Britannia is the currently airing historical-fantasy collaboration between Sky and Amazon. The show takes place in 43 AD, with the Roman General Aulus Plautius (who many will recognise as The Walking Dead’s fearsome Governor) leading the Ninth Legion in hopes to succeed where Caesar failed 90 years earlier: conquering Britain.There have been many series and films focussed on the might of the Roman Army. The difference with Britannia is that it also allows us to see the power of the Celts and Druids, the invaders were up against.
If you're looking for shots of beautiful scenery, great set design, compelling characters and a little bit of magic with your next historical drama, give Britannia a go
The show follows a few different characters, including a feisty little girl named Cait who’s determined to find and protect her father, Kerra, a princess of the Cantii tribe who seeks to protect her people despite being shamed for her ounce of Roman blood, and Divis, a strange outcast who believes himself to be on a special mission set by the Gods themselves. The cast is made up of great actors, and the stories and characters intertwine effortlessly from the first episode, each of their stories equally as interesting and entertaining. Although it would be easy for the show to fall into mindless violence and endless battles, the writers have taken the opportunity to include several cultural aspects of British life before the Roman influence set in. We get to explore the politics of the Celtic tribes and their tentative alliances, watch the ceremonies and rituals of the Druids with the same touch of supernatural eeriness shows like Vikings are known for, and learn some ancient history along the way. If you’re looking for shots of beautiful scenery, great set design, compelling characters and a little bit of magic with your next historical drama, give Britannia a go, you won’t be disappointed.