Book Versus Screen: Dissecting The Winter King – The New Bernard Cornwell Show

Review: MGM+’s “The Winter King” Fails to Capture the Spirit of Bernard Cornwell’s Epic

August 20, 2023

Introduction

The highly anticipated adaptation of Bernard Cornwell’s “The Winter King” has finally arrived on MGM+, and it pains me to say that it falls short of the mark. As a fan of Cornwell’s work, especially his Warlord Chronicles series, my expectations were high. However, it seems that MGM+ has missed the essence of what made the books so captivating.

A Missed Opportunity

Cornwell’s Warlord Chronicles presented a fresh and nuanced take on the Arthurian legend. Instead of focusing on the well-known characters of Arthur and Merlin, the books followed the perspective of Derfel, a young pagan boy who becomes a warrior in Arthur’s service. This shift in viewpoint allowed readers to see Arthur and Merlin through fresh eyes and offered a new interpretation of the familiar story.

Regrettably, the TV show adaptation chooses to foreground Arthur and Merlin, potentially to cater to audience expectations. This decision undermines the unique perspective that the books provided. By bringing Arthur and Merlin to the center of the narrative from the start, “The Winter King” becomes just another rendition of the Arthurian legend without bringing anything new to the table.

A Lack of Historical Context

One of the strengths of Cornwell’s books was their exploration of the tension between paganism and Christianity in ancient Britain. However, this crucial historical context is largely absent in the TV adaptation. In the books, the clash between these belief systems influenced the characters’ actions and beliefs. In the show, this tension is mere window dressing and lacks the impact and depth that it had in Cornwell’s world.

Furthermore, the characters in the TV adaptation speak in superficial declarations about themselves, providing bullet-point descriptions that fail to capture their motivations and depth. The lack of individuality among the characters further contributes to the feeling that they serve as vessels for the plot rather than compelling individuals with unique perspectives and personalities.

A Lost Opportunity for Character Development

One of the few redeeming aspects of the premiere episode was a small character moment involving Morgan, Merlin’s priestess, tearing a crucifix out of the hands of Norwenna, who is in labor. This act exemplified Morgan’s antagonistic and complex nature, reminiscent of her portrayal in the books. However, such moments were overshadowed by the show’s focus on grandeur and epicness, neglecting the rich potential for character development.

Conclusion

In conclusion, MGM+’s “The Winter King” fails to live up to the promise of Bernard Cornwell’s epic and unique vision. By prioritizing familiar characters and an emphasis on sweeping visuals over character development and historical depth, the show loses the essence of what made the books so special.

As a devoted fan of Cornwell’s work, it is disheartening to witness this missed opportunity. However, I will continue watching in the hope that the show can find its footing and improve upon its lackluster start. Until then, it remains a disappointment in comparison to Cornwell’s exceptional source material.