagan3407]

Here in the East Kingdom, We call that the burlap effect. That worn with an unfortunate biggens and dark dirty stones makes it look old timey

[@OcarinaSapphr-]

Not even talking about dye to brighten clothes up- wool & linen had natural colours; off-white, cream, ivory, pale beige, pale grey, pale brown - even if the characters don't read: 'money for dye'- the natural colours of the wool & linen that were processed would be naturally lighter (even without bleaching) than the sh*t brown, dead-grey, & exceptionally unlikely black (a deep & long-lasting black was an insanely expensive commodity- for the most part people overdyed the darkest shade of blue that they could, or brown - there were a couple of plant-based dyes, like bearberry with an iron mordant to 'fix' the dye to give an actually black dye- & there was, I think, a Spanish breed of sheep whose wool was naturally black- though that would have been a super-expensive import for the time) that 90% of the characters wear. The over-reliance on metal & leather is insane, & the fact that the noble & elite warrior characters were so often looking so scraggy is absurd, given we have more than enough evidence that the Norse & Anglo-Saxons were each a well-groomed people. Linen improves with every wash, in softness & comfort, & wool naturally repels dirt & water (even more so, if it were spun 'in the grease'- which also had the added benefit of creating semi-waterproof clothes), so unless you're a moron who went in for mud baths- your clothes would hold up pretty well- natural fibers had that quality, after all.

[@NannaMorningstar]

When I watched the first episode of this series I started to laugh in the first scene cause everyone in a town was wearing the exact same shade of blue fabric. I started to wonder if the fabric was in the discount area so they bought all of it

[@han__nya]

Middle Ages= Dark palette, apparently. Also I wouldn't it was "easy" to get colorful clothes, not for peasants and people who were poor, so they'd go for brown most of the time. The more money you had, the easier it was to wear colorful clothes, and sought after colors like blue or purple. Green was actually very difficult to obtain as a tint, it would fade and become discolored. So yes, it's very likely that people wore color back in the day, but it wasn't like everyone could wear the whole ROYGBIV spectrum, unless you were loaded. At this point I'll just assume that any show that comes out is trying to be the next GoT.

[@anna_in_aotearoa3166]

Definitely think you're right about GoT 🤦🏻‍♀️ Similar phenomenon happened after LotR first came out! It frustrates me but I can see a bit of the show-financers' perspective - they're risking a big wad of cash so they want to template off something that's already proven to have an audience... Problem is, that approach doesn't just create a whole series of bland cookie-cutter knock-offs, it also makes it harder for really original properties to make it through the gauntlet into production... Re the colour thing, I don't think that's quite right? 🤔 If we go by contemporary sources, even the peasants tried their hardest to have clothing that was colourful. There was also a really thriving 2nd and 3rd hand clothing trade through most eras too, so people could access higher-quality garments that had had the fancy stuff removed (lace, brocade trimming, beads etc) and mend/remake it? Tbh when I look at medieval manuscripts showing peasants working the fields I often think "Gosh, your clothes look too good to be out in the mud!" Don't know how much of that in particular is artistic license, but written sources also seem to support colour being hugely popular at every stratum of society?

[@NBDYSPCL]

How... How did you get your swords to do that? What sword-cery is this?

[@lucie4185]

Also thank you for the gratuitous extra pictures of Sharpe. When mentioning Bernard Cornwell. Anytime Mr Bean is in his Greenjacket is appreciated

[@sisuguillam5109]

Sooooo sexy!

[@manchestertart5614]

I loved it . David Dawson as King Alfred. I was annoyed with the first few episodes of 5 ,and had to alter my tv colour etc .Then it was ok . Just loved it for the story telling and humour.

[@Wirrn]

Obviously its not historical, but I'm curious what you thought of the costuming in Wheel of Time? I really noticed the complete and total lack of black or brown leather vests - the only leather in the show is brightly coloured and tooled decorative accessories, otherwise everyone is wearing proper, nicely colured fabrics. (or indeed, stout Two Rivers wools :D ) (I do think there was something off in the lgihting or post processing though as a lot of stuff looked better in the behind the scenes shots) Oh one exception on the leather being the Illian companion armour which is basiscally a lorica where the lower bands are leather and fantasy shoulders. And....honestly it looked bloody good. Fantasy as hell, a little silly perhaps but it was shaped reasonably functionally and almost all thrusts are to gaps in the armour.

[@TheWelshViking]

I thought it looked pretty cool tbh!

[@evelynnicconmara9223]

As a fellow Cornwell fan I'm curious what you think of his Arthur series if you've read it? I started thinking about it during your Arthur videos and now I really want to know!

[@TheWelshViking]

I'd need a reread to be honest, but that'll probably happen now you've given me the idea!

[@skiingowl]

Wear long sleeves and a veil and protect your skin from sunburn and skin cancer, without needing to wear lots of sunscreen...

[@ericastones1052]

Odin would be proud of you sticking up for history my good sir. I am writing a Viking fanfiction of characters from another franchise (we are fans we do this) and I do my homework to my best effects. However, I have got it wrong in somethings I am not proud of it, but I am trying my best I accidently called Norway Noriega by mistake. In another chapter I did correct it as part of the story. I don't put my characters in dark clothing and add colour to them. I did my best with researching and you help a lot man. Keep it up. I get it when it comes to the facts man.

[@keephurn1159]

My main criticism of these fur and leather grimdark shows is that they're TERRIBLE inspiration for cartoons. The Adventures of Robin Hood and their ilk were so amazingly hyper color saturated and over-the-top. Bugs Bunny, Daffy, Duck, Tom & Jerry, and plenty of other cartoons had a deep treasure trove of bright, vibrant, atemporal costuming for 'medieval' style cartoons. Even in What's Opera Doc? Bug's Bwunhilda with her bronze bra over a t-shirt and skirt is more vibrant than Last Kingdom costuming. In other news: this is one of the best reaction videos I have seen. So many delightful reactions!

[@vierapride97x]

Haestan was a slob and didn’t care for his appearance. The fact they we’re complaining about clothing not being in perfect condition for DANES is a bit ridiculous.

[@vierapride97x]

The overcast of the show is quite true haha. A dark story perhaps.

[@anna-zs3oy]

When you watch/listen in the background to it as a show and not a reflection on history, it is still quite enjoyable.

[@aprildriesslein5034]

I know...but I still like it. I've read thru all the books twice and I put on the show whenever I want to be entertained but don't want to have to pay much attention. It's a shame about the costumes and sets, but I do think the writing and acting is good -- Dreymon does a great job capturing Uhtred's arrogance and impetuosity. (Although he makes him somewhat more likeable that book Uhtred.) I also appreciate that they follow the books closely.

[@Nyctophora]

I grew up with my mother complaining loudly about 'historical' costumes but she was right, and so are you! I learned from her and her books, and I'm a handcrafter myself, even though I've never managed any serious re-enacting. It was from her that I first learned about dyes. And it's given me an appreciation of what's possible, and what's just bloody daft. Thank you, Jimmy. Your sacrifice will not be in vain!

[@pengy4792]

I was surprised when you showed Alfred in a Grey outfit. Throughout the series he has been in much more colourful outfits. I was hoping that you might do a critiques on some of the clothing that the Saxon nobles were wearing when not on the battle field .

[@JWRogersPS]

We need to stop asking Jimmy to review these dreadful shows; otherwise I fear it will end up doing him a frightful injury.

[@mohammadsaleem5990]

Bruh it's not that bad.

[@kevinadams9468]

At this point I will limit myself to 3 things I find inexcusable about TLK: 1. Uhtred (Son of Uhtred!!!!!) and his agonizing lilt and made-up accent. I would rather run a cheese grater across my face than hear him speak. Oh, and his hipster haircut... gag 2. The 'fabulous' high-end, non-functional leather 'armor' and accoutrements (including IKEA-like animal skins and aroma therapy rugs) that look as if they were designed by Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana and Gary Newman (...in CARS!) 3. The impossibly small sets pretending to double as York, Winchester, etc. These cute sets remind me of the Disney rides on the Pirates of the Caribbean or a Medieval Sesame Street. The sets are horribly imagined, leaving us to believe that every 10th century English town consisted of one stone church, six poorly thatched houses, and alehouse cum stable and a styrofoam-stone-looking gate straight out of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. There, I am done. Oh, and the fact that Uhtred's (Son of Uhtred) best friend FINAN, sounds like a Belfast fishmonger.

[@TheWelshViking]

Kevin, I feel like you're on my wavelength!

[@kelseylogas1580]

"I am a nutcase." Looks down at the Renaissance outfit I am constructing entirely by hand. Yes. Nutcase. Mmhm. But honestly, I do love when you give this perspective. It's one thing to say "This is wrong." It is something else entirely to explain what could be done better. As always, love your videos, and I learn so much. Cheers, Jimmy. Any brewing projects planned? I had to move recently and my entire brewing situation got ruined in the move. I'm so heartbroken. A friend of mine suggested I try distilling it to see what happens. It was spoiled anyway, I can't do anything about it, so maybe I could try to salvage something positive (and learn to distill!) from the situation. Who knows, but I found a really good looking stovetop still and I'm kind of excited to give it a go.

[@royagilmore]

First, I agree with most of your assessments. *However*, the current Bamburgh Castle is not the original Bamburgh Castle. The original "castle" was a wooden stockade/fort that was destroyed by the Vikings in 993. The Normans built the core of the current stone castle on the original site. One of the main historical characters in the show, Edward the Elder, died in 924, so while the floorplan and appearance may be wrong, maybe the concept of a wooden "castle" isn't really all that wrong for the time period depicted. My biggest problem with the show is something shared with many period pieces - the timeline. Any time someone mixes fictional characters with historical characters, the historical characters determine certain events. One of the main historical characters, Ealhswith, died in 902. Another of the main historical characters, Ealhswith's daughter, Æthelflæd, didn't become Lady of the Mercians until 911, and didn't die until 918. So the show's depiction of Ealhswith is completely wrong. This is just one example among many. I know the show is fiction, and if the show wants to take liberties with the dialog between fictional characters and historical characters, I'm OK with that, but the show should make some attempt to get the timeline correct.

[@Ponakalaranjit456]

Right The Historical Accuracy of The Last Kingdom is bizarre.

[@Getpojke]

I reckon they have a mantra o "shows before hose" when it comes to costuming with the series. Watched the first episode back in 2015, after I stopped laughing I thought I should really be crying. I hadn't minded the clothing in Game of Thrones as it was pure fantasy, but this was "based" in period & like yourself was horrified with the garments. At the other end of the spectrum if you ever watch any of the Kartuli, Georgian Dance videos from the likes of AVALISHVILI FILMS, then the colours & styles are fantastic, yes they've been jazzed up a bit for the stage but people can move & look good in them & its medieval based. Or the likes of Adorea Olomouc, historically accurate outfits & weapons with brilliant fight sequences, very exciting stuff. Both have their stuff on KZbin. I've looked in on the beginning of each new season of The Last Kingdom & is anything each season gets worse. Other notable mentions of terribleness are: - Beowulf: Return to the Shieldlands, seemingly set in a treeless quarry once used by Blake's Seven with palace interiors by Gustav Klimt. The Pillars of the Earth. Great cast, terrible show. The Bastard Executioner. Must've hurt you more than most being set in Wales & based "very loosely" on Madog ap Llywelyn. Thankfully cancelled after one season, but that was one season too far.

[@brassviking486]

Here's me waiting for summer to come so I can experiment with weld for my kit. Can't wait to add some colour to my undyed linen.