The Last Kingdom: TV Review-S5 "Episode 6"
Another major character dies in the action-packed "Episode 6"
The Last Kingdom
Season 5: “Episode 6”
The forces of Edward and Sigtryggr march toward battle as Uhtred races to reveal the truth of Aethelhelm's scheming and avert a ruinous war.
(BEWARE OF SPOILERS)
RECAP
Sigtryggr and Stiorra march their Dane forces to meet King Edward’s mixed Saxon/Mercian army on the battlefield. Lord Aethelhelm is obligated to assist Edward but plans to send his fyrd into the fray only at the last moment: he’s still planning to somehow elevate his grandson Aelfweard. Uhtred, Finan and Sithric ride to catch Edward, avert the war and seize Aethelhelm.
News of the massacre at Rumcofa spreads across the countryside. Brida and Father Pyrlig travel together, looking for Uhtred. Uhtred informs Edward of Aethelhelm’s treachery. Edward moves to end the war, restore the Danelaw and arrest the treacherous Aethelhelm, who has Aethelstan with him.
Aethelhelm plots to murder Aethelstan at his fyrd’s lake encampment. Eanid rides to Aelswith, warning her she’s being followed, but Aelfwynn has run away. Sigtrygger’s Danes cross the frozen lake and attack Aethelhelm’s sleeping men. Uthred rescues Aethelstan. Edward’s army arrives and engages. Uhtred is finally able to stop the slaughter, announcing Aethelhelm’s guilt. Aethelhelm, unfortunately, escapes.
King Edward spares Stiorra at Uhtred’s request but demands Sigtryggr and the Danes convert to Christianity under his kingship, an offer unacceptable to Sigtryggr. Condemned to death by Edward, Sigtryggr asks Uhtred to act as his executioner. The victorious Edward, having essentially regained York, is on the verge of uniting much of England and realizing his father’s dream.
Father Pyrlig angers Brida, who stabs him. Aethelhelm comes up with a new plan as the northern kingdoms prepare to thwart King Edward’s expansions.
REVIEW
The plot surges at a fast and furious pace in the action-packed “Episode 6.” With the peace of England at stake and the Dane and Saxon/Mercian armies about to clash, Uhtred and his companions are, of course, right in the middle of everything (and that’s how we like it). The Last Kingdom’s popularity has increased its production budget over the years, and the sweeping, cinematic battle at the frozen lake proves the money was well spent.
Once again, Sigtryggr overrules the advice of Stiorra in favor of his brother Rognvalder, this time regarding their attack on Aethelhelm’s lake encampment. Sigtryggr’s familial faith in Rognvalder blinds him to his brother’s shortcomings, and this time it costs him big.
It’s nice to see King Edward’s continuing trust in Uhtred, something Uhtred could never completely earn from King Alfred; Edwards’ sparing of Stiorra is the greatest reward he could ever give to Uhtred. It will be interesting to watch how the widowed Stiorra ultimately reacts. Edward is a flawed king, but he has some intuitive survival instincts and listens to his advisors—sometimes there just isn’t a good solution available. The execution of the reasonable Sigtryggr (against Uhtred’s counsel) may well return to haunt the King.
The defeat and death of Sigtryggr is hard to watch. Eysteinn Sigurðarson has played the character with rage and tenderness, and his love affair with Stiorra has made them both fan favorites. At the moment there doesn’t seem to be much oomph left in the demoralized Danes, though Brida or Stiorra (who promised Sigtryggr she would keep York) could get the pot boiling again. Rognvalder might be able to lead another insurrection but he’d definitely mess it up.
Is the conflict with the Danes over and will Uhtred hunt down the still-plotting Aethelhelm next? Uhtred still has to go fight for Bebbanburg in the north and the north is where the next problem is brewing.
Offering widescreen battle fury and plumbing the depths of our emotions, “Episode 6” continues to make the case for The Last Kingdom being the best Viking melodrama out there.
EPISODE RANKING: 9.4 out of 10
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