With the end of the Game of Thrones television series, there’s a big dragon-shaped hole left in our collective Sunday nights. Luckily, there have been a couple of television series ready to take up the mantle for your viewing parties!
Vikings
Vikings, the first scripted series from the History Channel, follows the mythical Viking warrior Ragnar Lodbrok on his quest to discover England and a better life for his family and his children. Ragnar starts as a farmer, but he believes he is a son of the god Odin and that his destiny calls him to kingship — and he will take what is his with fire and blood if necessary. Ragnar’s rise will set off the Danish version of the Westerosi War of the Five Kings and will have consequences for everyone that he can’t foresee.
The Last Kingdom
The Last Kingdom, based on the book of the same title by Bernard Cornwall, takes place around the same time as Vikings, focusing on the Saxon Uhtred of Bebbanburg, who was raised by Danish warriors and who goes on to fight for Saxon England with King Alfred the Great. Uhtred also has lost his land and intends to take it back, and like Ragnar and Daenerys Targaryen he will stop at nothing to get what he’s owed. In his way are his treacherous uncle, a host of his former allies, and Alfred himself, who is determined to unite the English kingdoms under one rule, and who wants Uhtred’s help to do so.
Both of these shows feature great characters that are morally ambiguous but who you’ll still root for, lots of epic battle scenes, and a background mythos that will draw you in immediately. If you’re missing Tyrion, Jon Snow, and Arya, these are for you! You can place holds on any season of Vikings or The Last Kingdom through the Deerfield Public Library’s online catalog. Be sure to stop by and let us know what else you’re watching!
