Ep 1. Episode 1

In the first episode of The Last Kingdom, we are immediately introduced to our protagonist, Uhtred of Bebbanburg. Set in the 9th century, the show opens with the young Uhtred living a carefree life in Northumbria with his father, Lord Uhtred. However, everything changes when the Danes invade and Lord Uhtred is killed in battle.

Uhtred is captured by the Danes and taken as a slave, but is eventually taken in by a Dane lord named Ragnar the Elder. Uhtred quickly grows to love his new "family" and the Viking way of life, even becoming a skilled fighter and earning Ragnar's trust and respect.

However, Uhtred's loyalty is put to the test when Ragnar's son, the hot-headed and impulsive Ragnar the Younger, accuses Uhtred of plotting against him. Uhtred is forced to flee and finds himself alone in a foreign land, trying to find his way back to Northumbria and reclaim his birthright.

Along the way, Uhtred encounters a Saxon girl named Brida who was also taken in by the Danes as a child. The two become close friends and allies, though their views on the war between the Saxons and Danes eventually come into conflict.

Meanwhile, the show also establishes the political landscape of 9th century England. We meet various Saxon lords, including King Aelle of Northumbria, who is determined to drive the Danes out of his kingdom. We also see the inner workings of the Danes' strategy, particularly their desire to conquer the independent kingdoms of England one by one.

Overall, the first episode of The Last Kingdom sets up a rich and complex world full of political intrigue, intense battle scenes, and compelling character arcs. While Uhtred may seem like a typical "chosen one" hero at first, his complex internal struggle between his loyalty to the Danes and his desire to regain his birthright adds depth to his character. With its strong performances and immersive world-building, The Last Kingdom promises to be a gripping historical drama.