“The Winter King”: A Disappointing Tale of King Arthur

‘The Winter King’ Brings the Legend of King Arthur to Life, but Keeps Its Heroes Two-Dimensional: TV Review

Introduction

The much-anticipated MGM+ series, “The Winter King,” based on Bernard Cornwell’s trilogy of novels, offers a fresh take on the legend of King Arthur. However, while the show successfully portrays Arthur’s quest to unite the kingdoms of Britain against the invading Saxons, it falls short in developing complex and nuanced characters. Instead, the series prioritizes pragmatic concerns such as natural resources, national sovereignty, and political alliances. In doing so, “The Winter King” brings to mind the iconic series “Game of Thrones” in terms of its grounded approach to storytelling. However, this similarity doesn’t make up for the lack of depth in character development.

A Historical Approach to Arthurian Myth

“The Winter King” differentiates itself from other adaptations of King Arthur’s story by taking a more historical fiction approach than one of fantasy or fairy tale. Arthur, portrayed by Iain De Caestecker, does not pull a sword from a stone or encounter dragons in the episodes provided. Instead, the focus is on real-world concerns such as Arthur’s quest to unite the fractious British kingdoms. The series also touches on the supernatural through the character of Merlin, though his abilities are presented as subjective beliefs in competition with the rise of Christianity. This approach aligns “The Winter King” with the gritty realism of “Game of Thrones,” where author George R.R. Martin drew inspiration from British history to craft his epic saga.

A Lack of Complex Characters

While “The Winter King” offers an intriguing premise and explores themes such as the decline of paganism and the birth of a national identity, its major downfall lies in the lack of complex, multi-dimensional characters. The series revolves around the perspective of Derfel, played by Stuart Campbell, who idolizes Arthur and serves as the protagonist. However, this lens limits the audience’s understanding of Arthur’s inner life and relegates him to the role of an enlightened figurehead. Neither the script nor De Caestecker’s performance delves into the depth and complexity that could have made Arthur a more compelling and relatable character.

An Uninspiring Coming-of-Age Story

Through Derfel’s eyes, viewers witness Arthur’s return to Britain, his progressive ideas, and his intent to create a united Britain and oppose human sacrifice. However, this perspective relegates Arthur to a clichéd coming-of-age narrative, which fails to offer any depth or insight into his motivations. Derfel himself, burdened with awkward accent work by Campbell, serves as a one-dimensional supporter and idolizer of Arthur. The absence of Arthur’s iconic love interest, Guinevere, in the early episodes further accentuates the lack of complexity in character relationships.

A Missed Opportunity for Realism

Despite its impressive attention to historical detail and its goal of immersing viewers in the sixth century, “The Winter King” misses an opportunity to make its characters as realistic as its setting. By keeping Arthur and other key characters two-dimensional, the series fails to fully capitalize on its potential for gripping storytelling. While the decline of paganism and the establishment of a national identity are intriguing concepts, they become overshadowed by the underdeveloped characters that inhabit this world.

Conclusion

“The Winter King” offers an alternative approach to the legend of King Arthur, focusing on historical context and political intrigue rather than fantastical elements. While this approach may cater to fans of “Game of Thrones” and nonfiction enthusiasts, the series falls short in character development. The lack of complexity and depth in Arthur and other characters inhibits the audience’s investment in their journey. Ultimately, “The Winter King” is a disappointingly two-dimensional portrayal of a beloved legend.

(Note: Australian English has been used throughout this report)