Every single episode of The Last Kingdom, ranked worst to best
(11) SEASON 3: “EPISODE FOUR”
“Uhtred turns his attention to Aethelflaed’s plight. Alfred forces Edward to face his duty. Ragnar’s army marches but faces traitors from within.”
Recap
“Episode Four” starts out with a sword-clanging bang as Uhtred and Bloodhair battle in the square for the right to possess the beautiful seer, Skade. Uhtred defeats Bloodhair but Ragnar saves his life and sends Uhtred away from Dunholm with his prize, Skade. Ragnar is sickened by Aethelwold’s constant scheming and nearly beats him to death (until the equally conniving Cnut intervenes), then orders the Danes to march on Wessex as soon as they are ready.
Beocca and Thyra reconnect before parting, and Uhtred and company join Aethelflaed at the Winchcombe nunnery. Haesten arrives in Winchester to tell Alfred that Aethelwold is now among the Danes, who are marching south to attack Wessex. Alfred decides to link up with Aethelred and his Mercians and march out to meet the Danes. Ragnar and Brida lead the Danish forces out of Dunholm.
Uhtred and his company arrive to join Aethelflaed at Winchcombe. In the Danish camp, Cnut tries to drive a wedge between Ragnar and Brida, offering her his affections; he also starts convincing Bloodhair that they might be better off in league together without Ragnar. Back at Winchcombe, Aethelflaed warns Uhtred about Skade and, despite his misgivings, plans to confront Aethelred. Aethelflaed kisses Uhtred.
Aethelred arrives in Winchester to join Alfred, who is currently outmaneuvering Edward on the issue of his marriage. Cnut schemes with Athelwold, frightening him with the idea that Ragnar will soon kill him. Aldhelm councils Aethelred that Mercia’s only hope for survival lies with their alliance to Wessex. Haesten and his Danes show up at Winchcombe, demanding Aethelflaed. Uhtred and his men ambush Haesten’s leading squad as they enter the nunnery. Haesten decides to lay siege.
At the Danish camp, Aethelwold plans to kill Ragnar in his sleep, his murderous plot supported by Cnut. As Haesten and his men prepare to burn the nunnery, Uhtred releases Skade to Haesten, though Uhtred promises to recover her. Alfred and Edward meet with Aethelhelm, father to Edward’s potential betrothed, Aelflaed. In the Viking camp, Aethelwold sneaks into Ragnar’s tent and kills him.
Our Take
“Episode Four” opens in the heat of personal combat between Uhtred and Bloodhair, and deals frankly with the latest rift in Uhtred’s relationship with Ragnar and Brida. A lot of narrative cogs are spinning here, from Uhtred’s personal storyline to the looming clash of two great armies and the impending peril of Aethelflaed.
The character of Aethelflaed (Millie Brady) continues to develop, proving to be both intelligent and brave. We all know Aethelflaed is capable of great things and we’re looking forward to watching her increase in power. Of course, she’s long been sending yearning glances in Uhtred’s direction, capped with this episode’s quick kiss in the barn.
The scene between Alfred and Edward is an excellent moment: it’s beginning to dawn on Edward how important it is that he grow up and accept the duties of becoming king.
“Episode Four” is a fine installment of The Last Kingdom. It follows multiple storylines and political maneuverings without losing the plot, but it will always be remembered most for its unexpected and devastating final scene: the murder of Ragnar.
Quote: “And I shall see you across the battlefield, no doubt, and I will kill you.” (Ragnar, to Uhtred)