In the second episode of The Last Kingdom’s final season, the story resumes where it previously concluded in episode one. The opening shot reveals Brida’s men covered in blood in an attempt to find Stiorra, played by Ruby Hartley, and assassinate her. This visual of blood covered men is incredibly jarring at first glance, as is the brutal stabbing performed by Stiorra’s maid for her mistress’s protection.
While this internal chaos ensues, Sigtryggr, played by Eysteinn Sigurðarson (The Courier, Trapped) is forced to fight alone, defending himself but forced to yield due to his low defenses. His manhood is diminished as Brida essentially remarks that he’s washed up when it comes to fighting.
Like most episodes of The Last Kingdom, there are so many alliances, side plots, fights, and schemes abound, making it nearly impossible to cover all of the bases when it comes to a summary of the episode itself. To make a long story short, Brida, played by Emily Cox (The Fatherless, The Silent Mountain), is on a tear when it comes to bloodshed and domination. She is bent on making Uhtred’s people suffer and prove their loyalties in unspeakable ways.
Uhtred, played by Alexander Dreymon (American Horror Story: Coven, Horizon Line), eventually learns of Brida’s desire for revenge – he knows she’s coming for his bloodline. Uhtred has an intense desire to attack York and begs Aethelflad, played by Millie Brady (The Queen’s Gambit, Surface) for her soldiers to do so. Unfortunately, he only receives a few men, but it’s better than nothing. Aethelflad also has a secret she’s keeping from Uhtred, but that is sure to later be revealed.
In this second episode, there are also some subplots regarding Edward and Aethelhelm, but it’s not necessarily as exciting as Brida’s plundering.
This episode was also fairly good like the first, but some action is lost with all of the political schemes that occur, albeit necessary. It should be interesting to see how far Brida goes to attack Uhtred’s relatives, and Aethelflad’s unchangeable fate is sure to rattle viewers.
All of the costuming and settings for The Last Kingdom is absolutely gorgeous and seems to be fairly historically accurate, greatly immersing its viewers in the world of the people from this time. Even if you are not exactly familiar or clear on what is occurring plot wise, the stylistic ideals provided by the creative team are sure to keep you intrigued.
There is absolutely more drama to come in this final season with many loose ends in need of tying.
Rating: 6.5/10.0