The Puppet Master
Episode 5 of The Last Kingdom Season 5 begins with news of the Ealdormen dying spreading across town. Lord Aldhelm decides to leave, as civil war teases on the horizon. Eadgifu encourages Edward to resolve this by making peace with everyone in Mercia. He’s going to break bread with the people to show he’s merciful. After all, ruling in fear is never the way. ..
Aethelhelm’s plan is to set up a war between the Christians and the Danes, with the hope that Edward will die in battle, allowing Aelfweard to ascend.
In York, news of Edward’s coup reaches Stiorra and Sigtryggr as they prepare to fight if it comes to it. Out in the woods though, Lord Haesten finds numerous nuns killed, with Aalys sobbing for her life. She’s been spared to pass on word that Sigtryggr is coming… and part of that message includes Edward’s queen hung from a tree. ..
Father Benedict is worried about what will happen next. He knows that Uhtred is a man of strength and honor, but he also knows that he can’t just leave his friend to fight on his own. So the priest decides to take matters into his own hands and ask for Uhtred’s help. He tells Uhtred that he needs to find someone who can help him with the fight against the dragon riders, and Uhtred is more than happy to oblige.
Uhtred is not so sure Sigtryggr is responsible, but realizes that if word of this reaches Mercia, it would cause a huge battle between the Danes and Christians – just like Aethelhelm wants. Sigtryggr is actually pretty disgusted when Uhtred rides out and quizzes him over this, pointing out that he’d do a lot more than strangle the queen if he were the one fighting.
While this is going on, Brida encourages Father Pyrlig to lead her to Uhtred. After all, if she’s to make peace with herself, the only thing she wants to do is go straight to the source.
When Aethelhelm fails to convince Edward to recklessly march into battle, he undermines the King by spurring on the people, spouting that Danes are responsible for the deaths and they should get revenge.
Aethelhelm’s coup succeeds and angry soldiers show up in large numbers looking for the Danes. Finan urges that Uhtred and the others be informed but in the ensuing fight, Osferth is stabbed and killed before the soldiers are pushed back. ..
When Edward finds out about the losses sustained from the attack, he decides to prepare the army to strike back. Edward blames himself and the vengeance of God for this occurring. Eadgifu tries to help the King by kissing him and making love. “Be a good King, not a good man.” She says. ..
The conflict between Aethelhelm and Sigtryggr has continued to escalate, with Aethelhelm scheming behind the scenes. Unfortunately, this also means that war is coming and with Edward sending his combined Saxon forces north, Sigtryggr is also preparing his army.
Uhtred realizes that Aethelhelm is the one responsible for Osferth’s death. Just as he finds out, Finan rides up and tells him about Osferth’s death. With Aethelhelm’s influence growing (despite his momentary lapse in faith), and war on the horizon, everything is left on a precarious knife edge. ..
The Episode Review
Aethelhelm has had a significant impact on the course of this story, and his scheming has led to a dangerous situation that threatens the kingdom. It’s clear that he’s not content with the status quo and is working hard to push things in a more dangerous direction.
With Osferth dead and Mercia now united under Edward’s banner, the Saxons look set to wage war against the Danes and that is likely to cause one heck of a conflict when it comes to pass.
The Last Kingdom is a great show this year. The balance of power is constantly shifting and it’s possible for anyone to win at any moment. Who will be the victor? ..
