The Lady Of Mercia Fades
In the third episode of The Last Kingdom Season 5, Stiorra presents herself to Brida. Ignoring the pleas of her people, she promises Brida that God will not forget and demands she fight her one on one. Unfortunately, Stiorra’s closest maid is killed in front of her as a warning. ..
Just before they fight, Uhtred heads in with his men through the tunnels, getting the jump on the soldiers patrolling the perimeter. However, they notice the fight outside and prepare to strike. With their forces set up, Stiorra looks set to meet her death from a vastly overpowered Brida… until Uhtred strikes. ..
As the two forces trade blows, Brida and Uhtred face one another. Vibeke wanders into the middle of the battlefield though, prompting Bride to take her aside and tell her to hide until after the fighting is done.
Vibeke ends up on the roof and as Uhtred urges her to take his hand so as not to fall, Brida encourages her to jump into her arms. Vibeke jumps, hits the edge of the roof hard and collapses on the ground, dead. Brida is devastated as she realizes her daughter has passed. ..
Aethelflaed’s forces come to the aid of Uhtred, opening the gates and helping to tip the scales in his favor. Brida’s army retreats while those left behind meet a gruesome fate. Rognvaldr is spared from death though, leaving a trail of dead bodies in the woods, leading away from the town.
Sigtryggr is still angry and frustrated with himself for letting the Christians into his home. He blames himself for not being able to stop them, but also Edward for not coming to help him. If the Christians can’t come to help him fight this battle, Sigtryggr believes Edward doesn’t fully support his cause.
Stiorra suggests that Uhtred form a bond with Sigtryggr in order to gain his allegiance. Uhtred refuses, pointing out that he is loyal to Runcorn and his home. ..
Father Benedict joins Aethelflaed in her camp in Aegelesburg. The thing is, he’s been feeding information to Aethelhelm, given his earlier debt he needs to replay.
Edward is still close to Eadgifu, who stays the night but reminds him she needs to leave before anyone sees them. After all, if his wife sees them then that could be problematic. ..
Aethelflaed is dying and won’t see the spring, so Edward decides to go to her and ride out to Aegelesburg.
Uhtred sets out to track down Brida down, but Finan speaks up and decides to tell him about Aethelflaed after all. Uhtred encourages Stiorra to join him as he rides to her, but she refuses, pointing out that her place is with Sigtryggr.
Aethelflaed, the Lady of the Mercians, is in poor health and has been transferred to Aylesbury, in the Kingdom of Mercia. ..
Aethelflaed, Lady of Mercia, urges her younger sister Aelfwynn to take up the position of Lady of Mercia in order to keep the kingdom politically stable and watch over any potential enemies. ..
Lord Aldhelm is a powerful man with many responsibilities. He is also tasked with being Aelfwynn’s guide, and is often urged to do the right thing by Mercia given their need for him. Unfortunately, this has led to political scheming from Aethelhelm and the Ealdormen who wish to upset the balance of power.
Aethelhelm is planning to overthrow Aelfweard and place him on the throne as Lord of Mercia within the next week. However, his scheming is overheard by Eadgifu, who hears him promise a Witan will take place when Aethelflaed dies. Edward is immediately informed, realizing that he must have bribed the Mercia ealdormen. ..
Meanwhile, Rognvaldr is to be tested by the Gods, forcing him to hold a burning bar and take 9 steps. If he’s successful then Odin will spare him. If not, then he’s cursed. As he holds the bar, the episode comes to a close.
The Episode Review
Aethelflaed’s health is failing and the future of Mercia hangs in the balance. Aethelhelm has found an opportunity to scheme and try to hit back against Edward, seizing the throne for himself. However, Edward clearly has a plan of his own and quite what, is still left hidden for now.
The Last Kingdom is a gripping political drama with action elements that keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time. The characters are well-drawn and the plot is compelling, making it a must-watch for any fan of political dramas.
This leaves the entire show hanging precariously in the balance as the fate of the Kingdom is still unknown. Who will come out on top?
