© BBC Pictures
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 press releases already issued, then please be aware that this will contain spoilers.
After last week’s humiliating grovel in front of the whole of Winchester, the temptation to take up his friend’s proposal of raiding the Briton’s in Cornwalum as a way of gaining wealth and independence from Alfred prove to be too much for Uhtred. Conveniently, Odda the Younger has sent his man, Leofric, to keep a watch on his rival, safe in the knowledge that he can trust him to be ‘honest and true’, despite his personal feelings towards the odious little creep. Therefore this allows the pair to join forces and put the plan into action, whilst also giving Uhtred an excuse to be absent when retribution for the death of Oswald, who used to run his farmstead, comes knocking on his door.
The small band of renegade bandits have a stowaway amongst them as they set off, one which sees Uhtred returning his debt made during his penance last week fairly swiftly. Alfred’s nephew also wants to make a name for himself and now that Odda, his previous benefactor, has forsaken him after his own step up in fortune, he sees the benefit in siding with his opponent instead. He does end up proving useful during the adventures in Cornwall, yet Uhtred may well come to regret putting any faith in Aethelwold as his callowness and craven nature are, unfortunately, what define the young man.
A new character is introduced this week, Queen Iseult (Charlie Murphy), who is the shadow queen of one of the Cornish King’s whom Uhtred and his men are hired by. She instantly attracts the attention of our hero, with both her beauty and her promises of silver and good fortune yet to come. Being a Pagan rather than a pious Christian possibly makes her a far more sympathetic and appealing character for Uhtred too, I imagine. Her heathen ways will not endear either of them to any of the God fearing folk back in Wessex once they return after the mission is complete however.
Uhtred has far more pressing matters to attend once he reaches Winchester though. It won’t matter that he has paid off Mildrith’s debts, or cleared his name over his encounter with the thieving Oswald. Alfred has been listening to the whisperings of others, including his wife, Aelswith, and Odda, and has decided that judgement must be passed for crimes that have been committed. This time it’s going to take more than getting his knees dirty and humbling himself before the Christian God to appease his king. The punishment will be far more catastrophic, not only for him but for his best friend Leofric too. Not that we get to see this punishment play out this week, so prepare yourself for a doozy of a cliffhanger that will leave you on tender hooks until next week!
Episode 6 airs on Saturday November 14 on BBC America at 10pm, and on BBC Two on Thursday 26th November at 9pm. Below are a few dialogue teasers to see you through until then. There is no poll after the episode but please do come back to this post and let us know what you thought. I am eager to discuss the episode with you all.
“This fort you want us to recapture it’s defended by how many Britons, and what price will he pay?”
“I knew that you would come. That is all”
“Oswald’s wife has gone to Bishop Alewold. The Bishop will go to Alfred, and Alfred will send men to our door…”
“All this is proven with oaths, and the punishment for these crimes is death”
“I am educated man Leofric. I simply enjoy hiding the fact”
“I am blessed with two wives, two queens”
“Aethelwold, you’re as much a warrior as you are a king”
“I know that the devil exists, hiding within beauty. It is a trick he will use often, I’m sure”
“Oh no, lord. With your permission we will exhume the remains, and I don’t know, have them thrown into the river”
“That’s Irish work. It looks, Irish. And it’s weight…a thing of beauty and of great value”
“Whatever he has, I say we split half and half”
“He’s building Alfred a church at Cynwit, have you heard? With an altar of gold they say”
About the Author - Sandi
Sandi is part of the Senior Staff at SpoilerTV having been a contributor from back in the Lost days of DarkUFO, and who now writes previews for Banshee, The Musketeers, Poldark, and other UK shows. She also enjoys watching and commenting on other shows such as Vikings, Orphan Black, Game of Thrones and The Flash.
