This story is familiar to every student in England. It’s remarkable that such a compelling narrative, full of unanswered questions and mysteries, has taken so long to become a high-quality, significant production about 1066. It's a real disappointment. However, after watching it, I can confidently say the wait was worthwhile. The series is excellent, though not flawless. I would have preferred the dialogue to be in the languages spoken at the time or, at least, their modern equivalents. I’m also somewhat conflicted about the casting choices of actors who aren't white. Aside from the fact that there were noticeably more non-white characters than realistically could have existed in those regions during 1066, it isn't addressed. On the other hand, I am pleased that younger generations born in England who don’t identify as white can hopefully connect with this story and see a version of their country that doesn't feel completely alien. Considering they prioritized storytelling over strict historical accuracy by choosing modern languages, perhaps it’s not such an important point anyway. It just felt like something left unsaid. Telling this story presented some significant challenges—how to portray the ambiguities inherent in the events. Would the narrative focus on the Norman perspective or attempt a broader view? The Bayeux Tapestry is detailed, but insufficient for what this series needed to accomplish. Therefore, some invention and creativity were necessary, and the writer has crafted a captivating and believable account. It doesn’t simply accept all of history's most contentious details at face value either. It easily could have been a disaster, but it was clearly well-considered, which deserves recognition. The production features impressive battle sequences and occasional depictions of violence, though nothing overly graphic. Both the storytelling and character development remain true to what little historical documentation we possess, effectively conveying the extraordinary nature of the events with realistic repercussions; everything generally fits together. Overall, it's an excellent production and I highly recommend it to those interested in English history. The only unfortunate aspect is that students learning about this period may be too young to watch it and miss out on seeing the series as part of their curriculum. With a few adjustments, it could potentially even be shown in schools.

Source on TMDB