‘The Winter King’ Review: A Lackluster Adaptation of King Arthur’s Legacy

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

By Alison Herman

Aug 20, 2023 7:00am PT

Courtesy of MGM+

The MGM+ series “The Winter King,” adapted from a trilogy of novels by English author Bernard Cornwell, brings to life the legendary King Arthur. However, despite its potential as a fantastical retelling, the show opts for a more grounded approach, resembling earthbound historical fiction rather than a fairy tale or fantasy. In fact, “The Winter King” seems to draw more inspiration from the likes of “Game of Thrones” than from traditional Arthurian myth.

A Pragmatic Arthurian Tale

The adaptation revolves around Arthur Pendragon, portrayed by Iain De Caestecker, who does not perform the classic feat of pulling a sword from a stone or encounter any dragons in the first five episodes. Instead, “The Winter King” delves into more practical matters, such as natural resources, national sovereignty, and the political alliances necessary to secure them. While the supernatural elements are woven into the narrative, they are presented as subjective beliefs rather than objective reality, competing against the rising influence of Christianity.

This approach mirrors the way “Game of Thrones” drew inspiration from British history, giving rise to the suggestion that “The Winter King” taps into the same historical well. By centering on Arthur’s quest to unite the warring kingdoms of Britain against the Saxons, creators Kate Brooke and Ed Whitmore, along with lead director Otto Bathurst, craft a story that combines grounded historical elements with the allure of Arthurian legend.

Missing Complexity

While this pragmatic take on the origins of King Arthur may appeal to fans of “Thrones” and nonfiction enthusiasts alike, “The Winter King” falls short in its portrayal of complex and nuanced characters. The series begins with Arthur’s exile from Dumnonia, resulting from his failure to protect his half-brother in battle. Arthur’s relationship with his father, King Uther, is strained, with Uther harboring resentment towards Arthur, who serves as a constant reminder of his own indiscretion. As the story progresses, Arthur’s exile comes to an end, and he returns to claim his place in the power vacuum left by his father’s death.

The show’s protagonist, Derfel, portrayed by Stuart Campbell, matures alongside Arthur, providing a perspective through which viewers experience Arthur’s return. However, this narrative choice obscures Arthur’s inner life and molds the show into a predictable coming-of-age tale. From Derfel’s viewpoint, Arthur appears as an enlightened figure, a near messianic leader who works alongside his people and vehemently opposes war, despite his undefeated record. Regrettably, neither the script nor De Caestecker’s performance delves beneath this persona to reveal any depth.

Derfel, on the other hand, idolizes Arthur and pines for Nimue, Merlin’s protégé and a young druidess sworn to celibacy. While “The Winter King” presents fascinating ideas about the decline of paganism and the birth of a national identity, both Arthur and Derfel remain mythical characters rather than realistic individuals. The series strives for authenticity in its depiction of the sixth century but falls short when it comes to breathing life into its heroes.

A Lackluster Adaptation

Overall, “The Winter King” fails to fully capitalize on the potential of the King Arthur legacy. While the show presents intriguing concepts and a refreshing departure from traditional Arthurian tales, it sacrifices depth and complexity in favor of a more straightforward narrative. As the series progresses, the introduction of characters such as Guinevere and Mordred hold promise for future episodes, but it remains to be seen if these additions can elevate the storytelling.

“The Winter King” will premiere on MGM+ at 9 pm on Aug. 20, with new episodes airing weekly on Sundays.