Series / Reviews
This Series Aims To Challenge 'Game Of Thrones', 'King & Conqueror' Premieres On HBO Max And Gets Harshly Criticized By The British Press
Starting tomorrow, HBO Max presents a gripping series called King & Conqueror about the Battle of Hastings that you won't want to miss.
Starting this week, HBO Max will showcase the new historical series King & Conqueror. This series tells the story of the Battle of Hastings (1066), featuring James Norton as Harold Godwinson and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as William the Conqueror. This is one of the most pivotal moments in British history and is given a grand television platform in this production.
The series follows how rival kingdoms merge, how political tensions escalate, and how two men, Harold and William, are inevitably on a collision course leading to the battle that forever changed the Middle Ages in England. With well-known names in the lead roles, James Norton and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, and a classic historical theme, King & Conqueror has been heavily hyped in the lead-up to its debut.
However, not everyone is as excited about the end result. British media describe the series as visually hard to follow, as many scenes are so darkly filmed that details are lost. This production follows a trend of recent BBC dramas that use natural lighting, but this doesn’t always translate well to TV screens or laptops.
Additionally, criticism arises that the world of King & Conqueror looks limited and cheap. The set largely consists of roads, tents, and huts, while the historical context is only briefly explained. This lack of grandeur detracts from a story about the Norman conquest that one would expect. The characters also reportedly lack depth, limiting the emotional impact.
While the series is based on historical events, the creators take creative liberties. Intrigues, dialogues, and political games feel more like a modern fantasy series than sources from the eleventh century. For viewers who enjoy darker, serious narratives, King & Conqueror offers an intense look at a defining chapter in British history. But whether it will leave a lasting impression remains to be seen according to critics.
The series follows how rival kingdoms merge, how political tensions escalate, and how two men, Harold and William, are inevitably on a collision course leading to the battle that forever changed the Middle Ages in England. With well-known names in the lead roles, James Norton and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, and a classic historical theme, King & Conqueror has been heavily hyped in the lead-up to its debut.
A Grim Drama
However, not everyone is as excited about the end result. British media describe the series as visually hard to follow, as many scenes are so darkly filmed that details are lost. This production follows a trend of recent BBC dramas that use natural lighting, but this doesn’t always translate well to TV screens or laptops.
Additionally, criticism arises that the world of King & Conqueror looks limited and cheap. The set largely consists of roads, tents, and huts, while the historical context is only briefly explained. This lack of grandeur detracts from a story about the Norman conquest that one would expect. The characters also reportedly lack depth, limiting the emotional impact.
Between History And Fiction
While the series is based on historical events, the creators take creative liberties. Intrigues, dialogues, and political games feel more like a modern fantasy series than sources from the eleventh century. For viewers who enjoy darker, serious narratives, King & Conqueror offers an intense look at a defining chapter in British history. But whether it will leave a lasting impression remains to be seen according to critics.
