As the episode begins, Gisela (Peri Baumeister) spends time with Uhtred (Alexander Dreymon). Brida (Emily Cox) goes on ahead without Ragnar (Tobias Santelmann). Uhtred and Gisela discuss the future and the potential of getting married. Gisela admits she wants to go with Uhtred, but he refuses the offer. Then, Uhtred speaks with his brother. Ragnar tries to convince his brother to free himself from Alfred. Uhtred vaguely admits he has reasons for remaining loyal to Alfred. The bothers agree to work together, as long as Kjartan (Alexandre Willaume) dies by Ragnar’s sword. Aethelwold (Harry McEntire) speaks with Alfred (David Dawson). During the conversation, Aethelwold is ordered to travel alongside Uhtred. Alfred also makes it clear that Steapa (Adrian Bouchet) is there to ensure Uhtred doesn’t try to acquire land for himself.
Before he departs, Uhtred consults with Beocca (Ian Hart). He pleads with the priest to marry him and Gisela in secret. The couple is married in a secret ceremony. Also, Odda the Elder (Simon Kunz) expresses his suspicions that Uhtred will want more. Alfred makes it clear the Steapa is there to protect his interest. The group quickly arrives at Loidis. Ragnar reunites with Brida and discovers she has enlisted assistance from many Danes, including Rollo (Henrik Lundstrom). That night, the group discusses the next move. Brida urges Ragnar to avoid getting his men killed for Guthred. Finan (Mark Rowley) suggests they move in at night and take out Erik (Christian Hillborg) and Sigefrid (Bjorn Bengtsson). During this time, Sven (Ole Christoofer Ertvaag) warns his father that Uhtred and his army are in Northumbria.
Sven admits they only had around 50 men, but he is worried that number could climb quickly. Kjartan doesn’t care in the least. He remains convinced nobody will be able to break through their fortress. Sven visits Thyra (Julia Bache-Wiig). She commands her dogs to scare him away. That night, Uhtred and his men watch the Dane camp. With advice from Aethelwold, Uhtred quickly determines that Erik and Sigefrid must be in the center tent. He agrees to enter alone, but Finan and Steapa decide to tag along away. They quickly bring down the guards, while Uhtred sneaks into the tent alone. He gets into a scuffle with Sigefrid. After a brief fight, Uhtred slices off the Dane’s hand and takes him hostage. He exits the tent and finds himself surrounded by enemies.
Uhtred negotiates with Erik and agrees to spare his brother. Seconds later, Uhtred and Ragnar arrive in Eoferwic. They speak with Guthred (Thure Lindhardt). Guthred admits he is glad that Uhtred has recovered. He also insists it would be a major mistake to kill him. Sigefrid’s hand is presented to Guthred. Uthred threatens Guthred and confirms he will never be able to forgive him. Guthred asks for the Dane’s head. Ragnar demands that Guthred make a decision and pick a side. While Guthred is given time to consider his options, the others drink and eat. Brida remains convinced they should just slay the turd king. Then, they contemplate what to do with Kjartan’s fortress once they slay Kjartan. Ragnar doesn’t care, as long as Kjartan dies by his sword.
Aethelwold reminds the Danes that Alfred is in complete control and they work for him. He also reveals that Uhtred more than anyone else will help Alfred form his dream England. Guthred emerges and speaks with Uhtred in private. He admits he is a little afraid and envious, before offering up a half apology. He also insists he believes it was Uthred’s face that the abbot saw and he should have been king. Guthred also confesses he spared Uhtred by allowing him to become a slave. After learning about his sister, Guthred agrees to work with Uhtred. Uhtred tells Sihtric (Arnas Fedaravicius) that he lied to him. Uhtred reveals there is a side door at Dunholm. While it cannot fit an army, Uhtred is convinced it will help them break into the fortress. Seconds later, the group arrives outside.
They wait until night and prepare to separate. Ragnar and his men will storm the fortress from the front, while Uhtred will enter through the side. Uhtred and several of his men manage to snug against the wall, without attracting attention from the guards. In the morning, Brida admits today is the day they’ll get Kjartan or Valhalla. Hild (Eva Birthistle) reassures Uhtred, before they fire off the signal and it all begins. Ragnar and his men storm the fortress and try to break down the gate. At the same time, Uhtred and Hild break in through the side and begin fighting their enemies. Thyra overhears the chaos from her dungeon. Steapa eventually gets the gate open and the army is able to push back Kjartan and his men. Thyra sends her dogs after Sven. They leave his lifeless body on the ground. Kjartan notices this from outside.
Kjartan challenges Ragnar to a fight. The center is cleared and the two men square off with one another. It is a fierce battle, but Ragnar slays Kjartan. He repeatedly stabs the man’s lifeless body. Thyra emerges and threatens to send her dogs after Uhtred and Ragnar. However, Beocca manages to talk her out of it. That night, Ragnar and Uhtred discuss their futures. Uhtred confirms he will be headed back to Wessex otherwise Steapa would try to kill him. Ragnar agrees to rule the land alongside Brida. Beocca speaks with Thyra in private. He offers to help her. She seems to accept his offer. In the morning, goodbyes are said before Uhtred heads towards Wessex with his army.
The Last Kingdom Review
This was another excellent episode of The Last Kingdom. It had a little bit of everything, but was heavy on action and edge of your seat moments. It seems like the pace has been picked up significantly. I didn’t suspect Sven and Kjartan to be taken out this early on. Uhtred is one step closer towards achieving his destiny and slaying his uncle. The episode had me totally convinced that Ragnar wouldn’t make it out alive. Nevertheless, it still feels like something terrible hangs in the balance.
An 8.5 out of 10 is awarded to the episode. Catch up with past recaps of The Last Kingdom today!
Jay Skelton is a fan of all television shows and movies. He tries his best to keep up with the latest foreign television shows and movies. Jay loves skinny dipping in the dark too.
