Every single episode of The Last Kingdom, ranked worst to best
(4) SEASON 1: “EPISODE SEVEN”
“Driven to hiding in the marshes after the Vikings invade Wessex, Uhtred and Alfred finally make amends and devise a plan for retaking the kingdom.”
Recap
Uhtred and Leofric fight to the death, but their duel is interrupted by Guthrum’s successful assault on Winchester. As they flee the city, Iseult saves the nun Hild from Viking raiders and she joins the group. King Alfred and his surviving followers are scattered, but end up collecting in the swamplands. King Alfred and Uhtred plan their next move, but Alfred is distracted by his sick infant son Edward, who is near death. Iseult saves Edward with a pagan ceremony. Uhtred and his men burn Skorpa’s ships.
Our Take
Dancing between big, sweeping moments and small, character-driven ones, this fast-paced episode rewards viewers’ emotional investment. The opening bonding scene between Uhtred and Leofric is sensational, as is their battle to the death the following morning. Guthrum’s assault on the distracted city is frightening.
Even with all the action scenes, “Episode Seven” is at its best when it’s exploring the characters. Alfred and Aelswith, devastated parents who must watch their son slowly die, are given the spotlight here. David Dawson and Eliza Butterworth deliver brilliant, stricken performances. Though traumatized herself, the nun Hild comes to comfort Aelswith. And even though she succeeds in saving Edward’s life, Iseult weeps for the life of the stranger’s child that must be taken in return.
Grand political and military events give structure to this episode, but the personal battles of our characters are what’s most profound. In this installment, Iseult blooms as a force for good. Pair that with Hild’s resilience after her brutal violation and Aelswith’s agonized decision to allow her dying baby to be placed in the care of a pagan sorceress, it’s an especially strong episode for the women in the cast.
QUOTE: “When a child suffers, the mother suffers. I know this. I know the pain you feel. It’s almost unbearable, even for a queen.” (Hild, to Aelswith)