Every single episode of The Last Kingdom, ranked worst to best
(19) SEASON 3: “EPISODE THREE”
“Bloodhair and Aethelwold try to coax Uhtred into their alliance against Alfred. Fearing for her life, Aethelflaed turns to Father Beocca for aid.”
Recap
While practicing and recovering from his wound at Dunholm, Uhtred sees Leofric’s ghost again, who reminds him of his Saxon birthright. Charged by the vile Aethelred to murder his wife, Aldhelm sneaks into Aethelflaed’s estate at Droitwich but instead warns Aethelflaed of the great danger she’s, and recommends she flee Mercia. Aethelflaed relocates to a nunnery and sends secret messages to Beocca.
Alfred works to establish his written histories before he dies of sickness, Aelswith works on a suitable bride for the wayward Edward, who claims to be already married to a pregnant peasant girl. At Dunholm, Ragnar oversees a tug-of-war between the Danes and Uhtred’s company until a watchman brings news of an approaching force of horsemen led by Haesten and Bloodhair (with Aethelwold in tow).
Alfred orders Beocca to bring Uhtred’s children to Winchester and convert them to Christianity. Aethelflaed’s messages arrive in Winchester and are taken by Beocca. Tradition forces Ragnar to take in Haesten, Bloodhair, Cnut and Aethelwold as guests at Dunholm, and he is tantalized by the power of their joined forces. Ragnar recalls their father’s dream of marching into Wessex, and knows it could become a reality with Uhtred at his side in battle. Uhtred confronts Aethelwold in private, realizing that he has underestimated Aethelwold’s brash cunning.
Uhtred visits the imprisoned Skade, who tries to seduce him with whispers of Viking conquest and his potential role as king. The jealous Bloodhair is enraged by Skade’s attachment to Uhtred. Bloodhair asks Ragnar to grant him the right to fight Uhtred, but Ragnar refuses. Beocca and Thyra sail north to link up with Aethelflaed. The Danes prepare to invade Wessex, but argue over leadership positions until they select Ragnar to take command. Finan, Sihtric and Osferth become extremely uncomfortable as the Danes plot to attack the Saxons.
The sickly Alfred dons his battle armor with the help of Aelswith. Beocca and Thyra arrive in Dunholm, much to the joy of Ragnar, Uhtred and even Brida. Beocca speaks privately with Uhtred, informing him of Aethelflaed’s danger and her request that he come to help her. Uhtred is torn by his loyalties to both Ragnar’s Danes and his dear Saxon Aethelflaed. Finan, Sihtric and Osferth beg Uhtred not to march with the Danes.
Once he learns of Aethelwold’s murderous plot against Aethelflaed, Uhtred threatens Aethelwold. Put to the test in the feasting hall, Uhtred’s commitment to the Danes is questioned. Uhtred announces that he will be leaving, but he will not be returning to Wessex. Ragnar and Brida once again feel betrayed by Uhtred, and Ragnar disowns him. Ragnar agrees to allow Bloodhair and Uhtred to fight for possession of Skade.
Our Take
First thing, we gotta say that Leofric’s ghost popping up to haunt Uhtred is a blast, and adds an extra touch of the supernatural (even if Uhtred is just imagining it) in a season where seers like Skade play a major role.
This episode opens pretty quietly, which is okay, because the Uhtred/Leofric stuff is great and followed up by a wonderful scene where Aldhelm turns on the murderous Aethelred and secretly throws his lovelorn lot in with Aethelflaed.
With the political plots thickening, “Episode Three” lands Beocca in a pivotal role. Armed with the knowledge of Aethelred’s plot to murder Aethelflaed, Beocca agrees to her demand that he not tell Alfred of the matter; if the Wessex/Mercia alliance collapses, then the sickly Alfred is left vulnerable, especially without Uhtred by his side. Beocca agrees to travel north to find Uhtred who, of course, is the “solution.” The Last Kingdom handles these cloak-and-dagger maneuverings deftly and it’s always fun to watch.
Uhtred’s dilemma — always torn between being a Saxon or a Dane — is on display jere, for even though he’s fallen out with Alfred, who has banished him, he’s obviously torn about his support of Ragnar and the Danes. Aethelflaed’s plea for his assistance only tortures him further, and results in Uhtred’s further estrangement from his Danish siblings.
Quote: “You cannot escape who you are, Arseling. Blood and bone, you are Bebbanburg.” (The ghost of Leofric, to Uhtred)