As the fifth season of The Last Kingdom begins, we learn that years have passed while Uhtred heard nothing about Brida (Emily Cox) although there were rumors that she had died. While most forgot her, Uhtred (Alexander Dreymon) hoped the silence meant she had found peace. Uhtred knew Brida would return in time. Brida and her daughter prepare for a ritual while they’re surrounded by many friends. After blindfolding her daughter, Brida yells that the reckoning approaches and the gods are speaking. They guide the seer to choose among you. The little girl walks into the audience until she grabs a man’s hand. Brida declares the seer has chosen. The man jumps into the pit to sacrifice himself. Brida explains they make this sacrifice to bring good fortune and so the moment will be ripe for their voyage.

As they see a fiery explosion in the distance, Brida yells for them to run to the waves. Brida’s warriors run toward the boats sitting down by the water. Brida says the time has come to save their people. After the intro, we’re taken to Runcorn on the border between Mercia and Northumbria. Finan (Mark Rowley) asks Uhtred if he sees anything. Although he does not, Uhtred is convinced something has changed because the air is rotten. A man on a boat screams that he was robbed by sea raiders leading Uhtred to believe it was the Great Rognvaldr. If he wants to trade the border, he had to pay Merica a toll. They tell the man that he has to pay in coin and not produce or tin from Cornwallum pretending to be coin. Uhtred tells Finan it might be a lean winter and they have soldiers to feed.

Finan says it is Blood Month Festival so he needs ale and Uhtred needs to hump the tall girl from Frisia. Uhtred yells for Aethelstan (Harry Gilby) who is drinking with others. He claims he is ready for his first hunt since he is confident that he can slaughter a beast. They cheer Blood Month as they prepare for the hunt. Finan tells Uhtred to leave it because he is a man now. Osferth (Ewan Mitchell) interrupts to tell Uhtred he needs a little help. Uhtred and Finan have to break up a fight between two women who are busy fighting over Osferth although he claims he doesn’t know why. Finan’s woman calls him over so he tells her where he is going. Then, Uhtred and the others head into the woods to search for the piggies. Soon, Aethelstan finds himself surrounded by men with swords.

He asks them whose men they are before he is kicked to the ground. The guy who kicked him watches as Aethelstan kills the others and begins screaming for Uhtred. The guy runs away as Aethelstan kills the remaining enemy. When Uhtred and the others catch up, they learn there were three and one of them escaped. They weren’t from around here. Since Aethelstan managed to take the men on his own, he believes he has earned the right to go downriver to fight the sea raiders. Uhtred believes otherwise. He asks Sihtric (Arnas Fedaravicius) and the others to take him to the alehouse to celebrate his victory. Finan tells Uhtred he is the one who isn’t ready. As Uhtred walks back to the village, he notices a group of birds acting strangely in the sky before they begin falling to the ground dead.

Then, we see York where Stiorra (Ruby Hartley) listens to a man preach from upstairs. She asks how long they can keep preaching the same sermon every day. Sigtryggr tells her that King Edward pays them well. She argues that Edward is stealing his people from him so he should tell them to leave, but he doesn’t want to show that it troubles them. If he is going to be provoked, it’ll take more than an old man trying to extract coin. She says they’re supposed to be at peace. Sigtryggr says they’re outbreeding them so they can grow their town and build a country for generations. She asks about having them beaten. He says maybe once they’ve collected enough silver which they hide in sewers. They hear his brother Rognvaldr (Micki Stoltt) taunting the priests outside.

Rognvaldr tells his brother he is reformed and a man of peace now although Sigtryggr heard he drowned off Scotland. He heard his brother needed a kick in the arse for letting Christians roam his lands. Sigtryggr tells him to ignore them since they’re harmless. He agrees to invite his brother inside. After scaring the Christians outside, Rognvaldr heads inside and asks Wolland (Jaakko Ohtonen) whether he missed him. He passes out. Stiorra asks Hella (Lara Steward) to prepare him a room without a fire to make his trip short. She also promises to cut his hands off herself if he tried anything this time. Uhtred tells Finan and Sihtric that there will be a curfew until the visit with the Lady of Mercia is over.

Finan and Sihtric try to convince him it is okay, but Uhtred is still worried about the sea raiders. He reminds them that the air has changed. When Aethelflaed (Millie Brady) comes, she is going to bring Father Benedict (Patrick Robinson). Uhtred asks them to lodge them near the cornfield, show them the East Well, and hide the strong ale. Aethelstan confirms there is a ship coming that they haven’t been able to identify. He quickly prepares the soldiers in case of an attack. As the boat gets closer, Uhtred sees Eadith (Stefanie Martini) on it. She is taken to the pub where they catch up on old times. She is introduced to Sidgeflaed (Klari Tolnai) who is married to Sihtric and Ingrith (Ilona Chevakova) who is with Finan.

Eadith reveals she has learned much about the ways of healing in Frankia and came to Rumcofa because he heard it was riddled with disease. She doesn’t have a husband. Eadith asks whether the King is happy with his son living with soldiers, but they usually don’t mention that. They all agree that much has changed besides Uhtred who isn’t married either. Later, Uhtred asks Aethelstan to escort them to the lodging house and not to get into any fights with young monks because he trained him for battles and not ale yard brawls. Aethelstan says he swore to protect a child and he is no longer a child. Uhtred swore an oath to the king who is the only one who can relieve him of that oath. When they’re alone, Finan tells Uhtred that the visit was a pleasant surprise although Uhtred is wary of surprises so close to Aethelflaed’s visit.

He explains people change. Plus, he doesn’t think the attack on Aethelstan was a coincidence so it could be someone trying to frighten him. Finan says his wife thinks the changing season is getting to him. He encourages Uhtred to hump the tall girl. Meanwhile, Sigtryggr admits to Stiorra that he doesn’t know what his brother wants yet. He says he pays men to say they fear him. Sigtryggr says it is better to have a lying rogue than a killer. She encourages him to send his brother on his way, but he doesn’t want to break his oath of hospitality. We see that Rognvaldr is actually awake so he has been listening to what they’ve been saying. Stiorra wakes him up before telling Wolland to get him to bed. Rognvaldr tells Sigtryggr they should feast together and talk because he has learned a lot since he last saw him. He agrees to feast with him when he is sober.

Once they’re alone, Stiorra asks Sigtryggr why he lets his brother come between them. He tells his brother is a broken spirit because of what he suffered when he left him alone in Irland. He will honor him since he is his brother and their blood is shared. Sigtryggr jokes she should blame the Christians who have spoken too much of forgiveness. Rognvaldr covers his face with a white material similar to the ritual with Brida earlier. Later that night, Eadith goes out to collect herbs and such. She sneaks into Uhtred’s room and asks whether he was expecting a tall girl. She claims the girl asked her to change rooms with her because the bed is too short. They laugh before Uhtred leaves to go back to his room. In the morning, Aethelflaed says a prayer for her brother and daughter, Aelfwynn (Phia Saban).

Aelswith (Eliza Butterworth) asks why she is praying for her and whether something is wrong with her. She tells them Lord wants them in Rumcofa for the festival. Her daughter asks which Lord and whether it is Lord Uhtred. Aelswith asks if something is wrong with her, but she claims she is just stiff from riding. Then, Aethelflaed tells Father Benedict and Lord Aldhelm (James Northcote) if they’re ready to bring faith to this dark corner of land. Aldhelm reminds her they’ll follow wherever she leads them. As their group rides forward, Aldhelm tells Father Benedict about Blood Month and how Lady Aethelflaed wants to find a way to make the area more Christian. Benedict says it falls near Martinmas which could be enlightened too. In Rome, Benedict heard that these northern tribes could be resistant. Once he asks if their reputation is deserved, Aldhelm says the lady is fond of him and Rumcofa. She wouldn’t place him somewhere he wouldn’t thrive. Sihtric yells for Uhtred when the group arrives in the village. Cynlaef (Ryan Quarmby) eyeballs Aethelstan’s cousin Aelfwynn before he is told to help her off her horse.

Aethelflaed tells Uhtred says she was sorry to miss him on her last trip south when she went to make a treaty with the Scots. Uhtred admits not much has changed here. She tells him he looks well while he says she still looks beautiful. When she tells him about the gift, Uhtred says Rumcofa doesn’t need a priest. She argues that Benedict needs a place to preach though. Uhtred wonders why he is there and if he humped someone, but Aldhelm reveals he gambled all his alms money in Rome before doing the same in Canterbury. Uhtred says they’ll put him somewhere he can’t do any damage. Sihtric shows him the chapel while Aethelflaed and Aelswith talk to Aethelstan. He confirms he was attacked by raiders. Although he claims he is being sent to fight them, Uhtred says otherwise.

Uhtred asks Aelswith about her stomach. She says she survives although she’d like to avoid many commoners to avoid passing on her affliction. Aethelflaed makes sure her daughter doesn’t get too friendly with Cynlaef. Once the others go in, Aldhelm and Uhtred talk about the border being secure. Aldhelm admits they’re still concerned since they’ve heard about the raider named Rognvaldr who Uhtred calls a boastful turd. Uhtred tells him to ask Sigtryggr. Aldhelm reveals Mercia isn’t eager to trust him even though Uhtred does. Although Uhtred doesn’t think they should worry about that, Aldhelm does because they lost 30 men off the coast of Cumbraland to avenge the gods. He claims he has to be warier of the Dane.

He suggests they know things Uhtred does not since there have been stories of mutilations and raiders with white markings on their faces. Uhtred doesn’t think that is the work of Rognvaldr, but he doesn’t say who is responsible. Then, we are taken to Winchester as the man who was there when Aethelstan was attacked meets with Aethelhelm (Adrian Schiller). Bresal (Harry Anton) insists he tried and even lost two of his best men. He tells him to blame Uhtred before offering to try again if he has enough silver. He has heard the lad can be baited into a scrap in an alehouse, but Aethelhelm believes it is too soon to try again. Instead, he asks him to find out what the common people say of his grandson Aelfweard (Ewan Horrocks). When Bresal says nobody speaks of him, he is told to spread his name for his protection. Aethelhelm knows only one can thrive when two boys have one claim.

Then, Prylig (Cavan Clerkin) tells King Edward (Timothy Innes) that he is meeting with the ambassadors from the Duchy of Lotharingia. When Aethelhelm joins them, Edward says it looks like the queen is playing matchmaker. He is told she is keen that her sisters find husbands that will honor him. Aethelhelm asks whether he is going to introduce Aelfweard as the aetheling because he is coming of age and it would signal abroad that his dynasty is prepared. Edward believes that would alarm people by mooting the succession though so he won’t do it. He asks Aelfweard to introduce Lord Aethelhelm to the guests on his behalf and explain he is a respected member of the family. Aethelhelm says he’ll instruct her to make suitable alliances. Edward insists nothing is worse than being stuck with a spouse you’ve come to detest.

Once they join Aelflaed (Amelia Clarkson), she asks her father about her son being introduced as an aetheling only to learn Edward refused. He also admits the other aspect of their plan has been problematic because Aethelstan fought back. Aelflaed is worried they’re training him to become a killer who will one day come for them. Her father believes they have enough support while Aelflaed complains the King looks more to other women every day. They quickly change the subject when her son joins them. Stiorra finds Sigtryggr and Rognvaldr laughing so she asks what he wants since he always wants something. Rognaldr admits she is right and he wants safe harbor for some of his people. He claims they’ve been falsely accused of raiding so he wants them to prove their innocence here under Dane law.

Sigtryggr confirms he has agreed to the arrangement. Wolland will be sent with guards to bring them in and ensure they do not cause trouble. He explains that the Saxons always look for reasons to make incursions and this will show them that our borders must be respected. They will learn that they govern here with justice under law. It’ll also show the Christians they’re not to be moved and they intend to rule here for many years to come. Brida and her soldiers row their boats closer to their destination. Uhtred joins the others as they celebrate the festival. Aethelflaed asks why he is so troubled before he admits he wishes she’d stayed in Aegelesburg. He wonders why she came since he knows it wasn’t Blood Month Festival.

She responds by claiming some say she came to see him. Uhtred wishes that was true although he doesn’t. He asks whether there is a threat he should know about. Aldhelm assures him there aren’t any more risks than usual. Aethelflaed promises they wouldn’t like about a threat to her or Rumcofa. They put up a cross for Benedict who was asked to say a few simple words. Aelswith isn’t thrilled with Benedict’s preaching. While he preaches, Uhtred notices that something is going on with the soldiers. Uhtred’s son approaches with blood around his crotch area as Uhtred asks who did it and whether it was Rognvaldr. He tells Uhtred that it was Brida so they immediately raise the alarm. Rognvaldr asks Sigtryggr why he is allowing his people to be converted, but Sigtryggr wonders when he started caring so much about the gods.

Rognvaldr says he was reborn thanks to the gods sending men to his rescue. He learned how to be loyal to them and to his people. Rognvaldr doesn’t think his brother values loyalty. Sigtryggr orders his men to have the missionaries sent back to Wessex tomorrow. Rognvaldr says he is too accepting of his enemies, but Sigtryggr says he is not and it is more difficult to live peacefully with enemies than to fight them. When Rognvaldr asks whether he pities him, his brother suggests he suffers without his guidance. When Wolland returns, Sigtryggr asks his brother to show him who follows him because he believes he can resolve this. Stiorra looks out of the window upstairs as a large group approaches the gates before she yells for Sigtryggr.

Sigtryggr asks his men to open the gate. Once the group enters, he asks his brother whether these men are his people. Rognvaldr says they’re not his. Instead, they’re hers. Brida rides in with her daughter as Rognvaldr tells his brother they’re all Danes and all pure. He insists he shouldn’t be afraid because Brida is there to save them. Sigtryggr asks where his men are, but they’ve already been taken care of by Brida’s army. A battle begins after Sigtryggr yells for his men. Brida tells the Danes of Jorvik who turned to Christ that they’re here to return them to the gods. Hella encourages Stiorra to hide instead of fighting. As the battle rages, Brida orders her men to find Stiorra. Uhtred screams at Brida to tell her they’re ready for her.

 

The Last Kingdom Review

I’ve always enjoyed The Last Kingdom so it is good to see the series back with a final season. Not much has changed since the characters we’re familiar with are back with a few new additions. The episode started with a bang and ended with an even bigger one. At some point, Brida was going to come after Uhtred in hopes of getting revenge. It seems that time is finally upon us. She has a large army that managed to catch Sigtryggr off-guard thanks to his brother Rognvaldr.

I really thought it’d be harder to remember the characters and acquaint myself with the new ones, but the show did a good job of naming everyone. Although this has been happening since the beginning, some of the dialogue is a bit cheesy such as humping and other silly jokes. My bigger complaint is the lighting because it was often difficult to see some of the characters’ faces.

I had difficulty telling what was going on during the final battle in the last few minutes of the show because it was so dark and quick. Regardless, I look forward to watching the remaining episodes and genuinely enjoyed this one. The episode scores a 7.5 out of 10. Recaps of The Last Kingdom can be found on Reel Mockery here. Find out how to support Reel Mockery by following this link.