King and Conqueror viewers point out same problem with BBC historical drama
James Norton stars as Harold of Wessex and is also Executive Producer on King and Conqueror whilst Nikolaj Coster-Waldau plays William of Normandy in the new BBC drama
New BBC drama King and Conquerer had fans divided last night as they tuned in to watch the first episode. The drama series follows the story of Harold of Wessex (James Norton) and William of Normandy (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) and the famous 1066 Battle of Hastings.
The pair were allies but soon clashed ahead as they both vied for the possession of the crown. Now, a drama series has been made about the pair and it aired on BBC yesterday evening.
James Norton stars as Harold of Wessex and is also Executive Producer on the series. Speaking about holding both roles, he said: "In terms of producing – talking about power! – I loved it. It was a very humbling experience walking onto those sound stages and seeing the world that we had built, these huge castles and interiors. It was Rob Taylor as well, our producing partner, who was massively influential in making the show happen. We're all relatively earlyish in our producing careers, and so it was a massive moment for us.
"To Kitty's credit, I had to step back from producing responsibilities when we started shooting because I had to concentrate on Harold. I am incredibly proud of what we made and of the process of making it – how harmonious, enjoyable and creative that was."
Kitty Kaletsky, who also worked as executive producer on the series, added of working with James: "It’s a total joy working with James and a real thing to behold when he so expertly manages to flip between the character that he's playing and wearing that executive producer hat. He's at once incredibly opinionated, articulate and creatively led, but also never the loudest voice in the room and is really deferential to the other people that we're working with.
"It shifts when he's on set - we wear different hats because he has to devote himself to the role and to the character - but he never totally switches off because he knows it's his production and that he has a responsibility not just to the project, but to the cast and the crew to sort of hold his head high."
However, fans were quick to share their thoughts on the BBC show, with some pointing out the same problem. One wrote: "Gave up after 15 minutes. Terrible dialogue, terrible acting, terrible sound. #kingandconqueror."
"Was looking forward to King And Conqueror but what a disappointment. What is this trend of using modern language and phrases that would never have been heard in the times portrayed. The BBC used to be the best at this kind of drama. Not anymore. #KingAndConqueror," a second added, with a third writing: "The language is completely wrong in every which way!"
However, some fans heaped praise on the show. One wrote: "Wow King And Conqueror amazing first episode," whilst a second added: "Impressed with King & Conqueror so far!"
"They’ve done an amazing job making this look like 1066," a third shared, with a fourth adding: "Since being a boy, I have loved English medieval history. I have to say I enjoyed yesterday evening’s King and Conqueror but I never before thought of Edward The Confessor as being anything like the way the brilliant Eddie Marsan has played him. Great stuff."
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