As someone who enjoys Cornwell’s Warrior Chronicles/Saxon Stories, I’ve been anticipating this series for quite some time. Expecting it to be disappointing, I was pleasantly surprised by the first episode. The story of Uhtred moves quickly, possibly too fast, especially if you're unfamiliar with the novels. This initial installment covers more ground than half of the first book. While a lot has been left out, many elements that make the novel enjoyable are present, though quite understated. Those who have read the books will notice that several events concerning Uhtred of Bebbanburg and his personality are only briefly addressed or omitted entirely: his dislike for his father, his interest in the beliefs of his ancestors, his disdain (or perhaps boredom) with Christianity, the blacksmith’s stories, Beocca's efforts to teach him to read, his first encounter with a faithless Alfred (not yet considered great), his admiration for the Romans, his growing affection for Ragnar and his family, his arrogance and tendency to speak without thinking, his sense of humor, among other things. I would have appreciated at least four episodes dedicated to exploring these aspects, but that doesn’t seem likely. So why did I enjoy it so much? I'll admit I’m drawn to characters with long hair and attractive features, but beyond that, the episode offered enough to engage me: Uhtred’s Christian/Saxon upbringing and his pagan beliefs are symbolized by his two necklaces—an amber stone and Thor’s hammer. I am hoping that Uhtred’s internal conflict will be explored more fully in future episodes. There was a baptism scene where Beocca could have easily drowned Uhtred, effectively ending the series after just one episode. Young Uhtred is a cheeky little boy (like when he tries to get his way with Beocca). Despite his youth, he holds the position of ealdorman of Bebbanburg and is prepared to defend it. He acts impulsively, leading us to witness a child going into battle and confronting a Danish warlord. We are shown a massive shield-wall where movement is restricted and slow; if you fall, you become an obstacle for your fellow soldiers. (I was still somewhat surprised after two viewings that Lord Uhtred (Matthew MacFadyen) passed through the shield-wall so easily—I must have missed the Danes allowing him to.) Thyra appears emotionally damaged following the terrible hall burning, and not only because of Sven. It seems she expected Uhtred to rescue her. Ubba, though a capable Danish leader, is very cautious and relies heavily on interpreting signs from the gods, making him unpredictable, according to Ravn, earl Ragnar's father. Brida is depicted as a strong young woman, more Dane than Saxon. But most of all, I liked Uhtred; I liked his appearance and how he carries himself. I did miss his humor but am hopeful that it will surface in the coming episodes. He was helpless during the hall burning and devastated by the deaths of Ragnar and his family. For now, he remains a boy. I'm eager to see him become a man. "Wyrd bið ful ãræd"

Source on TMDB