As this show is an adaptation of a very well-known series of books, and of course incorporates real life historical events too, this preview for the episode covers more information than I would normally include. Therefore if you aren’t familiar with the material, or haven’t read the extensive press release already issued, then please be aware that this will contain spoilers.
It’s not Mildrith's looks that are an issue however, she is a beauty who he falls for instantly, but marrying her will present additional problems for the naïve warrior. We know from Alfred’s tête–à–tête with her Godfather, Odda the Elder, last week that he is determined to have his men’s loyalty by making them bound to him through God, duty and the land of Wessex. So it should be no surprise that Mildrith’s father died owing a great debt, which will obviously be passed on to any husband, keeping Uhtred pretty much under his control for now.
He knows that he will be safe enough in the Viking’s camp while Ubba is away in Ireland avenging Ivar’s death. But when he returns there will be no hope for him, or any of the other Saxon captives, ever being allowed to return to their homes. He is reunited with both Ragnar and Brida however, who are now a couple and both urge him to forget his oath to Alfred and return to his Danish roots. Can Uhtred turn his back on his new wife, and their new born child, to rejoin his old family in their fight for revenge though? And what will happen when Ubba and his troops return from Ireland, swelling the number of Vikings to a point where they can renegade on Guthrum’s truce?
I was also pleased to see a favourite actor of mine also taking on a larger role this week. Lorcan Cranitch’s Father Selbix has been seen only briefly so far, most noticeably during the coronation of King Alfred, but he gets a chance to stretch his acting chops this week when he also becomes one of the hostages sent over to the Viking camp. I’m sure those who know their history will be aware why he is among the chosen few. Once again, Alfred is using his knowledge and spy network to gain the advantage, but only as long as he is not the one taking any of the risk himself of course.
Episode 4 airs on Saturday October 31 on BBC America at 10pm, and on BBC Two on Thursday 12th November at 9pm. Below are a few dialogue teasers to see you through until then.
“MY NAME IS UHTRED! By all means call me earsling for not seeing this sooner”
“The kingdom of heaven is his to share, I’ve told him. A man can change Uhtred”
“God will bless your loyalty. But with luck he will fall in battle, and soon”
“He will bark at her Odda I’m sure, but his real anger will be reserved for you and I”
“I’ve missed him. I miss you both”
“I’m sorry the day has been a disappointment for you lord, for us both”
“If they keep going to the west, in a day or so they’ll come to the fortress at Werham”
“He’s watching how you behave, he’s judging you as a lord”
“You could bathe all day long and you’d still stink of pig shit”
“I am Guthrum, and one day I shall be your king. Do you understand what I have said? You will all say, yes lord”
“She’ll be pious alright. If she were a leg spreader, Alfred would have been on her by now”
“We have been watching the ships, which remain on the Thames. A mistake”
