The Last Kingdom refresher: What you need to know before season 4
By Corey Smith
Image: The Last Kingdom/Netflix
The Kingdom of Wessex
King Edward (Timothy Innes): Edward secured his rule with victory on the field of battle, although it remains to be seen how he’ll rule. Will Edward possess his father Alfred’s singular will, able to bend all others to his rule? Or will Edward be malleable, easily manipulated by people like his new father in law, Aethelhelm?
Edward has a nominally good relationship with Uhtred, but Innes revealed to us that relationship might not be as strong as we think.
Lady Aelswith (Eliza Butterworth): On the surface, Aelswith, ever the religious zealot, lost her source of power when Alfred died, but could maintain influence through her son Edward. Given her stubborn insistence that Wessex remain a pure Christian kingdom, we doubt Aelswith is going to fade away.
Image: The Last Kingdom/Netflix
Aethelhelm (Adrian Schiller): Aethelhelm, Wessex’s richest man saw his influence expand rapidly when his daughter Aelflaed married Edward. Coupled with his vast wealth, Aethelhelm should emerge as Wessex’s second most powerful man. What Aetherlhelm will use that power to do remains to be seen, but he likely won’t want a rival like Uhtred hanging around the kingdom.
Aelflaed (Amelia Clarkson): Aelflaed remains a bit of a wild card. Will she support her father Aethelhelm’s quest for power? Or is her affection for Edward genuine? Everyone has a part to play, and season 4 should show us exactly where Aelflaed stands.
Image: The Last Kingdom/Netflix
Beocca (Ian Hart): Father Beocca lost his role as the king’s councilor when Alfred passed, but isn’t likely to abandon Wessex and the idea of a united England so easily. Beocca remains ever loyal to Uhtred, and given Uhtred’s uncertain standing with Edward, might see himself forced to choose between two masters before all is said and done.
Steapa (Adrian Bouchet): Steapa, Alfred’s fearsome enforcer, likely remains in service to the crown, luckily for Edward. Should Steapa be forced out, the behemoth warrior could end up serving the Lady of Mercia, Aethelflaed, or just as easily join up with Uhtred, who has earned Steapa’s respect on more than one occasion. Bouchet himself was mum on the matter.
Image: The Last Kingdom/Netflix
Father Pyrlig (Cavan Clerkin): Pyrlig was seen sparingly in season 3, but when he was present, Pyrlig was advising Edward. That trend should continue in season 3, and both his Welsh and warrior background should come in handy if things get hairy.