The eighth episode of The Last Kingdom’s final season opens with Uhtred, played by Alexander Dreymon (American Horror Story: Coven) mourning the death of Brida. Stiorra, played by Ruby Hartley, is unappy with Uhtred’s loyalty to Brida and the fact that he tried to save her – she sees it as a betrayal to his entrie family. During this emotional decision, Stiorra aims to turn most of the Danes against Uhtred, pledging their loyalty to her instead.
In Bebbanburg, Aethelhelm, played by Adrian Schiller (Beauty and the Beast, Suffragette) is visited by Aelfweard, played by Ewan Horrocks (Domina). Aelfweard is brought in by Father Benedict, as Aethelhelm has planned. Aethelhelm creates an idea that the war is merely a “confrontation,” and Edward will simply buckle under the pressure of seeing Aethelhelm and his army. This being said, Benedict speaks out against the assassination of Edward, calling Aethelhelm’s actions tyrannical.
Benedict opts to warn Edward, played by Timothy Innes (The Favourite, The Sense of an Ending), about what’s coming to him. Nonetheless, Edward does not want to rush into battle.
Amidst all of this, Uhtred returns to Finan and Sihtric, reflecting on what’s just happened to him. He wants to go back home to Runcorn, but is worried that too much has happened and he won’t have enough supporters to accompany him.
Benedict appears back in town and warns Uhtred of Aethelhelm’s plans, which, of course, piques Uhtred’s interest. Pyrlig thinks it’s all an ironic twist of fate, but Uhtred takes it all as a sign of the Gods taunting and laughing at him. Pyrlig urges Uhtred to reclaim Bebbanburg, who takes the idea to Edward. Edward realizes that Aethelhelm is a bigger threat than he anticipated and wants to come up with a more peaceful solution to it all so as to prevent war.
There is lots of contention around Edward’s complacency, so he just decides to shut the gates of his kingdom, threatening death on anyone who attempts to leave. Uhtred and the other men ignore the threat and promise to leave regardless of what Edward may want. As everything is up in the air, viewers are left wondering whether Edward will engage in war or not.
The Last Kingdom provides an intriguing glimpse into the upcoming fight that will cover the last two episodes of this fifth and final season. After Brida’s death, this episode mainly served as a breather for the audience to elevate what’s sure to come in the future.
Rating: 6.5/10.0