"Episode 4" is the fourth episode of the first season of The Last Kingdom. It aired on October 31, 2015.
Synopsis[]
After Uhtred faces betrayal and falls into hostile hands, his Danish brother, Ragnar the Young, scrambles to save his life.
Plot[]
Wessex; While bathing in a stream in the middle of winter, Uhtred is confronted by Odda the Younger, who tries to bribe him to walk away from the arranged marriage Alfred has planned for him. The girl is Mildrith, goddaughter of Odda the Elder, and someone that Young Odda seems to harbor secret feelings for and would hate to see betrothed to a Dane. Uhtred has already paid the bride price of 33 pieces of silver and though Leofric states that she is "plain", Uhtred knows that she owns land and will therefore serve his long-term purpose of giving him what he needs to be a respected Ealdorman.
Winchester, Wessex; In the chapel, Mildrith removes her hood and Uhtred sees her for the first time with a look of pleasant surprise on his face.
Wessex; Uhtred, Mildrith, and Leofric set out to their new home as the winter starts to thaw. Uhtred, a little disbelieving that Alfred would gift him such a beautiful bride, begins to ask prodding questions and soon learns that Mildrith's deceased father had promised a tenth of his land's yield to the Church, despite not being able to pay in full for many years. The sum of the current debt is 2,000 shillings, which Alfred could remove but has chosen not to in order to test Uhtred's obedience as an English Ealdorman.
Lyscombe, Wessex; Upon arrival, Mildrith greets her commonfolk and gifts them the silver from her bride price, of which Uhtred learns she was cheated by almost half. Their first night as a couple is tense as Uhtred's quick temper clashes with Mildrith's meek nature, but tensions ease as Uhtred insists he is not angry at her for the situation, and admits he was distracted from digging deeper into the matter by her beauty, and the couple slowly become affectionate.
Months pass and Mildrith is now pregnant. She joins Uhtred and Oswald on an overlooking ridge as they patrol their lands, seeing an endless line of Danes crossing through the trees, amongst whom is Young Ragnar. The peace has been broken and King Guthrum's army marches west towards Wareham. Uhtred rides with Mildrith and Leofric at once to Winchester to warn Alfred.
Winchester, Wessex; At Winchester, both Alfred and Odda the Elder question why Alfred did not attack Guthrum's army as it crossed his lands; Uhtred retorts all such an attack would have accomplished would be leading the farmers he's responsible for into a slaughter. Leofric confirms to Alfred when asked the Dane army comprises at least 200 warriors and their most likely target will be the fortress of Wareham, which will be hard pressed to repel them. Alfred concludes the peace is over and order his army to march. In the meeting's aftermath, Uhtred confronts Odda the Elder about the fact his son stole from Mildrith's bride price; furious, Odda the Elder orders his son to repay the missing sum. Uhtred takes a moment to taunt Odda the Younger about his and Mildrith's active sex life, much to Leofric's amusement. Uhtred also has Mildrith stay behind in Winchester for her own safety.
The army of Wessex marches forth to confront the Danes. Uhtred takes an opportunity at base camp to confront Alfred about the outstanding debt of his deviously arranged marriage. But before Uhtred can begin, Alfred informs him that Ivar the Boneless, brother of Ubba, has been killed in Irland and Ubba has deserted Guthrum to avenge him. The discussion leads to an argument about the gods versus the one true God. Which god, or gods, provides omens or miracles? Do they not have the same effect? Alfred reveals that his distrust of the Danes (and therefore Uhtred) stems from their desire for personal gain and pleasure without sacrifice. To Alfred, penance is what separates the good English Christians from the pagan heathens. As a vegetarian, Alfred has his broth. As an Ealdorman, Uhtred has his debt. It is how Uhtred acts in the face of this dilemma that will determine Alfred's trust in him.
Wareham, Wessex; Wareham has fallen at the hands of the Danes in the Siege of Wareham. Young Ragnar, eager to lead his men against the Saxon army and continue westward conquest, interrupts Guthrum's moment of reverence inside the Christian church, which he finds "strangely quiet and peaceful". But Guthrum fears losing more men in the wake of Ubba's desertion and admits that despite overtaking Wareham, they can be starved out.
Outside Wareham, Wessex; In talks at the gate, Alfred demands the Danes exit Wessex by ship back to East Anglia in one month's time. Ten hostages from each side are exchanged as a condition during the one month peace term. Among the Wessex hostages are Father Selbix, who has been instructed to convert Guthrum to Christianity, and Uhtred, who has been instructed to escape and light beacon signals should word of Ubba's return be heard.
Wareham, Wessex; That night in Wareham, the reunion between Uhtred, Ragnar, and Brida is joyful as they drink together. Uhtred finally feels at home, but his new Saxon family proves to be another obstacle in his Danish affinity. Albeit tempted to join Ragnar, he is still drawn towards the dream of Bebbanburg despite Alfred's incessant attempts to test his allegiance. He continues to grapple with his two identities, never fully accepted by either side.
A messenger arrives from Irland with the news of Ubba's return to England as well as reinforcements from Lunden, in the Kingdom of Mercia. This is all the news Guthrum needs to hear to know he can defeat Alfred in battle and orders his men to get rid of the English hostages. All but Uhtred is slain when Ragnar steps in and tells Guthrum that he will have to kill him first if he wants to kill Uhtred. Guthrum, aware such a move will cost him half his army, grudgingly relents, and Uhtred says his farewells to Ragnar and Brida before departing.
Outside Wareham, Wessex; Uhtred is released and lights the signal beacons as Alfred instructed, once again demonstrating that he sides with the Saxons.
Appearances[]
First[]
Deaths[]
- Father Selbix - Stabbed in the chest by Guthrum.
- Several unnamed Wareham soldiers and residents.
- 8 unnamed Saxon prisoners (including Hostage).
- 4 unnamed Dane soldiers (including Messenger).
- 10 unnamed Dane prisoners.
Cast[]
Starring[] |
Supporting[]Guest Starring[]
Uncredited[]
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