As this episode of The Last Kingdom begins, Stiorra (Ruby Hartley), Uhtred (Alexander Dreymon), and the others hold a ceremony for Sygtryggr. When she steps outside with Rognvaldr (Micki Stoltt), the crowd begins cheering. She screams that Sigtryggr lived as a warrior and died as a king. Rognvaldr says they should unite in grief. She responds by saying her grief is that he lived and Sigtryggr did not. Stiorra hopes they can die like Sigtryggr did with honor in their hearts and laughter in their throats. They agree they will meet in Valhalla and drink together again. Later, young Uhtred (Finn Elliot) approaches as they tell him he did well in Rumcofa.

He tells them that Brida has stuck again before Uhtred visits a wounded Pyrlig (Cavan Clerkin). Once Pyrlig realizes Uhtred is there, he warns him that Brida wants to punish him. Uhtred asks his men to fetch Aethelstan (Harry Gilby) since they’re going to need his guard. He is adamant that they will hunt her down and kill her. In Eoferwic after the intro, Aldhelm (James Northcote) tells King Edward (Timothy Innes) that they have not found the witch, but Uhtred’s men will find her. As for Aethelhelm (Adrian Schiller), there are rumors he is traveling south. Edward worries he will try to raise a rebellion. When he learns that Pyrlig cannot travel, he recommends leaving him here.

Edward believes they need to return to Winchester since Aethelhelm will try to seize it. They agree it would be best for Edward to break the news to Aelfweard (Ewan Horrocks) since he has been through so much of late. Aldhelm doesn’t think they should leave Eoferwic since the men who died defeating Sigtryggr will have died for nothing. If they secure it, they can expand further north and bring the entire Northumbria region under his command. Edward says it will mean nothing if they lose Wessex. Aldhelm is concerned that Stiorra’s grief could lead to more trouble. If sympathy for the young widow is the problem, Edward suggests that can be resolved.

Edward asks Aldhelm to summon Lord Uhtred. Aethelstan and Uhtred talk about Brida and whether she has left these lands. Uhtred doesn’t think so because Pyrlig couldn’t have traveled far with those injuries. Aldhelm interrupts to tell Uhtred that Edward wants to see him. Uhtred admits he brings Edward nothing including no Brida, no Aethelhelm, and no change in Pyrlig. After Edward asks about the Danes of Eoferwic, Uhtred asks when he has ever cared for them. He says it was since he became their king. It sounds strange because it was never his expectation to rule Danes. Although he always coveted these lands, he had hoped a conquest would be peace and people would live side by side.

Uhtred insists that became difficult when he martyred their kind. Edward knows the King’s widow has a grief that would most the stoniest of hearts. She has lost her future, status, and her home. Edward wonders if he can offer Stiorra a salve to help her hide her grief a little better. He needs Eoferwic at peace and needs to return home because of Aethelhelm. Edward wants Stiorra to swear to him publicly and bring comfort to the Danes that all is resolved between them. Uhtred says the people here have endured too much for that, but Edward argues they all have endured too much. Uhtred thinks Stiorra could lead the Danes like Aethelflaed led in Mercia. It could give her some purpose.

Edward wants to make sure she doesn’t lead them against him. Uhtred doesn’t think she has an appetite for rebellion. Uhtred says she won’t take a baptism. Edward knows she was baptized as a girl so she is already saved. He needs to be acknowledged as the true overlord of Eoferwic and she will have his protection if she does that. Uhtred will tell her to comply. He thanks Edward and says it is an honor that his daughter will not be expecting. Edward says they cannot be great kings if they cannot honor their greatest warriors. Aelswith (Elizabeth Butterworth) and Eadith (Stefanie Martini) search for Aelfwynn. Glaedwine (Luke Nunn) approaches Aelfwynn (Phia Saban) after recognizing her and says he is from Mercia too.

He claims he was her mother’s errand boy. She asks him to leave her alone if that is true. Glaedwine claims he has been tasked to protect her by someone who cares for her very much. She questions whether it is Cynlaef. Glaedwine admits he has been searching for her. She says they should make haste because she is worried Lady Aelswith’s guards are near. He leads her away while Aelswith and Eadith continue searching for her. Aelfwynn is taken to Bresal (Harry Anton) who tells her to never trust a handsome man. When Eadith sees them together, she tells Aelswith about Bresal and how he offered her silver for Aelfwynn. She tries to barter with Bresal to get Aelfwynn back until Aelswith gets involved.

She tells Bresal he can keep the silver as a reward for finding Aelfwynn. Although he lets them leave, it seems he has a trick up his sleeve. Eadith worries that it was too easy, but Aelswith is not concerned. They find their guards dead as Bresal approaches and warns it would not be wise to cry out for help. Wolland (Jaakko Ohtonen) tells Rognvaldr that the word of Stiorra’s father must come before his. Stiorra hopes he has Brida since she is the source of all their sorrows. Uhtred reminds her that he is in grief for Sigtryggr too and her anger will destroy her. Although she thinks she is nothing now, Uhtred says she still has a father who’d do anything to make this right.

Uhtred believes he can raise her from her grief. He tells her about Edward’s offer to be a lady here and rule in his stead. She wouldn’t be queen, but Eoferwic would look to her. In return, Edward wants her to swear allegiance and forgive. When she says she can’t forgive with her heart, Uhtred recommends forgiving with her mouth and keeping her heart silent. She knows there will come a day when he is called elsewhere and she is left as a target. Uhtred thinks she needs to accept this in order to thrive. Aelfwynn wonders why they have taken them. Eadith believes it is because her uncle wants her concealed to ensure she doesn’t threaten the Mercian throne.

Aelswith claims her son is shrewd so he would’ve kept her close if he thought she was a threat. She says only a wealthy coward would pay men to do this and immediately believes she knows who is responsible. She says Aethelhelm is as rich as he is cunning. People have come for her life on other occasions meaning she is schooled in how to protect herself. Aelswith tells Aelfwynn not to fear because they look at them as weak, feeble women. Yahya asks why the king won’t let them leave even though they’ve pledged their allegiance. Wihtgar (Ossian Perret) doesn’t think there will be a war with Wessex since peace serves both kings better. When Aethelhelm enters, Wihtgar says that old goat is not from Northumbria.

Constantin (Rod Hallett) approaches Aethelhelm and tells him to show him the gift. Aethelhelm says there is no gift and the king is not sure they appreciate holy relics in Scotland. He asks Constantin to forgive him for the insult since he is just the messenger. He knows about his conquest of Mercia. Constantin asks whether the treaty with Aethelflaed still stands. Aethelhelm says the king hasn’t spoken to him about a treaty or coming north. Constantin asks why he’d send an ambassador who knows nothing. Aethelhelm believes he is the type of man who knows the quality of mercy so he throws himself upon his compassion. He brings him warning that Edward’s eye wanders northward to Northumbria and Scotland.

Those ambitions are not shared by him. Constantin doesn’t need a warning because they’re already prepared now that half the lords of Northumbria are sworn to him. As Constantin tries to figure out what he wants, he learns about Aethelhelm’s daughter being murdered. Edward would have Wessex believes the Danes kill her. Constantin asks whether he is after vengeance. Aethelhelm is merciless in his pursuit of land and sees enemies everywhere including his grandson and heir. He tells him about Aethelweard who he describes as a sweet Christian boy.

He says his ambitions would stretch no further than Wessex and Mercia. Aethelhelm asks him to help raise a rebellion against the king and put his grandson on the throne in Wessex. Under his guidance, Aelfweard guarantees no incursions into Scotland. Constantin says he had no interest in playing kingmaker in Saxon lands. When he says one king is much like another, Aethelhelm says that is why they’d offer more than a treaty. They would also offer half the profits from the lands of Mercia through a marriage bond to the Lady Aelfwynn. The lands are prosperous and fertile as is the girl. Edward is haunted by his father’s dream to unique the kingdoms in one so-called England. Aethelhelm warns him that the opportunity may not arise again if he doesn’t strike now.

Constantin asks for time to dwell on it and speak to his commanders. He tells Aethelhelm not to go far since he has intrigued him and that is no inconsiderable feat. Glaedwine offers to kill the women while they sleep, but Bresal argues that wouldn’t be a good idea. He agrees that they will be hunted if they don’t though. Aelswith knows they’re planning to kill them because they know what forces she can raise. If they are going to act, it has to be now. Aelfwynn tells them she needs to use the bathroom as the other women try to convince them to give her privacy. Eadith follows Aelswith’s instructions and begins asking questions about where they’re going and who they’re being delivered to. Bresal tells her to sit down or he’ll make her before Aelswith attacked him with the torch.

Bresal quickly takes down Eadith and begins choking her until Aelswith stabs him in the neck and kills him. She says she felt like Saint Michael the Archangel when he slew Satan’s armies. Glaedwine flees when Aelswith threatens him. Aelswith screams for Aelfwynn to run, but he grabs her as he goes. Edward tells Aldhelm to have them prepare for a ceremony and invite the most appropriate Danes. Stiorra can swear while they bear witness. When Edward asks why a place wasn’t set for Lady Eadgifu (Sonya Cassidy), Aldhelm admits he thought she was sent away. Edward visits her and learns she is going to return to Cent. He promises he wouldn’t bring her anywhere that is not safe, but she is more worried about his wrath.

She claims she is sparing him the trouble of sending her away. Eadgifu reveals they’ve been blessed and cursed although Edward says there can be no more bastards. She knows what she did and will take her punishment proudly to give thanks to God for the short time they have had together. Edward says God has blessed them. He doesn’t know why, but it might be the reason they’ve suffered so much grief. He suggests God has decided that they are to be wed. Father Benedict (Patrick Robinson) performs the ceremony for them a short time later. Aelfweard storms in to ask if his father is going to wed so soon. After Edward says God has sent them an unexpected blessing, Aelfweard suggests he is to be replaced too.

Edward tries to force him to return, but Eadgifu asks him to let him grieve his mother. He tells Benedict to find him, comfort him, and remind him of his duty. Stiorra grieves her loss and leaves her necklace for Sigtryggr. Father Benedict tells Aelfweard that he has been asked to comfort him. Although he says the King loves him, Aelfweard doesn’t believe it. He thinks Edward doesn’t want him to be king and never felt love for his poor mother. Benedict asks what he can do to help. Aelfweard admits there is one thing although he suspects he will refuse. He wants to travel to join his grandfather and he’ll be less likely to be questioned if he is with a priest.

Benedict doesn’t know where to find him. Aelfweard says he does because he knows which men he pays and who to ask. He doesn’t want to travel alone. Benedict urges him to stay. Aelfweard urges him to pay his debt to his grandfather. He asks Benedict how the King would see it if he told him about the debt. Uhtred tells Stiorra to do this one thing and it is over. He knows how hard this is, but pride is what drove Brida to the darkness. Brida watches two soldiers go by on horseback. When Stiorra goes to the King, she confesses her heart will not allow her to kneel even though she knows it is wise to do so. She says to honor her father would be to dishonor her husband.

That would destroy everything they have built here in Eoferwic. She does not think Edward will allow the Danes to live here in peace. Aldhelm warns her that there will be consequences if she doesn’t show loyalty to the king. Edward believes she has done this to humiliate him when he could’ve allowed her to live in comfort. The thing she wants cannot be given to her by Edward. Stiorra is adamant that she will not crumble just to be protected even though Uhtred says this is foolish. She will be free even if that means facing the executioner’s blade. Uhtred reminds Edward that her life would be spared. Instead, Edward says Stiorra and everyone who follows her will be exiled from Eoferwic. Those who wish to stay will have to live at his behest.

He warns Stiorra that he will not be so generous if she is not gone by sunset. Edward orders Rognvaldr to be brought to him and put a sword to his throat if he does not kneel. Uhtred pleads with Edward to give him time to make this right since Rognvaldr will betray him. Edward says he will execute him and find another until he can turn his back on this wretched town forever. Uhtred walks out and tells Stiorra that Eoferwic has been offered to Rognvaldr. She seems to be finalizing something with Wolland who walks off. Uhtred warns her that Rognvaldr will make war, take tribute, and use the child as slaves like he wanted when he brought Birda here.

She’ll undo everything they fought for. She says he abuses the people and the people leave in search of their true queen. Rognvaldr will rule nothing because they’ll come to her. Stiorra asks him not to make her do things that he would not. She says swearing to the Saxons made him the plaything of Brida and the arseling of the House of Wessex while pulling him from his destiny. That fate will not be hers. Meanwhile, Brida confronts the two soldiers on the road. Uhtred tries to get his son to speak to Stiorra although he doesn’t think she’ll listen to him. Young Uhtred is surprised his dad doesn’t know why she is so headstrong. Finan (Mark Rowley) interrupts to tell Uhtred about Brida.

He finds the dead guard and the other tells him Loidis. Uhtred knows where to meet her and decides that he is going to go there alone. Young Uhtred warns him that her death will haunt him if he kills her. He recommends having compassion, but Uhtred says he has compassion for the innocent people she kills. His son says hate only begets more hate. Uhtred claims every death since he spared her is on his hands. Young Uhtred asks him to swear that he won’t kill her and instead capture her and make her face those she wronged. Uhtred says he will take no pleasure in it, but it is the way things must be. Constantin tells Aethelhelm that they’ve agreed to the principles and Lord Wihtgar will help with the practicalities.

He will take Lord Aethelhelm to his fortress as a guest, prepare for the betrothal, and wait for Constantin. He makes it clear that he would be foolish not to deliver what he promised. Aethelhelm learns that Lord Wihtgar calls his fortress Bebbanburg and describes him as the man who torments Uhtred. He begins laughing as he admits he expected someone different. While Uhtred rides to his destination, we see Brida digging a hole. As Uhtred arrives, he remembers the fighting and fire that happened there in the past.

He finds Brida who confirms she dug her or his grave. She is prepared. Either way, it ends where it began. When he says it didn’t have to be this way, Brida jokes that is what young Uhtred said when he begged to keep his balls. The fighting begins as Uhtred quickly pins her and remembers a time when they were romantic. As we see quick flashbacks of Brida and Uhtred, he continues swinging his sword and hitting hers. He walks away and she begins crying. Uhtred remembers Brida telling him they would meet on the battlefield and she wouldn’t hesitate to kill him. He says that doesn’t mean she doesn’t love him. She asks Uhtred to kill her because Vibeke is waiting for her. He remembers Brida stabbing him in the side once before.

Uhtred disarms her, pulls her to the ground, and begins choking her. He stops. Brida yells for him to kill her because she will not stop. We see a flashback of them as children before Brida cries that something has died in her. Uhtred refuses. If his son can forgive her after what she did to him, Uhtred will have to do the same. He says killing her would be like killing a part of himself. They were bound as one. There was hope before so Uhtred believes they can be hope again. Brida isn’t sure they can go back since everything good they had was destroyed. She claims he is talking out of his arse. Uhtred says she is now sounding like the girl he chased around the woods, humped among the trees, and that he loved.

Although he says she is there still, Brida complains that she can’t find her. He promises to help her. As they stand close together, an arrow is shot into Brida’s back by Stiorra. He screams asking what she has done. Stiorra says she only did what he could not. Brida says she is sorry. Then, she says Ragnar before she passes.

 

The Last Kingdom Review

Although this episode started out as a slower dialogue-filled episode, it ended with an emotional rollercoaster. There was plenty of scheming with Aethelhelm trying to start a war with help from Constantin. Surprisingly, he is going to get Wihtgar involved and that could help Uhtred finally fulfill his destiny. A war is coming one way or another now. Stiorra refused to kneel to Edward and decided to venture out on her own.

Uhtred attempted to give Brida another chance, but his daughter took vengeance instead. Those last ten minutes of the episode were deep, emotional, and very effective. It was great how clips from past episodes were incorporated into the short fight. The series has been great and this episode was no different. It scores an 8 out of 10. Recaps of The Last Kingdom are available on Reel Mockery here. Find out how to support our work at this link.