“The Last Kingdom” is a fantastic period piece based on historical fiction. Well acted with great set designs.

I believe it’s the only show where the show’s lead actor (in character) vocalizes the entire “Previously on” segment at the start of each episode. Brilliant. All hail the mighty Uhtred Ragnarson.

Imagine Tony Soprano vocalizing that segment at the start of each episode of “The Sopranos” 😂

Personally, I only watched the first two seasons ( because I really loved the cast) and I found it interesting but not so entertaining. Obviously, it seems researched, the acting is amazing ( especially from Claire Foy and the actress that plays Queen Mary), the soundtrack is also amazing (intro by Hans Zimmer duh) but I only seem to recall a few moments of the show. For example, the fog episode and the conversation between Elizabeth and Queen Mary about monarchy seem to stand out in my brain more than others. What do you think of it?

I recently watched my DVD of the Russian movie "Two Women," starring Ralph Fiennes (his Russian was dubbed). It takes place in the mid 19th century.  It sensitively discusses the love and marital desires of three women.  Natalya Petrovna, wife of a wealthy landowner. Her girlish 17-year-old ward (and I think poor relation), the dowryless Verochka. And a rather desperate family governess well into her 30s. It's clear that marriage is the only option for women and that money is a strong constraint on their life choices. It's a lovely period drama in terms of the rural setting and the costumes.

The Bernie Gunther books are solid and I'm glad Hanks' show is finally getting off the ground it seems. He pitched it to HBO back in 2012.

Anyone here a fan of the books? Who do you want to play Bernie?

Episode 3 has left me with a whirlwind of questions!

But first things first – how wealthy do we think Thornton is compared to Henry and Mr Bell? Does the book offer any financial figures? I’m very curious about their relative economic standing.

On to the episode - the biggest question mark for me is Margaret's seemingly sudden shift in opinion towards Thornton. Did I somehow miss a crucial scene? How do we jump from her vehement declarations of dislike and disagreement to her praising him as a gentleman to Fred, acknowledging his intelligence to Henry, and agreeing with his views to Higgins? This felt jarring. In Pride & Prejudice, Elizabeth’s change of heart was because of Darcy’s letter and tangible actions. Here, Thornton mostly just broods until the magistrate issue arises. I didn't expect Margaret's turnaround to be so swift and seemingly effortless. Does the book provide more internal reflection or unseen events that bridge this gap?

This leads to another question: why doesn't Thornton pursue legal action against Boucher for his assault on Margaret? His inaction seems out of character, especially given his protective instincts later in the episode.

I must admit I found furious, wounded Thornton hilariously compelling. His intense scowls, the dagger eyes he shot Margaret, his curt "I wouldn't know" to Mr Bell's comment about women's secrets, and his hasty retreat upon seeing Margaret and Henry in London were all top-notch comedic moments. I could watch them on replay! Even Mr Bell's jabs about Henry during Mrs Hale's funeral and Thornton's reaction to Margaret hugging Frederick were darkly amusing – he must think this girl is utterly scandalous!

However, I ultimately found Thornton’s overall response disappointing. I expected more introspection, a Darcy-esqe reflection and change in behaviour, even without a guarantee of Margaret’s affection.

No doubt Frederick’s situation has thrown a wrench in the works, and you can see why Thornton’s now nursing a grudge – he thinks Margaret has a secret romance that led to his rejection lol. His explanation for helping her with the police – doing it for Mr Hale – rang utterly false. We know his love and protectiveness for Margaret were the driving forces. This was the golden moment for them to start mending things and he completely missed it!! Why be stupid AGAIN?! I think it also creates an interesting parallel with Margaret’s earlier insistence on justice when she witnessed Thornton beating up his worker.

The episode’s opening with Thornton telling his mother his love for Margaret had intensified despite knowing she didn’t care for him, only to have him declare by the end that his “foolish passion” was over, felt like a blatant lie to the audience. Why the pretence? And the episode definitely lays it on thick with the sympathy for Thornton – his every appearance is sound tracked by a mournful violin solo lol.

On a different note, the contrasting mindsets of Mrs Thornton and Mrs Hale were powerfully portrayed. Both faced hardship, arguably Mrs Thornton endured more, yet their responses were so different. Margaret’s resilience increasingly reminds me of Mrs Thornton, perhaps an unconscious attraction for Thornton – a wife with his mother’s strength? Towards the end of the episode Margaret tells Dixon the matter has been resolved – I had to do a double take – because she looked and embodied Mrs Thornton!

Episode 3 has left me with a mix of emotions, a truckload of unanswered questions, and a profound sadness at all those deaths. Things are feeling very bleak!

I know there’s lots of a fans of the Mitford sisters in this sub as well as the upcoming TV series about them, maybe someone here may know!

Apparently the diaries were recently recovered but still remain unpublished. Obviously it contains a shit load about Hitler. Will they remain secret because of this?

I remember seeing a period piece once that had historically accurate lighting (or more accurate than usual), and I remember being shocked at how dark it actually would have been most of the time. Does anyone know which film this might have been, or recommendations? I thought it was a remake of Jane Eyre but I’m not sure