As this episode of The Last Kingdom begins, Uhtred (Alexander Dreymon) imagines that he sees Brida (Emily Cox) next to him, but she isn’t there. After a deer strolls by, Uhtred tells Brida that he will see her Valhalla. When he goes after Stiorra (Ruby Hartley), she tells him that she has freed him from Brida’s curse and there is nothing else to say. He claims she was coming back to him and could’ve been saved, but Stiorra argues Sigtryggr never had a chance to be saved. She complains that he let this happen many times by not stopping Brida when he could’ve. After he asks her to come home with him, Stiorra says he has no home and nothing to offer her. He tells her she has suffered too much. Stiorra believes those who hurt her have suffered too little.

Uhtred insists her life is not over and she will find a new purpose. She claims they’re going to build here where there is wood, fresh water, and loyalty. Other Danes are coming so they will live as Danes and die as Danes. Uhtred tells her that she will not find peace here. Stiorra says she’ll find it in Sigtryggr’s dead embrace. Although Uhtred doesn’t think the Gods want that, Stiorra no longer believes in destiny. Wolland (Jaakko Ohtonen) brings her horse over. Stiorra tells her father that he has always spoken like every action is part of some plan. Everything he has done has been excused because it was not his choice. She accuses him of choosing them over his family while calling it fate. Stiorra suggests his destiny has brought her pain and grief so she has decided to turn her back on him.

Wihtgar (Ossian Perret) approaches Aethelhelm (Adrian Schiller) to tell him he has visitors, but it isn’t Lady Aelfwynn. Wihtgar reminds him he isn’t his lackey before Aethelhelm learns it is Aelfweard (Ewan Horrocks) with Father Benedict (Patrick Robinson). Aethelhelm is glad to see his grandson who mentions the passing of his mother. He tells his grandson that his heart is broken but having him here is some reprieve from the unending sadness. Aelfweard tells him about Edward getting remarried and the new queen being pregnant. Aethelhelm believes it’ll be a boy and Aelfweard could be in danger if he is considered a threat to the succession. He goes on to insinuate that Edward was responsible for his mother’s death.

Aelfweard refuses to believe that and insists thinks the Danes kill her. Aethelhelm says everything they do now is to honor her hopes for him and his grandson agrees that they’re united. Father Benedict is welcomed to Bebbanburg. Aethelhelm thanks Benedict before confirming all debt to him has been paid. Benedict receives a bag of coins. Later that night, Aethelhelm and the others celebrate the arrival of his grandson. He tells his grandson that King Constantin travels here to marry Lady Aelfwynn. Aelfweard doesn’t want her to be forced to marry him although Aethelhelm argues she will understand it is for the best. It seals his alliance with the Scottish king and gives him reason to support their rebellion. Wihtgar explains it will provoke Edward to war.

Aethelhelm corrects him by saying it’ll provoke a confrontation that they will win. They will present the kind with their superior strength and he will concede defeat. In return, Aelfweard will be declared the next king. Wihtgar makes it clear that his father could be killed. Aelfweard asks his grandfather to reassure him that killing his father is not part of the plan. Aethelhelm calls himself a man of peace. All he does is for the good of the Saxons since Edward has grown tyrannical. Father Benedict tells him to say that to the Danes of Rumcofa killed on his order, but Aethelhelm claims they were complicit in the murder of his daughter. He tells Benedict not to doubt him on this because he has proved many times that he is righteous in word and deed.

Benedict would hate for him to meet that which he dreads. Before Benedict leaves, Aethelhelm suggests he doesn’t know him as he thinks. Aldhelm (James Northcote) tells King Edward (Timothy Innes) that Aelfweard is not in Winchester or anywhere in Wessex. It is likely that he went to Aethelhelm although they’re not sure where. Edward complains about Aelfweard’s decision to Eadgifu (Sonya Cassidy) who claims he is still in grief for his mother and that their marriage was hasty. She says he is a boy and nobody wants to see a father reject their son. Edward thought he had a mastery of things, but he finds himself reacting to Aethelhelm’s provocation and unable to gain the momentum.

Eadgifu believes the momentum brought him Eoferwic and his boldness against Sigtryggr won him a kingdom that eluded his father. Edward doesn’t like the fact that it was arranged by Aethelhelm. He fears it is more than a cruel irony although he isn’t sure exactly what it means. He can’t understand why he won Mercia and Eoferwic in unreasonable haste and worries that God might be testing him. The devil may be tempting him to overplay his hand. Edward confesses his son’s betrayal is a moment that challenges his pride so he must think clearly. He believes Aelfweard a is lot to him since he would struggle to forgive this. He wonders if he should accept that Aelfweard is forfeit and allow him to range like a fugitive with Aethelhelm, but that would mean he is always a threat.

Edward admits he struggles to ignore this, but he doesn’t want to take the bait Aethelhelm has cast upon the waters again. He will ignore provocation, fortify enough to rebuff them, and avoid chasing them down to ensure he doesn’t walk into a trap. Eadgifu would never suggest he forfeit his son for her child, but she thinks it is wise to settle for these gains. He controls three of the four kingdoms and their son can fight for the last in time. Edward realizes that Aethelhelm cannot win if he doesn’t play. Aethelhelm tells Aelfweard that they’ll build a new palace in Lundene once the fight is over and they agree to a truce. Since it stands between Mercia and Wessex, it is well placed for trade. It should be the heart of the new kingdom.

Aelfweard hopes he is worthy of the faith his grandfather has in him. Aethelhelm says it is his blood and the people will sing of him as Aelfweard the Great with the right advice. They will raise a Minster to his dear mother. Under his rule, never again will a heathen harm any of their people and never will a boy lose his mother like he did. Wihtgar asks Yahya (Bamshad Abedi-Amin) whether he is drunk. He doesn’t think so because Aethelhelm really believes he can unseat the Saxon king. Wihtgar admits he is a man of low principles, but even he wouldn’t stoop low enough to seek the favor of that Wessex turd. Aelfweard tells his grandfather that he doesn’t think his host welcomes their ambition. Aethelhelm suggests he will learn what happens when you cross men like them.

Rognvaldr (Micki Stoltt) is spotted by Uhtred when he arrives. Pyrlig (Cavan Clerkin) tells Uhtred that Brida failed to kill him. He tells young Uhtred (Finn Elliot) that he found her and she is with the Gods now, but he didn’t tell her. Uhtred admits his son was right and he’ll tell them later. For now, he wants his son to go to his sister who has secluded herself in the forest. He asks young Uhtred to make her come to Rumcofa. Uhtred says she thinks there is no place for her, but she is wrong. Pyrlig suggests it is best to let her be instead of commanding her since she has suffered a lot. Uhtred will not abandon her and will prove to her that there is a place for her in Rumcofa. Young Uhtred says she has been a queen so she cannot live in Rumcofa as a trader’s wife. Besides, too much has happened there for it to be a place of sanctuary.

Uhtred believes it is all they have. He goes inside and joins Sihtric (Arnas Fedaravicius), Aethelstan (Harry Gilby), and Finan (Mark Rowley). Uhtred tells them about Brida. He believes they should go back to Rumcofa now that the danger is over and he promised to return them to their families. They can go back to the way things were. Sihtric and Finan admit that can’t happen since their families have fled to Wessex where they’re waiting for them. Although Aethelstan liked it there, he always wants to be alongside his father.

Finan and Sihtric agree that they’re brothers for life but going back to Rumcofa is not the right choice. Uhtred has lost Stiorra until he can give her hope so he needs them to agree with him. Finan relents and agrees to follow him if he commands Rumcofa, but he asks whether there is another path. As Glaedwine (Luke Nunn) arrives with Aelfwynn (Phia Saban), Aethelhelm tells his grandson to act with confidence. When he learns about Bresal’s death, Aethelhelm says the men he counts as friends do not die so easily. Aelswith (Eliza Butterworth) makes it to Edward who tells Eadgifu to prepare for a new attack. Eadith (Stefanie Martini) and Aelswith tell him about Aelfwynn being captured by someone likely associated with Lord Aethelhelm.

Edward asks his man to rouse Lord Aldhelm and tell him he comes imminently to discuss the matter. Aelswith pleads with him to send men to search for her now. When she asks why he is hesitating, he yells that he isn’t hesitating. He is just making sure he doesn’t rush blindly into action. Edward tries to formally introduce his mother to Eadgifu. Aelswith gets angry and says she will not acknowledge whichever harlot he decided to bed. They’re surprised to learn that she is the new Queen and pregnant. After Edward leaves, Aelswith tells Eadgifu that a baby will be a blessing. She would kneel, but her bones are stiff from slaughtering a man with her bare hands. Eadith calls that a slight exaggeration. Eadgifu believes she has earned rest so she promises to give her the grandest chamber in Eoferwic.

She hopes that Aelswith will deem her worthy of her son in time. Once they’re alone, Eadith and Aelswith discuss what has changed with Edward now that he has no appetite to fight for his niece. Eadith reminds her that she has silver and could easily buy the men to find her. Aelswith argues that men should be paying her for the privilege of fighting in Aelfwynn’s name. When Aelswith sees Sihtric and Finan in the distance, she says the lord provides. She also has a job for Eadith. Moments later, Eadith visits Uhtred and they begin talking about going back to Rumcofa. He tells her about Stiorra and confesses that he did not stop it. Eadith offers to talk to her to see if she can find a way to cure her heart. Uhtred fears it might be too late since he was away from her when he gave his life to Wessex and Saxons.

His children have suffered because he never gave them the chance to live as a family after they lost their mother. Stiorra is being swallowed by a dread so she needs a place to heal and become herself again. Uhtred isn’t sure whether that place is Rumcofa, but it is all he has got. After Uhtred questions why she asks this, Eadith tells him about Aelfwynn being taken by Aethelhelm. Uhtred says he cannot give himself to others when his daughter needs him. He is adamant that the King should do his duty and not them. Aldhelm approaches Uhtred outside to tell him that Mercia will supply whatever he needs for this pursuit. Uhtred can’t help and instead thinks the King will come to his sense before long. Aldhelm pleads with him to speak to the King about it before Benedict arrives with urgent business for the king.

He tells Aldhelm about Aethelhelm having the Scottish army on his side and his arrangement with Aelfwynn. Benedict knows he is the enemy of the king for escorting Aelfweard to his grandfather. He will accept the punishment, but he felt the threat from Aethelhelm was too great to ignore. Aldhelm encourages him to leave here since he’ll report the message for him. Father Benedict tells him that Aethelhelm will be found at Bebbanburg where he is the guest of Lord Wihtgar before Aldhelm goes inside. That catches Uhtred’s attention. Meanwhile, Aelfwynn tries to find out why she was brought here. Aethelhelm claims it was done to protect her from the king. She doesn’t think the King would harm her although Aethelhelm says he is creating a new bloodline.

He goes on to say history has proven time and again that a new regime wants rid of remnants of the old. Aethelhelm claims she would be dead if she weren’t here. To ensure her protection, they have found her a husband. Aelfwynn reminds them that she is already betrothed to Cynlaef of Rumcofa. She will marry a king, but it won’t be Aelfweard because too much kinship is bad for a bloodline. She learns that he intends to make her marry Constantin of Scotland. Although she doesn’t wish to be traded like cattle, Aethelhelm doesn’t see any other purpose for her. He says she is not a queen or a warrior and barely a lady by her own admission. He believes she should be grateful for this good marriage. Aelfwynn pleads for her cousin to help if he has any loyalty to his family, but he thinks his family has been disloyal to him.

After Aelfweard leaves, Aelfwynn tells Aethelhelm that she will throw herself from the walls before marrying this may. He encourages her to do it since it’d be one less thing for him to be concerned with. Uhtred tells Pyrlig that he believes he is cursed. He believes the Gods are taunting him to tempt him away from his duty to his family. He has given his sword to Wessex and it has pulled him away from his family. While Stiorra thinks it was his choice, he isn’t sure about that. Uhtred knows he has worked well for Alfred’s ambition, but his own kin has suffered for it. It brought her Aethelflaed and took her away. Uhtred says the Gods are cruel. Pyrlig agrees that all life is a test although his God doesn’t want Uhtred to fail. He suggests Uhtred might be meant to serve both in this ordeal. Pyrlig says he can retake Bebbanburg and ensure Northumbria doesn’t fall to the Scots.

When he goes that, he’ll find a home for his bloodline.  Uhtred wonders if all this wait has served a purpose and he is supposed to make England for Edward. He wants to accept this although he worries that the Gods are weaving a net to snare him. He discusses the first time he failed and how he lost Father Beocca. Pyrlig says it was a sign that Beocca believed in his mission, but Uhtred might not have been ready. Uhtred worries that he’ll fail again. Pyrlig asks him what would happen if he died doing it. When Uhtred says the shame would be heavy in Valhalla, Pyrlig says there is no shame in heaven. He encourages Uhtred to believe that his God is on his side.

He doesn’t like it when Uhtred says there is no God and only the Gods. Uhtred thanks him for his kindness before admitting he could be right. Constantin (Rod Hallett) asks Domnal (Ross Anderson) and the others whether Aethelhelm has found the Mercian girl. Although he got her last night, Domnal still believes it is unwise to trust a man who betrayed his King. Constantin says they’ll move their soldiers closer to the border because Aethelhelm’s plan is sound. They cannot alert Edward to their presence until all their numbers are gathered. Domnal says it’ll take a while since there have been floods in Cumbraland. Constantin doesn’t want to face Edward until they are one. When asked whether they’ll be the Scots or an alliance with Aethelhelm.

Constantin says he’ll stand by his word for as long as necessary. Uhtred stops Edward to tell him about his plan. Edward believes it is a trap since Aethelhelm will expect him to lead an army into battle. Uhtred says they have an advantage because Benedict told them about the plan and they’d be foolish not to use it. Aldhelm and Uhtred try to convince Edward that this is the right plan, but Edward refuses to accept that. Edward asks what would stop Constantin from making another incursion in years to come. Uhtred argues that they can fortify the lands north of Bebbanburg and he will hold them for him. Finan and Sihtric confirm that they will help him hold it. Edward asks Uhtred who will hold the north after he is dead. He asks whether it’ll be his seedless son or a child of Stiorra the Dane.

Edward still won’t accept the plan and instead wants to make Constantin an offer in exchange for Aethelhelm’s head. He is worried that farmers, fishermen, and families will suffer while Northumbria is disputed. Edward explains that he is King of many men and cannot put one man’s ambitions above the lives of many people. Constantin is a man with a reputation for protecting Scotland at all costs so Edward thinks he can use that to avoid conflict. In exchange for marrying Aelfwynn and handing over Aethelhelm, they will divide Northumbria in two. Uhtred can’t believe he’d split Northumbria because these are the lands his forebears died for. Edward says the lands around Bebbanburg will belong to the Scots.

Uhtred reminds him that he will forfeit the plan to create the kingdom his father had hoped for. Edward knows, but he believes this will allow him to bring peace to a land larger and more unified than his father ever achieved. He has ended the tyranny of bloody succession the people endured. Uhtred tells him that his choice has no honor. Edward suggests his father’s ambition failed the people in the end and he doesn’t have his father’s failings. Uhtred suspects that he is afraid of war and death, but Edward believes only a fool would not be. Aldhelm says this is callous to Aelfwynn and the Saxons of Northumbria. Mercia owes both a debt of loyalty. Aethelflaed would listen to Uhtred now and they must do the same. Aldhelm gave her his word that he would keep Aelfwynn safe. He and the Mercian army will not sacrifice her now.

Pyrlig admits it isn’t only Lord Aldhelm who believes the King is wrong on this one. He reminds Edward that there are good people in Northumbria and they’re his people. Aelswith tells Edward that he is simply mistaken on this occasion before urging him to follow the counsel of Lord Uhtred. Edward asks Aethelstan what he says. Since Aelfweard has shown himself disloyal, Aethelstan could be the king to face the Scots so Edward wants to know what he thinks. He says their faith teaches them to speak the truth and that all Christians must unite. It is not unity to abandon those in your kingdom or divide their lands. He would follow Lord Uhtred. Edward gets his guards to take down Finan and hold the others at sword point while he warns them to think about the ones he has crushed. Edward says the gates will be closed and anyone leaving will be subject to execution.

Aldhelm responds by declaring that the Mercian guard will be ordered to ram the gate down. Uhtred tells him that he can try to fight them, but they will fight. If they delay, they will lose the advantage. He can flounder here or join their mission, but they’ll be gone by sunrise. Edward is asked to choose as the episode ends.

 

The Last Kingdom Review

The Last Kingdom is by far the best series Netflix has released in recent months if not years. The episode followed the path to war as Aethelhelm schemed with the Scots to attack Edward’s army. It was a bit slower since it didn’t have a lot of action, but it was heavy on drama. We’re inching closer to war and Edward finally securing the England his father dreaming of, but it seems he is afraid of going to battle.

It was great how the characters rallied around Uhtred and urged Edward to follow his advice. I suspect Edward will eventually come around and work with Uhtred, but time will tell. The episode was great just like the rest of the season so far. It scores an 8 out of 10. Recaps of The Last Kingdom can be found on Reel Mockery here. Find out how to support us here.