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"Episode 43" is the seventh episode of the fifth season of The Last Kingdom. It aired on March 9, 2022.

Synopsis[]

Edward offers a role to Stiorra that would restore her to power. Æthelhelm meets with a Saxon enemy. Uhtred has a long-overdue reckoning with Brida.

Plot[]

Eoferwic, Northumbria; Amidst the grief of Sigtryggr's funeral, headed by a mourning Stiorra, a severely wounded Pyrlig staggers into the camp on the city's outskirts. Uhtred, keeping his distance while his daughter mourns her husband, is approached by Young Uhtred, praising the tales of the bravery Uhtred has heard from Finan and Sihtric in defending Rumcofa's people. He invites Young Uhtred to drink with them, but his son informs him of Pyrlig's condition, and that Brida was responsible. Uhtred, Finan and Sihtric hasten to the tent where Pyrlig is being tended; the wounded priest confirms his injuries were Brida's handiwork. Enraged beyond all endurance that Brida has continued terrorizing those he cares about, Uhtred tells Finan and Sihtric this time they will hunt down and kill Brida for good, unaware that she is watching Eoferwic from a nearby hilltop.

Eoferwic, Northumbria; The next morning, Edward and Aldhelm discuss their next steps; Brida has thus far evaded both Uhtred and the Mercian Guard, and Aethelhelm has disappeared; Edward asks if Ælfweard is aware of his grandfather's role in his mother's death, to which Aldhelm replies he felt it best Edward break the news to his son. Aldhelm also mentions they suspect Aethelhelm is making for Wessex, and Edward fears he may intend to seize Winchester in their absence. Aldhelm warns that leaving Eoferwic in the current climate would be unwise; Brida is still on the loose, Pyrlig is too ill to travel, and Stiorra's grief at her husband's death and the support she enjoys from the city's population could be problematic. Furthermore, with Eoferwic secured, they will have the ability to push north, claim the rest of Northumbria and finally fulfil his father's dream to forge a united England. Conceding the point, Edward orders him to summon Uhtred.

Uhtred, Finan and Sihtric return to Eoforwic empty handed from their latest hunt for Brida. Greeting them at the stables, Æthelstan suggests that Brida has likely fled the region; she knows being caught means certain death now, and that risk only increases the longer she lingers near Eoforwic. Uhtred insists Pyrlig couldn't have travelled far with his injuries, so Brida must be close by. Aldhelm interrupts the conversation to summon Uhtred to Edward's presence. In Eorforwic's great hall, Uhtred reports his failure to find Brida, but Edward explains he needs to return to Wessex, lest Aethelhelm seize his throne, but he is concerned the Danes of Eoforwic, resentful at his conquest of their lands and Sigtryggr's death, may cause trouble in his absence. Edward proposes a solution; if Stiorra agrees to publicly swear loyalty to him and keep the peace, he will allow her to remain mistress of Eoforwic and rule in his name, which will hopefully appease her and Sigtryggr's former subjects. Uhtred insists his daughter has no interest in raising a rebellion against Edward, even to avenge her husband, but she will never agree to be baptized. Edward reminds him King Alfred had Stiorra baptized as a child; in the Church's eyes, she is already saved, so he sees no reason to force the issue. After receiving Edward's assurance that as one of his vassals, Stiorra will have his protection, Uhtred says he will convince her to accept the offer.

Mercia; Ælfwynn is accosted by Glaedwine and Bresal, under orders to abduct her for Aethelhelm. Eadith and Ælswith try to chase them off only to be taken prisoner themselves. Eadith initially assumes Edward is behind his niece's abduction but Ælswith concludes Aethelhelm is responsible. Glaedwine urges Bresal to kill Eadith and Ælswith so they cannot inform Edward; Bresal agrees to do it when the women fall asleep. Aware they're in danger, Ælswith has Ælfwynn distract Glaedwine while she and Eadith attempt to overcome Bresal. Bresal overpowers Eadith and starts strangling her, but Ælswith fatally stabs him through the throat with a dagger. Returning to find his comrade dead, Glaedwine seizes Ælfwynn and flees with her on horseback.

Appearances[]

First[]

  • Glaedwine
  • Yahya
  • Mercian Guard

Deaths[]

  • Redwald - Slain off screen by Glaedwine.
  • Bresal - Stabbed through the throat by Ælswith.
  • Unnamed Saxon soldier - Slain off screen by Brida.
  • Brida of Dunholm - Shot through the back with an arrow by Stiorra.

Cast[]

Starring[]

Supporting[]

Guest Starring[]

  • Luke Nunn as Glaedwine
  • Zoltán Benkovics as Mercian Guard