Editor’s Note: The content reviewed is based on three episodes.
The Letter for the King follows Tiuri, a young, misfit aristocrat from Dagonaut, as he battles to deliver a secret letter to the king of the land and ultimately diffuse wars between Dagonaut, Unauwen and the region of Evillian. After failing some of his tasks to become a knight, Tiuri encounters the Black Knight outside of one of the final challenges—an entire night in a tomb. Despite the warning to stay inside the tomb, Tiuri decides to help the Black Knight who is fatally wounded. After the Black Knight gives Tiuri the letter, his ring and strict orders to deliver them to the king within two weeks, he is killed by the Red Riders. With warrant for his arrest issued throughout the land, Tiuri must be smart as he navigates to the king’s palace.
Throughout the series, Tiuri does his best to do what is right—even in the face of many trials. Despite betrayal by his friends and mocking by his enemies, he is always fair and kind. He does not back down in the face of fear.
As the series develops, viewers learn that some characters possess magical powers—powers that even they may not know that they have. Lavinia, Tuiri’s acquired sidekick, possesses some of the most powerful magic of all. It is important for parents to understand that the premise of this show consists of magic and sorcery. While witchcraft is not the main theme, it is something to be considered. It is also important to note that the idea of sorcery goes along with the Medieval theme of the show.
The Letter for the King is primarily a fairy tale—similar to popular tales with kings and queens and horses and magic. There are minimal Biblical themes in the show aside from a scene in a monastery that features a seemingly corrupt abbot; in fact, it is clear that the characters have their own beliefs in shamans and Medieval hierarchies. While it doesn’t contain Biblical plot points, it shows viewers the importance of just behavior. It also elaborates on an epic journey to save the land—which serves what seems to be its entire goal: entertainment.
Overall, The Letter for the King is well written, and the characters are well cast. The scripting, while dramatic and a bit unrealistic at times, is funny and easy to understand. Some major plot points are difficult to believe when viewing them from an angle of what could happen, but through the lens of a magical land anything is possible. The ability to keep an open mind and recognize its fairy tale aspects make The Letter for the King an overall great story.
The Letter for the King is Dove approved for ages 12+.
