In the third episode of The Last Kingdom’s final season, the scene opens with Brida’s, played by Emily Cox (The Fatherless, The Silent Mountain) continual acts of torment. Stiorra, played by Ruby Hartley, presents herself to Brida in the defense of her people, but one of her closest maids unfortunately ends up being the victim instead of Stiorra herself. 

The episode then moves to Uhtred, played by Alexander Dreymon (American Horror Story: Coven) as he prepares to face Brida head to head. The two groups engage in a jarring and action-packed battle, sure to satiate the blood-lust of any of the program’s viewers. Unfortunately, Brida escapes and Uhtred loses a great deal of his men.

Throughout all of these trials and tribulations, Brida reads as such a complex character. Yes, she’s on the hunt for revenge and retribution, but when her daughter, an innocent child and bystander, is murdered she sheds genuine tears. If you’re a fan of Uhtred, you don’t want to feel any sort of sympathy towards her, but this death of a child does prove that she can still be human underneath it all. Brida, like everyone, has weak points. 

After this moment of vulnerability, the other standout moment involves Aetheflad, played by Millie Brady (The Queen’s Gambit, Surface), as her health deteriorates even more, and she is moved to the city of Mercia for good measure. In panic, Aelfwynn, played by Phia Saban (The Alienist, Space Girls)  is urged to become the Lady of Mercia; Aetheflad wants the status quo to stay in place, and Aelfwynn seems like the woman for the job.

Meanwhile, Aethelhelm, played by Adrian Schiller (Tolkien, Bright Star), plans a coup to instate Aelfward, played by Ewan Horrocks (Domina), on the throne as the Lord of Mercia, but his plans are overheard and intercepted. 

The episode closes with Rognvaldr, played by Micki Stoltt (Surrogate, A Horse Named Allan), being tested by the Gods, holding a burning bar as he is instructed to take nine simple steps. If he passes, his life will be spared. Alas, the episode ends with Rognvaldr simply holding the bar, unmoving, thus leaving an air of suspense for the next episode. 

As Aethelflad’s health continues to dwindle with her imminent death, viewers must wait for the other shoe to drop on the matter. Mercia’s future also is pending among the constant fighting, granting Edward the space to seize the throne for himself; however, how this will be done still seems a little unclear, leaving us in suspense. 

Overall, The Last Kingdom continues to bring the political suspense and drama with the proper balance of gore and bloodshed into the mix. With Brida’s daughter now dead, there is sure to be even more rage and cries of war coming from her end, only continuing the fuel the fire as the historical drama dwindles into its remaining episodes.

Rating: 8.0/10.0