All 10 episodes of The Winter King, ranked worst to best

1. The best episode of The Winter King is Episode 8

Episode 8 is nice and expansive, with several storylines taking place in several locations. All of them are interesting. In Arthur’s stronghold of Ynys Wydryn, Arthur’s new wife Guinevere tries to ingratiate herself with her husband’s court, to mixed success. Meanwhile, Arthur tries to put down a potential rebellion in the nearby kingdom of Isca, and is reminded of how some of his recent decisions have weakened his position. And Morgan and Derfel head off to Powys to try and placate King Gorfydd after Arthur spurned his daughter.

By this point, the show had earned enough trust to sprawl out a bit, and for us to watch it without fear that everything was going to fall apart. Also, Episode 8 had what I thought was the only genuinely surprising twist in the show: King Gorfydd, who is no mood to be placated, crucifies Arthur’s advisor — the kindly Bishop Bedwin — to send a message. A united England will have to wait.

Missteps aside, I did more or less enjoy The Winter King by the end. But getting there could be rough. We haven’t heard whether MGM+ plans to renew this series. What do you think: does it deserve to come back?

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