As the episode gets underway, Uhtred battles with Bloodhair. A spectator steals Uhtred’s sword. Beocca calls to Ragnar and asks him if he thinks this is a fair fight. Brida (Emily Cox) yells for Bloodhair to kill Uhtred. Finan manages to steal back Uhtred’s sword. Uhtred gets the best of Bloodhair until Ragnar steps in and stops him. Ragnar tells Uhtred to take his witch. He says that he will kill him on the battlefield. Brida agrees. Uhtred (Alexander Dreymon) leaves with Skade (Thea Sofie Loch Naess) and his comrades. Aethelwold (Harry McEntire) is worried. Ragnar (Tobias Santelmann) blames Aethelwold for these events. He asks why he shouldn’t kill him. Ragnar gives him a beating until Cnut stops him. Ragnar is eager to continue with their original plan. When Ragnar steps away, Cnut (Magnus Bruun) tells Aethelwold that it was weak for Ragnar to let him go.

Beocca (Ian Hart) and Thyra depart from Uhtred. We jump to Winchester. Steapa (Adrian Bouchet) greets Haesten (Jeppe Beck Laursen). After giving up his weapons, Haesten meets with Alfred (David Dawson). Haesten recognizes Father Pyrlig (Cavan Clerkin). Haesten tells Alfred and Aelswith (Eliza Butterworth) about Aethelwold and the Danes. Alfred and Haesten agree that the Danes will attract armies as they continue their march towards Winchester. Haesten suggests marching and meeting them ahead of time. Outside, Haesten tells his comrade that he wants the Lady of Mercia found quickly. Alfred tells Pyrlig to write a letter to Aethelred (Toby Regbo) telling him to prepare for battle against the Danes. Alfred is ready to move forward immediately.

Alfred is worried that his strength will fail him soon. Ragnar rallies the troops. He tells them that everything is possible. Meanwhile, Sable checks on the guards. Aethelflaed (Millie Brady) speaks with Abbess (Anastasia Hille) about the life of a nun. They’re warned that Danes are in the kitchen. Uhred sneaks in. Aethelflaed is happy to see him. Finan and Sihtric (Arnas Fedaravicius) ridicule the guards. Abbess admits she doesn’t like Uhtred or Skade. That night, Ragnar gives orders to Cnut. He tells him to send men ahead to look for Alfred’s army. Ragnar seems captivated by another woman. Cnut uses the moment to pull Brida away from him. Cnut speaks with Bloodhair. Cnut tries to make Bloodhair distrust Ragnar. Cnut wants their spies to act as messengers. He believes they can grow their armies together. Aethelflaed speaks with Uhtred.

They speak about Gisela and Skade. Aethelflaed warns him against trusting Skade. Uhtred tells her about the danger of the Danes. He warns her that he cannot protect her forever. Uhtred claims that he will not fight against the Danes. Aethelflaed insists she will return to her estate and fight against the Danes and her husband. She kisses Uhtred then leaves quickly. Skade watches and enters. Skade encourages Uhtred to fulfill his duty and return to the Danes. She warns him and kissing him. Aethelhelm (Adrian Schiller) arrives in Winchester. Alfred doesn’t want Aethelhelm to see him sickly. Beocca meets with Aethelhelm. Aethelhelm is not happy to be housed at the inn. He wants a room in the palace. Alfred tries to settle matter with Edward (Timothy Innes). Edward is adamant that he is still married. He isn’t willing to get unmarried. Alfred tells his son about the privilege of leading Wessex.

Edward is told that his children will be cared for. Alfred reminds him that the crown is all important. Edward finally understands. The Danes continue their march. Aethelwold speaks to Cnut about Ragnar’s ability to lead the army. Cnut tells him that Ragnar was a good man, but his father was a better man. He claims that Ragnar has no more purpose. He explains that Ragnar blames him for losing Uhtred. Edward’s children are confiscated. His wife is taken to Winchester. Aethelred and Aldhelm (James Northcote) discuss their options. Aldhelm suggests joining Alred is the best choice. Aethelred says they will fight and hopefully the right people will die. Haesten’s army arrives and surprised the Abbess. The guards are killed. The Abbess runs inside and warns everyone. Uhtred gives the abbess orders.

She speaks with Haesten. She offers them food and ale. Haesten makes it clear that he wants Aethelflaed. Another hostage is killed. The last hostage is killed.  Dagfinn (Simon Krogh Stenspil) kills her. Uhtred, Finan (Mark Rowley) and the others continue to wait. Haesten’s army enters the church. Uhtred and his men strike back. Dagfinn and Haesten are forced to escape. They plan to block the entrances andwait. Aethelflaed suggests giving herself up. Uhtred tells her otherwise. Meanwhile, Ragnar wants to rise early and quicken their pace. Ragnar believes that Haesten will maintain his word and attack from the east. Brida stops Ragnar. He tells her that it is the last son he wants. Cnut joins Aethelwold. Aethelwold suggests killing Ragnar before he can strike. He wants to kill Ragnar in his sleep. Cnut tells him that it should be tonight.

He tries to scare Aethelwold into acting quickly. He promises to protect him once it is done. Meanwhile, Uhtred and the others contemplate their plans. He wants to form a shield wall and then negotiate. He tells Skade to do what he asks. He promises to come for her. Uhtred tells her that he will lie with her. The door is opened. Uhtred offers to give him Skade instead. Finan warns Uhtred against bargaining with him. Haesten agrees to take the seer. Skade tells Uhtred that he is cursed once more. Sihtric tells Uhtred that his life is not his own. Aethelhelm meets with Alfred and Edward. Alfred tells him about the threat of the Danes. They pray together. Aethelwold finishes drinking. He gets up in the middle of the night and sneaks through the camp. Aethelwold makes it into Ragnar’s tent.

He kills them both. He stages the scene before running away.

 

The Last Kingdom Review

I had a feeling it was going to be the end for Aethelwold or Ragnar. I just didn’t expect it to happen like this. The episode brought the drama and suspense up to a whole new level. Now, Cnut and Bloodhair will assume control of the Dane army. That is going to be a very bad thing for almost everyone. It seems Alfred has managed to strengthen his army with the help of Edward. Uhtred saved Aethelflead but gave up Skade in return.

I’ll say that the Skade character is a little cliché. Nevertheless, this season of The Last Kingdom has been great and this episode was shockingly good. It scores a solid 9 out of 10. Catch up with previous recaps of The Last Kingdom now!