As the 7th episode begins, Uhtred (Alexander Dreymon) and his army return to camp. Beocca (Ian Hart) panics when he cannot find his new wife. Seconds later, Thyra (Julia Bache-Wiig) emerges from the woods. She tells Aethelred (Toby Regbo) and the others about the attack. She admits she doesn’t know whether or not Aethelflaed (Millie Brady) was taken. Nevertheless, Uhtred and the others are convinced Erik (Christian Hillborg) and his men took her. Meanwhile, Erik, Sigefrid (Bjorn Bengtsson) and their army transport Aethelflaed to Beamfleot. On the way back to Wessex, Aldhelm (James Northcote) and Aethelred attempt to figure out what to tell Alfred. Uhtred and his men go home, while Beocca and the others continue towards Wessex. Aethelwold (Harry McEntire) reminds Beocca that Uhtred has basically been banished by Alfred. Later that night, Uhtred discusses his plans with Finan (Mark Rowley).

Uhtred sends Sihtric (Arnas Fedaravicius) and Rypere (Tibor Milos Krisko) to Beamfleot to spy on Erik and Sigefrid. Erik and Aethelflaed arrive in Beamfleot. The Danish brother use this captive to rally the troops. Then, Aethelflaed is shown her new room. Haesten (Jeppe Beck Laursen) points out her bathroom bucket, before leaving her alone. Alfred (David Dawson) is informed about the situation. Alfred insists he will send for his men and obtain the facts. Once Alfred exits, Odda the Elder (Simon Kunz) scolds Aethelred. Odda instructs Beocca and Steapa (Adrian Bouchet) to give him the details. Once alone, Aethelwold heckles Aldhelm and Aethelred. He also makes it clear that Uhtred is the only one who can clean up their mess. Back at home, Uhtred and Gisela (Peri Baumeister) chat about Aethelflaed.

Seconds later, they’re caught off guard by the arrival of Osferth (Ewan Mitchell). He pleads with Uhtred to let him join his army. Inside, Gisela makes it clear the Uhtred would only accept Osferth to embarass Uhtred. Uhtred admits it is true. Osferth doesn’t seem to mind. He suggests he will force Uhtred to let him stay by proving himself. Uhtred implies he will go to Winchester as soon as he receives word for his spy. Meanwhile, Aethelflaed has gone on a hunger strike. Erik speaks with her and learns she wants a bath. He agrees to make it happen, as long as she eats. She agrees. In Winchester, Aelswith (Eliza Butterworth) tells her husband that they may need Uhtred now. Alfred remains convinced God will save their daughter. The next day, Aethelflaed is taken to the river to bathe. Sihtric spots her and sends Rypere to Uhtred.

When Aethelflaed enters the water, Erik forces the others to turn around. However, he and Haesten take a few glances. After getting word from his spy, Uhtred and his men head for Winchester. They’re granted an audience with Alfred. Uhtred explains the situation to Alfred, before he admits it would be best to negotiate with the Danes. Some of his men are not happy with the decision. Nevertheless, he agrees to send Aethelred and Uhtred to Beamfleot. Beocca confronts Uhtred outside and apologizes for not going with him. It seems the recent event have spooked him. In Beamfleot, Sigefrid lets Erik know he is aware of his feelings for Aethelflaed. While they’re occupied, Haesten enters her cell and tries to rape her. Aethelflaed puts up a fight, before Erik enters and saves her. Erik apologizes to her, before learning about her tumultuous relationship with her husband.

Back in Winchester, Odda confronts Alfred. He suggests encouraging Aethelflaed to end her own life for the sake of the country. Alfred doesn’t appreciate the idea. Erik allows Aethelflaed out of her cage, so they can see the stars together. They share a laugh, before Erik speaks about his parents. They eventually embrace and kiss. Odda spots Aethelwold as he drinks at the bar. He asks Aethelwold his opinion about Aethelflaed. Aethelwold admits he wouldn’t dare say it aloud. Odda compliments Aethelwold’s father, before suggesting he may need Aethelwold’s help in the future. Meanwhile, Erik and Sigefrid joke about Aethelflaed, while planning their next move. Uhtred and his men arrive in Beamfleot. They’re stopped by Haesten, who agrees to lead a small number of them into the city.

During the journey, Aldhelm suggests to Aethelred that they should negotiate with the Danes and avoid getting their necks slit. Sihtric spots Uhtred as soon as his group is led into the city. Uhtred consults with Sigefrid, before Aethelred begins offering money. Erik uses the opportunity to belittle the king. Eventually, Aethelflaed is marched outside and given a chance to speak with her husband. She admits she is being treated well and has not been touched. Aethelred tells her to ignore his upcoming comments. He offers 100 pounds of silver to the Danes and nothing more. Sigefrid yells for Weland. The massive brute of a man approaches. He follows Sigefrid’s order and knocks Aethelred out cold. Pyrlig (Cavan Clerkin), Uhtred and Aldhelm head inside to negotiate with Erik and Sigefrid. After a little back and forth, Sigefrid demands 10,000 pounds of silver and 1,000 pounds of gold.

They eventually come to a fairer agreement. Aethelred wakes up naked in the pigpen. He enters the bar and is covered up by Aldhelm. Aethelflaed is given time to pray, while Uhtred speaks with Erik alone. Uhtred makes it clear he knows about Erik’s feelings for the girl. Erik doesn’t deny it. He also admits he cannot let her go. Then, Uhtred speaks with Aethelflaed in private. She admits she doesn’t want to come home. Uhtred tries to convince her that her relationship with Erik will fail. Aethelflaed pleads with Uhtred to help her escape with Erik. He insists Alfred would have them both killed. Again, she pleads with Uhtred to save her life, as well as the nations of Wessex and Mercia with it. The episode ends before Uhtred can give an answer.

 

The Last Kingdom Review

The second season of The Last Kingdom has been really solid. There have been plenty of twist and turns, as well as a lot of action and humor. Now, Uhtred has a big decision to make. It is clear he is torn between his loyalty to Alfred and his desire to help Aethelflaed escape her horrible husband. Aethelred has proven to be unreliable, yet Alfred sees the man as his key to Mercia. Alfred has been blinded by his passion to unite the kingdoms and he has paid dearly for his mistake. Plus, we have Sihtric playing spy and Odda up to god knows what.

The finale should be good. This episode was great. It was nice to see Alfred and Aelswith forced to grovel for Uhtred’s help. An 8.5 out of 10 is deserved. Previous recaps of The Last Kingdom are available now.