At the start of the episode, Uhtred (Alexander Dreymon) inspects his sword. Leofric (Adrian Bower) speaks to him about his heritage. Osferth (Ewan Mitchell) interrupts his thoughts. Osferth tells Uhtred that he loved Lady Gisela. Osferth promises to pray for her soul. When he leaves, Leofric accuses Uhtred of making Osferth a traitor. Uhtred claims that he made his choice. Leofric reminds him that he would still be Alfred’s oath man had he not killed the monk. Uhtred says that he is a Dane and is glad he killed the monk. Aldhelm (James Northcote) is shown outside of Droitwich. Aethelflaed (Millie Brady) is inside. Aldhelm sneaks inside. He grabs a knife and approaches Aethelflaed. He grabs her and tells her that he means no harm. She grabs a sword and tells him to speak.

Aethelflaed learns about her husband’s evil plan to kill her. She is skeptical. Aethelflaed doesn’t believe that Uhtred would betray her father. Aldhelm admits his friend is not the king he hoped he would become. She thanks him before he leaves. In the morning, Aethelflaed apologizes to Godric (Anton Saunders) for dragging the men from their beds. She gives him an idea of where she is heading. She gives letters to Sable. Sable (Debbie Chazen) is told to see no one but Father Beocca (Ian Hart). Meanwhile, Alfred (David Dawson) wants his time as king recorded. Alfred turns his attention to finding a wife for Edward (Timothy Innes). Alfred is adamant that Wessex must remain united. Aelswith (Eliza Butterworth) tells Beocca that they’re choosing the father and his standing.

She tells him to choose Aethelhelm. Moments later, Beocca learns that Edward claims to be married already. Alfred interrogates Edward a short time later. Edward confirms that he is married to Ecgwynn. Alfred wants the name of the priest who married them. Edward refuses to say more. Alfred tells him that it is his destiny to become king. Alfred isn’t willing to let his son put everything he achieved at risk. An assassin cannot find Aethelflaed. The assassin is killed Aethelred (Toby Regbo). He believes that his wife was warned ahead of time. He wants Aldhelm to find her and report her whereabouts to the Danes. Aldhelm is forced to finish off the assassin. Next, Ragnar (Tobias Santelmann) speaks to his army. They drink and party. The Danes play a game of tug rope. Ragnar cuts the rope and everyone falls.

A watchman returns. He warns them that forty or fifty warriors are heading their way. Skade (Thea Sofie Loch Naess) says that he is here. She intends to refuse him. Uhtred confirms that it is Haesten and Bloodhair. Haesten wants to negotiate with them. Bride (Emily Cox) believes they should be allowed inside. Bloodhair agrees that the Skade situation can wait. Bloodhair and his group agree to leave their weapons outside. Sihtric (Arnas Fedaravicius) and the others are surprised to see Aethelwold (Harry McEntire) with them. Uhtred confronts him later that night. Aethelwold makes it clear he wants to be King of Wessex. Uhtred refuses to believe that they’re the same. Beocca checks on Alfred. Alfred mentions Uhtred’s children. Beocca explains that Hild is providing for the children. Alfred wants them brought to Winchester and introduced to God.

Beocca returns home to Thyra (Julia Bache-Wiig). He finds Sable there. Sable tells them where Aethelflaed is hiding. She doesn’t want Alfred to know where she is. Thyra promises that they’ll help. Beocca receives another letter. He reads it and says that he is always the solution it seems. Uhtred speaks with Ragnar. Ragnar believes that Alfred is very vulnerable. Ragnar tries to convince Uhtred to join them. Leofric returns. He asks Uhtred if he would kill him and men like him. Uhtred visits Skade. She wants Uhtred to accept her. She claims that Alfred will die and his kingdom will too. She says that Uhtred is the only one who can unite the two tribes. Bloodhair interrupts. He wants Skade returned. Uhtred taunts him. Bloodhair says that she owns a pair of you. Her blood becomes your blood. Uhtred tells her that she is his to kill.

Bloodhair goes to Ragnar. He wants permission to fight Uhtred. Ragar says no. Beocca and Thyra travel by boat. Haesten speaks to the Danes about their plane to kill Alfred. Uhtred is afraid that they’ll all fight among themselves eventually. Bloodhair wants to be the leader. That creates an argument. Uhtred recommends Ragnar, because he is the only one everyone trusts. Ragnar says that he would be proud to lead the army. They all agree to let Ragnar be in command. Osferth tells Finan (Mark Rowley) that they cannot go against the men of Wessex. Finan tells him to be quiet. In the morning, Alfred gears up for battle. He is getting weaker. Alfred tells his wife that it is a weight he must carry. Beocca continues his journey. He is worried that taking his wife back to Dunholm will bring back horrible memories. They spot the Dame army.

Soon, Beocca enters the fortress and spots Uhtred. Ragnar is surprised to see Thyra. Uhtred joins them. Beocca speaks to Ragnar about Haesten. Aethelwold makes himself known to Beocca. Finally, Beocca sits down with Uhtred. Beocca tells him about Aethelflaed. Uhtred insists she is not his worry. During their conversation, Alfred learns all about Aethelwold’s plan to become King. Beocca tells him that he is free to choose his own path. The others rejoin Uhtred. Finan and Sihtric want Uhtred to go north to Bebbanburg. They’re not interested in returning to Wessex. Uhtred speaks to Aethelwold about his conversation with Aethelred. Uhtred threatens him. Aethelwold tells the others that Uhtred is about to leave their army. Uhtred is forced to make a choice. He insists the army can never hold. Uhtred says that he will be leaving. He will not be returning to Wessex though.

Brida and the others ridicule Uhtred’s decision. Ragnar tells him that he is no longer his brother. Ragnar agrees to make the square so Uhtred and Bloodhair can fight for Skade. Uhtred agrees to fight him.

 

The Last Kingdom Review

This was an excellent episode of The Last Kingdom. It was clear from early on that Uhtred would return to Alfred one way or another. To start his journey back, he will need to rescue Aethelflaed. Before that though, he is scheduled to fight Bloodhair to the death. The episode did a good job remaining interesting and there were a few humorous moments here and there. It was great even though it was a little predictable.

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