As this episode of The Last Kingdom begins, Rognvaldr (Micki Stoltt) begins walking with the hot bar in his hands. Wolland (Jaakko Ohtonen) admits this is about pain. It is an agony of burning that the flesh never forgets. Then, they’ll wait to see if the blood thickens. After the sixth step, Rognvaldr drops to his knees so Sigtryggr (Eysteinn Sigurdarson) prepares to kill him. Rognvaldr gets back up and continues until he completes all nine steps. If the Gods haven’t healed him by the third sunrise, they’ve abandoned him to die. After the intro, Uhtred (Alexander Dreymon) makes it to see Aethelflaed (Millie Brady) who is with Eadith. Although Eadith (Stefanie Martini) reminds her that she is sick, Aethelflaed believes there will be plenty of time to lie still later.

Uhtred agrees to accompany her on her duties. When he asks Eadith why she didn’t tell him, she says Aethelflaed asked for her help and silence. She gave both. Eadith explains that she is dying. She has seen it before when their time gets close, they suddenly feel alive. Brida (Emily Cox) asks Pyrlig (Cavan Clerkin) about his nailed God cheating death while he is tied up by his hands. He admits it is a tenant of their faith to believe their God will raise them from the dead on the day of judgment. Pyrlig says he is her God as well since her life began with him and not Danes. She asks why he abandoned her and let Vibeke die. Brida puts a knife to his throat and asks whether God will protect him.

Pyrlig says if God has decided that this is his time, so be it. She tells him not to believe he will have any control over how his life ends. This is just the beginning. Brida mocks him while forcing the blade into his skin. Aldhelm (James Northcote) talks to Aelfwynn (Phia Saban) about taking over while promising he will remain with her. Aelfwynn just hopes she might find her mother’s strength when the time comes. Aldhelm has served her mother for a long time and sees her in Aelfwynn. Aethelflaed believes the people want peace. If they are warm, fed, and housed, they will soon come to respect you. She tells Uhtred she has business with one of the Ealdormen she must attend to.

Uhtred believes she should be fighting what is happening to her instead, but she is convinced the battle is already done. She insists she isn’t giving up. Instead, this is the path that God has given her. She approaches Burgred (Dorian Lough) to say she has completed the letter they spoke about. Although he says it is too much, Aethelflaed believes it is barely enough because Mercia needs protected and he will do what is needed. Before she leaves, Burgred reminds her she has been just, fair, and good to them. Aethelflaed tells Uhtred she has land in her name and wanted to make sure it remains in the hands of the people when she is gone. Uhtred learns that Aelfwynn will be taking the throne when she is gone.

She believes their peace and unity can last for generations if Aelfwynn and Edward’s successors continue and their successors do the same. Aethelflaed admits she’d be happier to leave her daughter if Uhtred would ensure her safety. Uhtred promises to protect Aelfwynn and Merica as best he can. She suggests finding somewhere quiet to sit so people won’t think she is breaking her oath. They sneak out one of the less guarded gates. Aelflaed (Amelia Clarkson) tells Aalys (Kathy Peacock) she should send word to her husband that it is completed so he can ride to Lindisfarne to see it. Aalys believes they will be pleased with her tribute. Aelflaed asks her about waking early and whether anyone accompanied King Edward when he left this morning.

Aalys believes the Lady Eadgifu rode with him. She invites Aelflaed to come with them to Lindisfarne, but she can’t because her presence there could be seen as a claim to the land itself. Since her father would take Edward’s side, she will remain here. Aalys argues she could travel with them without telling anyone since it is a holy tribute. Aelflaed confesses she would like to witness its glory herself. Aalys is certain the King would witness hers. Brida has Pyrlig cut down to give him a chance to pray and beg for his life. Pyrlig admits his life is in Brida’s hands and not God’s. He believes they will join him in life everlasting.

Brida believes his God came back to life while her daughter is cold, but Pyrlig says she will live with him in eternal life. When Brida instructs him to ask God to give her daughter back, Pyrlig confesses that isn’t something his God does. Brida wants to give a life for a life so she asks Orvar (Gabor Perei) to sacrifice himself for Vibeke. Pyrlig insists there will be no trading lives. Brida demands he return her daughter or he will have Orvar’s blood on his hands. Pyrlig begins praying to his God to spare Brida and to let her repent so she can join her daughter in paradise. Brida releases Orvar as she begins realizing that her daughter is dead and she is lost. Pyrlig argues they are never truly lost because God will find her. Brida doesn’t think there is a life for Vibeke after this.

Brida begins crying as she says she is alone and her daughter is alone, but Pyrlig says she is not. When Aethelflaed and Uhtred stop to rest, she says she feels so cold. After Uhtred says she should’ve told him, she admits she didn’t owe him a share of her pain. She has not stopped thinking about what they’ve given up to become what they are. Aethelflaed regrets it on an occasion and it is with every part of her being. Uhtred is asked whether he would’ve begged fate for a different path over these years. He sits down and holds her. Uhtred says Mercia’s people are contented and safe. He asks how he could deny them everything she has done. After she complains that doesn’t answer her question, Uhtred admits he has dreamed of them as a family.

Despite their happiness, he never ceases worrying that they’ve made the wrong choice. It is a curse to think about what might’ve been. Her path was to bring peace to Mercia and protect it. She asks who will protect him since he is carrying so much pain. They kiss as Uhtred continues sitting with her. Brida says her daughter has committed the greatest of God’s sins. If he does exist, she will have been sent to the flames. Pyrlig admits that part of the holy book has never felt true to him. He goes on to say there isn’t much separating Heaven and Valhalla. If they’re right, there is something better after this. Pyrlig argues that her daughter never had a chance to sin. When Brida says she had others kill for her, Pyrlig says we do as our parents teach us and she was trying to please her.

It is not her sin to repent for. Pyrlig doesn’t think it is too late for Brida to believe in him. Brida thinks believing in his God made the Danes weak as they lost their souls and her daughter lost her life. She blames him, his church, his kings, and his queens. Furthermore, she blames all Danes who sucked at their teats and took their baptism rites. Pyrlig knows he can’t help end her pain because nothing can, but he thinks Vibeke is at peace now. He wonders if she can repent if she finds peace of her own. In Eoferwic, Sigtryggr tells Stiorra (Ruby Hartley) there is no honor in his freezing to death. She argues there is no honor in what he did to us, yet he would forgive Rognvaldr. Sigtryggr believes the Gods have forgiven his brother.

Stiorra insists his fate is set and it is in the hands of the Gods now. He will die or survive, but they won’t know until his hands are unbound. Sihtric (Arnas Fedaravicius) and Finan (Mark Rowley) drink while the King arrives nearby. Osferth (Ewan Mitchell) asks Aethelstan (Harry Gilby) when was the last time he saw his father. Aethelstan admits it was a long time ago. Edward (Timothy Innes) goes inside where Aelfwynn tells him that she is with Uhtred. When she says she doesn’t understand why her mother is being taken, Edward reveals time robs them over and over again. Aethelflaed is the best of them so he’d keep her if he could. Aelfwynn is worried that the Ealdormen will not honor her mother’s wishes.

Edward promises they will be taken care of before telling her about their shared wish to honor their father’s desire for unity. He swears to both that he will do everything he can to ensure that comes to pass. Aelswith prays while Uhtred holds Aethelflaed. Once she passes, Uhtred carries her body back inside. Once Uhtred places her body on the bed, Edward tells her he didn’t get to speak to her. While Edward tells her he’ll protect everything they’ve achieved, Brida tells her daughter she loves her. Father Benedict (Patrick Robinson) prays for Aethelflaed as Pyrlig prays for Vibeke. Uhtred approaches Aelswith who asks whether he hears anything. Although she thought he would speak to her now, he is not speaking.

She only asked for his voice when she needed it. Uhtred questions whether he is offering solace, but she doesn’t need solace. She has given her life to him and needs him now. Uhtred is afraid that her prayers have been wasted. Aelswith cries that she is trying to make him hear her. She pleads with Uhtred not to say the words and believes he has forsaken her and her daughter. Uhtred comforts her after she says she is left with nothing. Then, she learns that Aelfwynn is waiting for the Witan. Aelswith is worried that they will take advantage of her. Uhtred argues that they respected Aethelflaed and will accept her choice of successor, but she worries that they’ll turn on Aelfwynn who is too young.

Uhtred believes she can gain their respect like Aethelflaed did. Aelswith says her daughter wanted to see the best in people although she was wrong. There has already been so much death that Aelswith cannot handle more of it. Outside, Aethelstan listens as Edward learns that Pyrlig might be dead. He orders the man to return to his position since it won’t be long now. Aethelstan confronts his father who learns he came with Uhtred. Edward believes Uhtred denied him a chance to say goodbye to his sister. Aethelstan says it seems he has taken many things from him over time. Edward has often wondered about him although his son doesn’t think he would’ve been hard to find. They’ve found each other now. Edward would like to talk to him, but now is not the right time.

Aelfwynn tells Benedict her mother would’ve favored having him there. Aldhelm confirms they will ring the bells when it is time for the Witan to meet. He believes they will respect Aethelflaed’s wishes since they respected her. He knows that Aethelhelm’s presence may delay things though. Aelfwynn doesn’t think her mother would delay it so she won’t delay it either. She will not deny this land or its people what her mother wanted for them. Uhtred tells Eadith he should’ve been there sooner and he will stay until Aelfwynn takes the throne. Aelswith is afraid it is the wrong decision. She asks why they attach themselves to these people. Uhtred isn’t sure they have a choice. Eadith wonders if it is their destiny that can be cruel.

It only seems to cause them sorrow and pain. Eadith wonders if destiny lost its grip on her when she left these lands because she is free of pain and better for it. Pain might be their choice instead of destiny’s. Uhtred is asked what would finally allow him to be free of his pain. They hear them talking nearby as Uhtred insists no good can come of it. Uhtred recommends heading back to the palace. Edward tells Aldhelm that he served her well. She tried to find an easier way to rule, but the Ealdormen were stubborn. The old ways appeal to them more than the new ways. Edward believes Aldhelm could be of great use to Mercia. Aelfwynn arrives early. Aethelhelm (Adrian Schiller) tells them that the throne is taken after the Witan meets and not before.

Uhtred didn’t expect to see him there. Aethelhelm claims here is there to show respect. Uhtred doubts that because a man who has no respect cannot show it. Aethelhelm wants to announce her death, but Eadgifu (Sonya Cassidy) believes King Edward should say when. As they argue, Edward tells Aethelhelm to watch his tongue because the bells will ring in good time. Aethelstan is worried that something is wrong. The others just tell him to shut the door. He tells them to get up when he sees people carrying torches outside.

He goes outside and watches them walk around the corner before Sihtric joins him. They worry it could be an attack. Sihtric will go and get the others while Aethelstan gets Uhtred. Aethelstan is warned not to do anything stupid. Edward tells the others it is time. Burgred’s wife tells him he seems worried. He admits he doesn’t like black because it is so cold. When the bell tolls, his wife reminds him that Aethelflaed asked him to protect Mercia. She believes he has only done as he saw right and good. Aethelstan watches as Burgred and the others are attacked. He gets into a scuffle while screaming for Uhtred. While the Ealdormen are killed, Uhtred and Sihtric make it in time to save Aethelstan. They wake up the guy who attacked Aethelstan who says he knows him. He saw him talking with the King last night.

Uhtred returns to tell them about the dead Ealdormen. Aethelhelm immediately blames Edward who argues he overstepped his bounds. The only explanation he has to offer is the example of their past since the strength of Wessex and Mercia only improved under the alliance with his sister. He can’t let that strength fade. Aldhelm tells them that Aethelflaed wanted Aelfwynn to take the throne and she has her mother’s strength, but Edward hasn’t seen it. His sister’s strength came with time. Giving Aelfwynn time to find her strength would leave Mercia vulnerable. Edward talks about his father’s hopes for unity and one that he and his sister shared. Aldhelm doesn’t think she would’ve united the kingdom with the blood of innocents on her hands. Edward admits her hands are unsullied because it was his choice and he acted alone.

He was forced to act because the Ealdormen had already accepted bribes to go against his sister’s wishes. Aethelhelm argues this is not how succession is determined, but Edward says succession was always determined by bloodshed until his sister’s rule. Since he didn’t want it to be so again, he felt it was better to shed the blood of a few instead of the blood of many. When Aldhelm says he has murdered Mercia’s Ealdormen, Edward says he ensured Mercia’s protection by doing so. Edward intends to do as God wills and become the King of the Angles and Saxons. Sigtryggr goes outside to see if his brother is still alive. Rognvaldr believes he is still alive because of his brother. Sigtryggr looks at his hands and confirms the flesh is beginning to heal.

The Gods have forgiven him. Rognvaldr asks whether he forgives him. If it were Stiorra’s choice, he would be left to fend for himself. He knows he is lucky but argues that Stiorra is not a true Dane. Sigtryggr says a true Dane would not betray their family. He tells him he is his blood and the rest will come in time. Sigtryggr helps him stand up before leaving. Uhtred finds Eadith with Aethelflaed and asks whether she has seen Aelswith. He recommends leaving this place since it isn’t safe here. Osferth takes care of Aethelstan’s wounds. Edward comes out with the killer and says his men are just getting their horses. Aethelstan complains that his father killed the Ealdormen who were old men although Edward did what needed to be done.

Edward knows Uhtred has taught him his strong sense of morality. He hopes he taught him it is better to strike first to prevent more violence. It wasn’t his intention for his son to get caught up in this. They talk about his skill. Edward says his blood is strong, but Aethelstan says his skill comes only from his training. Edward invites his son to the ceremony, but Aethelstan says he will be Uhtred. Brida tells Pyrlig it is done and she gave her peace. She felt it when she was with her. Pyrlig believes Vibeke would want her to find that feeling again. There is no better tribute.

Aethelstan joins Uhtred during the ceremony for Aethelflaed. Uhtred is asked if he is going to retaliate. He says Edward did what kings have always done. No king has ever ruled bloodlessly since it is not in their nature. Aethelstan doesn’t think that was a good way to become a king. Uhtred suggests it is the only way and it is over now. His rule will not be challenged and Edward’s line will watch the throne until it is their turn. It is exactly what Alfred wanted.

 

The Last Kingdom Review

Despite this being a much slower, dialogue-filled episode, it was still entertaining and emotional. It also pushed the story forward significantly with the passing of Aethelflaed and Edward taking over Mercia. Due to the events of the episode, the door is wide open for the story and anything is possible. Brida is struggling to come to grips with the loss of her daughter.

Since there are endless options, I am very eager to find out where the story is going to head next. I am sure Brida and Uhtred will cross paths again in the near future. I won’t speculate about what could happen although I have a few ideas. The episode scores a 7.5 out of 10. Recaps of The Last Kingdom are available on Reel Mockery here. Find out how to support Reel Mockery by following this link.