The Last Kingdom refresher: What you need to know before season 4
By Corey Smith
Image: The Last Kingdom/Netflix
The Kingdom of Mercia
Aethelred (Toby Regbo): Nominally, Aethelred remains the Lord of Mercia, with plans to crown himself king. But while Mercia is a power in its own right, it is unlikely Edward will tolerate a fellow Saxon king, much as Alfred did not. Likewise, Aethelred’s wife Aethelflaed is the more respected leader among the Mercians, hence his desire to see his wife dead, something we doubt has changed since season 3.
Aethelflaed (Millie Brady): Although her marriage to Aethelred started out rather one-sided, in season 3 Aethelflaed was able to find her resolve in not only standing up to her husband, but in many ways outpacing him. Winning her people’s love and respect, Aethelflaed might not be able to seize power outright, but she still remains a power nonetheless. Season 3 saw a potential romance begin with Uhtred, something likely to grow during season 4.
Eardwulf (Jamie Blackley): New to season 4, Eardwulf will be Aethelred’s right hand, after Aldhelm switched his loyalties to Aethelflaed. We don’t know much about Eardwulf other than he has a sister named Eadith. Hopefully his tenure as Aethelred’s advisor doesn’t end as Aldhelm’s did: being stabbed in the belly.
Eadith (Stefanie Martini): Like Eardwulf, not much is known about Eadith. Given her proximity to Aethelred, a romance isn’t out of the question; hopefully she’ll be treated better than Aethelflaed was. Of course Uhtred is always around as well, so perhaps Eadith becomes the third part of a love triangle with Aethelflaed and Uhtred.
Aldhelm (James Northcote): Aldhelm served Aethelred for all of season 2, but season 3 saw him questioning his loyalties after Aethelflaed proved a more capable and benevolent ruler. Surviving his “firing,” Aldhelm is now fully in Aethelflaed’s employ, and from what Northcote tells us, is ready for action.