At the start of the episode, Uhtred (Alexander Dreymon) returns to Aethelflaed’s (Millie Brady) estate. Finan (Mark Rowley) and a recovering Osferth (Ewan Mitchell) greet him. Uhtred learns that Sihtric (Arnas Fedaravicius) fled with Dragfinn. Aethelflaed is happy to see Uhtred. They begin discussing plans to recover Skade (Thea Sofie Loch Naess). Finan tells Uhtred that Sihtric’s betrayal has disturbed the men. Finan is worried that they will not be happy to search for Skade again. Next, Aethelflaed speaks with Uhtred in private. She confirms she is provisioning his men as requested. Their conversation is interrupted by Offa (Ian Conningham) and a small band of men. Aethelflaed and Uhtred split up. Eventually, several of the man are killed and Uhted confronts Offa.

Offa is taken captivate. Finan threatens to torture him. Offa confirms he is working for Aethelwold (Harry McEntire). Offa tells them about Aethelwold’s motives. Uhtred tells Offa to return to Aethelwold, Haesten, Cnut and Bloodhair with a message. He wants them to know that Uhtred is coming as a shadow walker. They will die as Ragnar died. Uhtred speaks to his men about Sihtric’s doubt and betrayal. Uhtred tells them that he can help them build their reputation. The men show their support. We jump to Winchester. Aethelwold has returned. Father Pyrlig (Cavan Clerkin) spots him right away. Beocca (Ian Hart) tells Alfred (David Dawson) about his return. Aethelwold tells Pyrlig that people in Wessex mean to do Alfred harm.

Uhtred tells Finan why he wanted the Danes to know he was coming. Osferth rides with them. Bloodhair (Ola Rapace) asks Skade about the upcoming battle. She wants to know which Dane will earn glory. Skade tells her that each of them is unworthy as the next. Skade tells him that Alfred is destined to die in his bed. Bloodhair claims he is the one to defeat Uhtred. Bloodhair is told that what he wishes for can never be true as long as Haesten (Jeppe Beck Laursen) is alive. She encourages Bloodhair to kill him. Brida (Emily Cox) and Skade argue around the fire. Skade asks Sihtric is Uhtred wants her dead. He explains that Uhtred is undecided. Cnut (Magnus Bruun) claims Brida will be his woman soon enough. They ask Sihtric why he betrayed Uhtred. Sihtric confirms that Uhtred will come. He suggests Uhtred is reckless and unable to plan. That is why he is here.

Cnut speaks with Brida about her men becoming his men. He says that they should let the men be split by the seer. They can use that to their advantage. They enter Brida’s tent together. Meanwhile, Aethelhelm (Adrian Schiller) prepares to meet with Edward (Timothy Innes). Beocca says he believes Aelflaed will be a fitting match. Aelflaed (Amelia Clarkson) is introduced to Edward. Edwards agrees to show her the courtyard. Meanwhile, Edward and Aethelhelm prepare to haggle. Edward and Aelflaed speak about the value of words. Aethelhelm wants more for his daughter. Aethelhelm is worried that Edward will not be made king. Offa arrives with his message. He tells them what Uhtred said. Haesten and Bloodhair get into an argument. Offa is killed. Bloodhair and Haesten agree to fight.

Uhtred and his army travel to Crowland. They’re greeted by Guthlac (Lee Boardman). Guthlac wants them to give up their swords. Uhtred refuses. Uhtred knows that Guthlac will send a message to the Danes. Aethelred (Toby Rego) continues telling Aldhelm (James Northcote) about his desire to kill his wife. He wants Aldhelm to hump her so he can divorce her. Next, Aethelred sits down with Aethelflaed. They discuss security and their possibly half-Dane daughter. Aldhelm gives Aethelflaed advice. He also tells her that he has been ordered to make her like him. Aldhelm agrees to help with the security. Bloodhair prepares for the upcoming battle. Skade enters and tells him that she wants his victory. Haesten and Bloodhair prepare to fight to the death.

Brida asks Skade who she wants to see win. Skade replies that she is destined for neither. Haesten loses his sword. Before he can strike down Haesten, he begins to act erratically. He is weakened. Skade smiles at him. Bloodhair eventually tries to go after Skade. She kills him. Sihtric says she is poison to all men. Cnut makes a speech in Bloodhair’s honor. Guthlac prepares to fight Uhtred. His men surround them in the hall. Guthlac says that he does not wish to fight. Uhtred knows that the Danes will come and this will leave less men at the camp. They bar the door and prepare to find a way out. Uhtred starts a fire to distract them. The men scatter. Uhtred and his men walk out of the hall. Guthlac asks for mercy. Uhtred says never forget and kills him. Cnut tells Haesten about Uhtred being trapped. Haesten tells him to go kill Uhtred and make his reputation.

Aethelwold remains locked in a cell. The witan is ready to hear his plea. Evidence is presented against Aethelwold. Aethelwold claims he was spying on the Danes. He suggests that Uhtred is the one who betrayed them. He admits he was allowed to leave because he promised to kill Uhtred. The Danes fear him as they should. Aethelwold admits they await Alfred’s death. Alfred tells Aethelwold that he wishes he would have remained with the Danes. Aelswith (Eliza Butterworth) speaks to Alfred as he prays. He admits he has received no answers. Alfred claims he should have done more for Aethelwold. Alfred suggests letting God judge him. Aelswith claims that Aethelwold is a threat to Edward. Uhtred and his men watch Cnut and his army march past them. Aethelwold speaks with Sigebriht (Ed Birch) about the woman he once loved and Edward impregnated.

Aethelwold admits men like them have no choice who they follow. Alfred returns. Alfred says that the punishment should be blinding. He says that he will take only one eye. Despite his pleas, Aethelwold is taken away. Sihtric returns to Uhtred. They embrace and admit they were playing everyone. Uhtred sets up a plan to recover Skade. Aethelwold is led outside. He is bound and gagged. The eye is taken. Sihtric returns to Skade and removes her chains. Uhtred reunites with Skade and they make a run for it. They steal the ships down by the river and flee. Haesten is not happy. Aethelwold shows off his deformed eye.

 

The Last Kingdom Review

The Last Kingdom has been excellent this season. This episode was great from start to finish. It bought some suspense and finally reunited Uhtred with Skade. Is he really going to make her his woman? I had a suspicion that Sihtric was working covertly with Uhtred. I am glad that they didn’t drag that out too much. It was short lived and that made it effective. Aethelwold was finally punished for his betrayal. Nevertheless, I suspect that he might be more dangerous than ever before.

I enjoyed this episode a great deal. We have a few episodes left and Bloodhair is dead. Will Cnut and Haesten make tough enemies for Uhtred? Will Alfred die this season? It is only a matter of time until we get those answers. This episode scores an 8 out of 10. Catch up with previous recaps of The Last Kingdom right now!