Ep 1. Episode 1
- TV-14
- 55 min
In The Last Kingdom season 4 episode 1, viewers are brought back to ninth century England, where the battle for power and dominance continues to rage on. The episode opens with a flashback, in which Uhtred (played by Alexander Dreymon) is shown as a young boy, living with his father as their town is raided and destroyed by Danish invaders. As Uhtred flees with his father's sword, he is captured and enslaved by the Danes, setting the stage for the remainder of the series.
Cutting back to present day, Uhtred is shown leading his own army into battle against the Danes, but he soon receives word that his childhood friend and ally, King Alfred, is dying. This news prompts Uhtred to make the journey to Alfred's castle, where he finds himself embroiled in a new political power struggle. Alfred's heirs are young and inexperienced, and there are competing forces vying for the throne, including the queen's brother and the warrior Aethelwold.
Uhtred tries to navigate this treacherous terrain, balancing his loyalty to Alfred with his desire for recognition and respect. He also encounters familiar faces from his past, including his adoptive brother Ragnar, who is now a high-ranking Danish warrior. The two men have a complicated relationship, and their reunion is fraught with tension and betrayal.
Meanwhile, the Danish army continues to advance, threatening to overtake Wessex and establish their own stronghold on the British isles. Uhtred must use his skills as a warrior and tactician to fend off the invaders and protect his people. He also has the added pressure of trying to find a suitable heir for Alfred's throne, as the future of the kingdom hangs in the balance.
Throughout the episode, the themes of loyalty, honor, and betrayal are explored in depth. Uhtred struggles to reconcile his conflicting loyalties, torn between his allegiance to the Saxon people and his roots in Danish culture. He is also forced to confront the reality of his own mortality, as he faces the possibility of death on the battlefield.
The Last Kingdom season 4 episode 1 is a thrilling and action-packed introduction to the new season, promising plenty of political intrigue and battles to come. Fans of the series will be eager to see how Uhtred navigates this latest crisis, and whether he will emerge victorious or fall victim to his enemies. With its compelling mix of historical drama, action, and personal struggle, this show continues to captivate audiences with each new season.