As the episode begins, we jump three years into the future. Uhtred (Alexander Dreymon) and his men arrive in Datchet. The men make it to land and prepare their attack. They lie in wait, until their enemies approach and then pounce. The enemies are slain and the slaves are set free. Uhtred orders one survivor to return word of their defeat to their leader. After the intro, we jump over to Cookham, where Uhtred and his men have taken shelter. As Uhtred enters the city, he is greeted by Gisela (Peri Baumeister) and his two children. He also learns that Aethelwold (Harry McEntire) has paid him a visit. Uhtred sits down with Aethelwold almost immediately. The boy insists he has heard the dead speak. Gisela becomes intrigued when she overhears the conversation.

He explains that a corpse rose from his grave and told him that he should be king. He also exclaims that Uhtred should be crowned King of Mercia. Uhtred remains skeptical. Gisela admits she might not have an interest in being a queen. After Aethelwold departs, Gisela speaks with her husband outside. She urges him not to break his oath to Alfred. Meanwhile, Alfred and Odda (Simon Kunz) tour the city of Coccham. They’re led into the gates seconds later. Sihtric (Arnas Fedaravicius) alerts Finan to their presence. At the same time, Erik (Christian Hillborg) convinces a boater to transport him to Coccham. Alfred (David Dawson) ridicules Uhtred’s failure to embrace Christianity, before Gisela speaks with him. They chat about Aethelflaed (Millie Brady) and her impending marriage. Alfred confirms that Aethelred (Toby Regbo) will serve his purpose.

Uhtred joins them. He is asked about hanging a man. Finan and Uhtred defend their actions. However, Alfred insists they refrain from any further brutality, unless the victim is given a fair trial first. Then, they’re asked about Aethelwold crossing into Daneland. Uhtred pretends he never mentioned anything of it. We watch as Hild (Eva Birthistle) strips off her armor and trades her sword for a cross. Alfred tours the city and learns that Uhtred has built a temple in Coccham. He is given time to pray. While he is away, the boat transporting Erik arrives. Alfred speaks with Hild inside the temple, while Erik encourages Uhtred to speak with the dead man, Bjorn. Erik also reveals that he has 19 ships now. That night, Alfred urges Odda to slow his drinking. Alfred makes his suspicions of Aethelwold clear. Uhtred tries to convince Alfred that Earl Guthrum, who has converted to Christianity, will not be able to maintain the peace.Odda admits Guthrum or Aethelstan needs to kill the raiders. However, Alfred remains adamant that they should leave it to him. He insists holding peace is more important. Uhtred urges Alfred to send ships and men to Beamfleot. Again, Alfred exclaims maintaining the peace is more important. After Alfred leaves, Finan admits he doesn’t respect Uhtred. Uhtred responds that his religion won’t let him. Gisela contemplates returning to Guthred and Ragnar. Again, she is worried about getting on Alfred’s bad side. Hild shows herself. She asks Uhtred permission to build a nunnery in Coccham. Her request is quickly approved. Next, we see Sigefrid (Bjorn Bengtsson) and Erik observe the Beamfleot fortress. Erik reveals that all of the men inside are now theirs. They agree to take Lunden at the earliest. Their plan for Uhtred remains the same. During this time, Beocca (Ian Hart) meets with Pyrlig (Cavan Clerkin).

They discuss the upcoming wedding, as well as Thyra (Julia Bache-Wiig). They meet with Alfred. Pyrlig is ordered to travel to East Anglia to speak with King Aethelstan. He is given a letter to take along. Alfred orders him to leave immediately and miss the wedding. Alfred is shown his daughter’s wedding dress, after the men leave. Aldhelm (James Northcote) and Aethelred stop their travels and speak about the land of Wessex. They agree that their position in the land is pivotal to Alfred’s ideal England. As Uhtred and his men travel towards Wessex, Sihtric asks him permission to marry a woman. Gisela demands her husband to make a decision as soon as possible. Uhtred agrees to meet with the woman, while in town. As they arrive, Uhtred spots Aethelwold drinking once again. He urges Uhtred to speak with him later. Next, Uhtred speaks with Gisela about Sihtric’s woman and Alfred’s daughter.

Gisela believes the two are in the same category, while Uhtred does not. As Uhtred steps outside, he runs into Beocca and his new friend. Pyrlig reveals he was once a warrior himself, but grew tired of killing. Once Pyrlig departs, Uhtred speaks with Beocca about Thyra. It becomes clear very quickly that Beocca has feelings for her. Uhtred tells him to marry her. As Aethelred arrives, Aethelwold speaks to Uhtred about Bjorn. Uhtred pulls him aside and learns that Eilaf (Richard Clews) has enlisted Aethelwold’s help tracking him down. Aethelwold insists they both deserve more. After a brief chat, Uhtred speaks with Sihtric and gives him permission to get married. However, he needs to complete one task first. Aethelwold leads Uhtred and several men towards their destination. While they’re away, Beocca asks Thyra to marry him. She quickly accepts his offer.

Uhtred’s men arrive. Sihtric is told to remain unseen. Sihtric is told to watch the dead man rise and return. Seconds later, the group meets with Haesten (Jeppe Beck Laursen). He quickly recognizes Uhtred and invites him inside. Haesten reveals Erik and Sigefrid have headed for Beamfleot. He doesn’t say where they’re going after Beamfleot. Meanwhile, Aelswith (Eliza Butterworth) convinces Alfred to force Aethelred to prove himself after the marriage. They agree he will be responsible for stopping the Dane raids. Odda arrives and tells Alfred about Uhtred’s departure. Alfred orders his men to put a watch on Gisela. Beocca arrives seconds later and announces his marriage arrangements. Sigefrid rallies his troops. That night Eilaf meets with Uthred. They follow the man to a grave, while Sihtric watches from a distance.

A thief is executed and his blood is spilled onto a grave. Seconds later, Bjorn (Oengus MacNamara) emerges from the ground. He speaks with Uhtred and tells him the brothers have already started what cannot be stopped. He reveals that Lunden’s streets will soon be painted red with Saxon blood. Bjorn confesses that Uhtred is destined to be King of Mercia and King of other kings. The man collapses to the ground and is reburied. After everyone leaves, Sihtric approaches the grave. He becomes frightened when Bjorn emerges once again. Uhtred speaks with his men and asks them whether or not they believe what they saw. They admit they do. Uhtred calls to Haesten and asks them whether or not Sigefrid and Erik really intend to attack Lunden. Haesten admits they do and they wish Uhtred to join them.

 

The Last Kingdom Review

The 5th episode of The Last Kingdom’s 2nd series was excellent, but very unexpected. The time jump was a little weird, but it ultimately worked well. The episode was a little slow on action, but deep on drama and intrigue. Uhtred has now found himself between a rock and a hard place. Alfred may be aware of his betrayal. Will this give him more reason to team up with the Danes? Will Sihtric’s information help convince Uhtred that the dead man was northing more than a charade? The next episode will force Uhtred to make a difficult decision.

The 5th episode scores an 8 out of 10. Catch up with previous recaps of The Last Kingdom right now!