As the episode opens, Arthur Pendragon (Iain de Caestecker) and his men surround King Gundleus (Simon Merrells) and Ladwys (Tatjana Nardone). Arthur orders Gundleus to drop his sword. Gundleus waits until Arthur is near to draw his sword. As Arthur gently grabs the sword, Gundleus releases it.

Sansum (Andrew Gower) alerts Bishop Bedwin (Steven Elder) of approaching riders. A quick glance at the riders, Bedwin orders the gates opened. They rush to meet Arthur holding the Edling King, Mordred. Inspecting Mordred’s club foot, Sansum describes his being alive as a “miracle.” Arthur says Morgan Pendragon (Valene Kane) and the other survivors saved him. As Gundleus is pulled from his horse, Nimue (Ellie James) calls for him to be killed. A man accuses him of killing Queen Norwena (Grace Ackary) and Morgan says he raped their Druidess. Sansum urges Bedwin to show Gundleus mercy but he refuses. Nimue prepares to stab him with her sword when Arthur orders Sansum (Andrew Gower) to stop her.

Morgan questions Arthur’s motive. Arthur assures her that Gundleus’ death will not bring Britain peace. She says it will give her peace. He asks if there is a secure place to house the prisoners. She reminds him of King Uther (Eddie Marsan) never keeping prisoners. Gundleus admits to preferring death to imprisonment. Arthur says Uther’s chamber is secured with a lock. Morgan asks if he would keep a traitor in their father’s chamber. When he pleads with her to trust him, she gives him the chamber key. Nimue warns that he will suffer for denying her the opportunity to kill Gundleus. Learning the chamber is where Uther died, an anxious Ladwys says she cannot stay there. Arthur orders everyone leave to the prisoners. Gundleus claims Utred labeled him a “bastard traitor.” Arthur vows to protect Mordred before leaving.

Derfel (Stuart Campbell) holds Nimue as she weeps. She claims Merlin (Nathaniel Martello-White) described the Gods as a drifting mist that thickens when pleased. She warns of what will happen if they do not please the Gods. She says Arthur does not understand. Slashing their palms, she claims his life as her own.

Arthur vows to stay in Dumnonia as long as they are needed. He points out that Caer Cadarn is protected by 15 men. Bedwin informs him of Lord Owain (Daniel Ings) leading their warriors to war against the Saxons at Calleva. He warns that all Britons will be Saxons if the kingdoms do not ruin each other first. Arthur says nothing has changed during his exile.

Arthur gives Morgan a bear tooth. Embracing him, she says he saved them. She says Utred turned to Gundleus because he was desperate for Mordred to keep the throne after his death. He assures her that Gundleus is more useful alive than dead.

Lanval (Matt Mella) asks if anyone knew Arthur when he was a child. Lunete (Olumide Olorunfemi) says Hywel (Sifiso Mazibuko) taught him how to fight with a sword. Sagramor tells her that Arthur shares stories of his childhood in Britain. Derfel asks if Arthur ever spoke of him. Lanval and Sagramor claim to not remember until he exposes his scar. Sagramor calls him the “death pit boy.” They demonstrate Arthur saving Derfel from the pit.

Arthur sends Lanval to Powys to monitor King Gorfydd’s (Aneirin Hughes) movement. Removing Utred’s signet ring, he gives it to Lanval to keep him safe in Dumnonia.

Arthur is assessing his horse’s leg when Derfel approaches. He calls him the “death pit boy” before looking at his scar. He tells him that Morgan claims he protected Mordred, the Edling King, by killing a man. Derfel contributes his courage to Nimue. Arthur suggests Nimue believes he deserted her. Elsewhere, Nimue asks the Gods to heal and bless her when she envisions blood, smoke, and death. Derfel tells Arthur that Nimue helped heal him when he arrived in Avalon. Arthur says Derfel repaid the debt by helping her escape Gundleus. Derfel expresses the desire to be his warrior. Arthur warns that he would have to sacrifice everything for his warrior brothers. Derfel denies having a family before showing him his sword. Arthur says a warrior’s sword is made of steel.

Arthur gives Sagramor a tour of Dumnonia when they encounter a group of refugees from Caleeva. A man says they were ambushed by many Saxons. Arthur escorts them to Dumnonia. Owain questions if the Saxons were alerted of their coming. Bedwin claims only he and Utred knew. Owain says what about Gundleus. Bedwin informs him of Gundleus’s attack on Avalon. Owain threatens to kill Gundleus. Arthur warns that killing Gundleus could lead to an attack by Gorfydd. Agreeing to let him live, Owain says Gundleus and Ladwys should not be permitted to stay in Utred’s chamber. Bedwin suggests imprisoning them somewhere else. Entering the chamber, Owain threatens to take Ladwys to avenge his people. She threatens to bite his throat out. Arthur suggests she utilize her heating skills to treat the wounded under Morgan’s supervision.

Owain explains the route the Saxons took to reach Calleva. Bedwin warns that the Saxons will reach Caer Cadarn and Avalon soon. Owain says their closest ally is King Tewdric (Sagar Arya) while Gorfydd is raiding their borders. He adds that Isca is ruled by King Cadwys (Billy Postlehwaite). Arthur admits to sending Lanval to Powys to gather intel on Gorfydd. Bedwin suggests Arthur being Mordred’s Protector. Arthur accepts the responsibility if Owain will have him. Owain asks Arthur to forgive him for not joining him in exile. Arthur assures him that he did nothing wrong.

Morgan asks Nimue to send the dead men’s souls across the ocean. Sansum urges Nimue to find forgiveness in her heart when she attacks Ladwys. A fight ensures and ends with Nimue recovering her necklace. Ladwys claims Gundleus forced her to wear it. Nimue warns that she will sacrifice Gundleus’ heart to the Gods. Morgan assures Nimue that many women are raped. Nimue stresses the need for revenge. Morgan vows to not defend her if she harms Gundleus. Later, Nimue asks Derfel to help her.

Arthur tells Owain that Cadwys has been evading taxes for years. Owain claims Utred tired of harassing the farmers and chieftains when Lanval returns. Lanval says Gorfydd fortifies his border towns between Dumnonia and Powys. Bedwin warns of an impending full-scale invasion. Owain suggests calling the men to arms after harvest. Arthur says giving the men an ultimatum may encourage them to fight harder. Owain sends a messenger to summon the Tribe Kings to the Edling King’s Naming Ceremony. Bedwin adds Arthur’s name to the summons to entice intrigue. Owain says the men should have been forced to fight. He questions what Utred would think of Arthur being Mordred’s Protector. Sansum announces Arthur is reaping the harvest. Owain joins the men in the field when Derfel informs him of his desire to be Arthur’s warrior. Owain demands he stay in Dumnonia before promising to train him to fight with a sword.

The people of Dumnonia feast. Nimue informs Derfel that Utred’s chamber where Gundleus is imprisoned has one warrior at the door. Derfel says Arthur carries the chamber key around his neck. She suggests he drug Arthur with herbs. He questions why she wants him to drug Arthur. She tells him that she cannot get near him. Bedwin tells Arthur that the harvest has never been gathered so quickly. He assures him that he inspires the men. Arthur believes they should not be fighting against each other.

Arthur delivers food to Ladwys who pleads with him to not let Nimue kill Gundleus. He vows to keep both of them safe. She claims to be betrothed to Gundelus even though, they are not of the same blood. She says the bond is not recognized by Gorfydd who wants Gundleus to marry his daughter, Ceinwyn. She tells him that their marriage would strengthen the bond between Powys and Siluria. He asks if Ceinwyn is beautiful. She says she is young but Gundleus would never separate from her. She asks if he hates them for burning Avalon. He says hate would make him weak.

Nimue gives Derfel herbs to drug Arthur’s wine. He asks if it will harm Arthur. She assures him that it will only make Arthur sleep, so he can retrieve the chamber key. He reminds her of how she stopped him from killing Gundleus before. She questions if he has lost his courage. He says no but he does not want to betray Arthur. She pleads with him to do it for her.

Derfel tells Arthur that Owain demands he train with him but prefers to serve him. Arthur denies loving war like Owain. While retrieving water, Derfel pours Nimue’s herbs into Arthur’s cup. When he holds out the cup, Arthur asks if he wants him to drink it. Derfel reminds him of asking for water. Arthur asks if he should drink it. Derfel says no before asking how he knew. Arthur claims to have known Nimue asked for his help. Derfel voices concern about his best friend being distracted by what Gundleus did to her. Arthur offers him the chamber key.

Derfel tells Nimue that he could not go through with it. She physically attacks him. He tries to embrace her but she shoves him away.

Arthur slicing an apple startles Gundleus awake. He warns of how difficult it is to reunite a country after it is divided. Arthur suggests a deal that would entail Dumnonia trading part of its harvest for his furs, Kernow’s tin, and Powys’ copper. Gundleus says it would mean equality across the tribes like never before. He reminds him of Dumnonia’s fealty (loyalty). Arthur demands all raiding and wrangling to stop. He says a Council of Kings, otherwise, they will slaughter each other while the Saxons watch. Arthur tells him to convince Godfrydd to attend Mordred’s Naming Ceremony. Gundleus warns that he will not comply. Arthur vows to pay double of what Utred paid for Gorfydd’s copper and weapons, so they can go to war against the Saxons, not each other. Gundleus says he will not come. Arthur threatens to isolate Gundleus and Gorfydd from the Council of Kings. Gundleus wants to take Ladwys. Arthur vows to kill her if he does not return with Gorfydd.

Arthur orders the men to open the gate for Gundleus. Later, Bedwin and Owain confront Arthur about his not including him in his strategy. Arthur says they will continue to be Morderd’s Protectors if his strategy fails, at which time, he and his men will leave Dumnonia. Owain informs him of his impending trip to collect Cadwys’ tax to support Dumnonia’s wars on two fronts.

Nimue tells Derfel that she is leaving Dumnonia. He apologizes for not helping her when Owain orders him to accompany him to collect taxes. Lunete pleads with Derfel to let her go with them to Lindinnis. Owain approves her request.

Morgan warns Arthur that they will lose everything if his strategy fails. The episode ends.

 

The Winter King Review

Arthur goes against King Utred’s policy by imprisoning Gundleus and his wife, Ladwys, instead of killing them. Morgan, Bedwin, and Owain are none too happy when he utilizes the King’s chamber as a prison cell. It is the only room in the castle with a lock.

Nimue convinces Derfel to spike Arthur’s wine with her herbs. Arthur keeps Utred’s chamber key on a necklace which she plans to take once he is asleep. She will then kill Gundleus and Ladwys. Derfel adds the herbs to Arthur’s water. When he serves the tainted water, Arthur asks if he should drink it. Derfel admits to doing it for Nimue, so she can move on past what Gundleus did to her. Arthur offers him the chamber key but he refuses to take it. Nimue accuses Derfel of betraying her before leaving Dumnonia.

Arthur devises a strategy that would give equal control to every Tribe King. A Council of Kings would rule Britain. Arthur knows King Cadwys and King Tewdric will support his plan. King Gorfydd will need to be convinced. He plans to present his strategy to the Tribe Kings at Mordred’s Naming Ceremony. He informs Gundleus of his strategy. Gundleus believes it will not work, besides, he knows Gorfydd will rally against it. Arthur orders him to bring Gorfydd back to Dumnonia in time for the Naming Ceremony. If they do not return, he will kill Ladwys.

Ladwys is a Saxon. Her marriage to Gundleus isn’t recognized by Gorfydd who wants him to marry his daughter, Ceinwyn. The union would strengthen ties between Powys and Siluria.

Arthur and Owain are in disagreement about how to build a war party. Arthur believes it is more effective to give the men an option. Owain, on the other hand, believes they should be forced to fight. Arthur joins the men in reaping the harvest. Bedwin says Arthur is building rapport with the men because the harvest has never been gathered so quickly.

The series fails to properly represent Bernard Cornwell’s superior “Warlord Chronicles.” The cinematography is by far Amazon’s worst. The dialogue is incomprehensible at times and imbecilic at other times. The acting is hardly believable. Why invest money into a franchise only to ruin it?

The episode deserves 5. Get more The Winter King recaps here. Support Reel Mockery by donating. Our onsite advertising builds online awareness, click the link to learn more.