‘Dislike him if you wish but never underestimate him. He’s ruthless and the man thinks’
A beautifully paced episode this week saw the tension mounting as we delved deeper into the politics of Wessex, finding out more about Alfred and those surrounding him in the process. Kicking off straight after last week’s battle with Guthrum we swiftly learned that Æthelred had sustained a mortal injury meaning that the kingdom of Wessex was now up for grabs. Or so Æthelred’s faintly useless son Æthelwold assumed anyway. In reality, as with so much in Wessex, the succession was already a done deal and Alfred’s appointment a formality. Although admittedly a formality made rather easier by Æthelwold’s decision to head off for a night’s relaxation rather than to his dying father’s chamber to ensure he named him successor.
Odda the Younger’s devious plan probably wouldn’t have worked anyway: when we met Alfred last week it was obvious that he was a step or two ahead of everyone else, and so it repeatedly proved this week. Whether becoming king, negotiating with Guthrum and Ubba or getting Uhtred just where he wants him, Alfred’s moves were made with pinpoint precision. At this rate, I wouldn’t be surprised if it was later revealed that he’d somehow had men contact Young Ragnar as a way of getting rid of Brida. Yes, it’s unlikely but he’s certainly ruthless enough.
‘I won’t become a Saxon woman. That won’t be my life’
Ah Brida: your departure was a sad inevitability but still I shall be sorry to see you go. Uhtred’s childhood love has clearly been deeply unhappy since the moment they arrived in Wessex – and, unlike him, she feels no conflict between her early Saxon life and the fact she was raised a Dane. It made total sense that she would leave once Young Ragnar arrived from Ireland, especially after having also suffered a miscarriage (which may or may not have been brought on by drinking the mushroom ale), but oh, I felt for both her and Uhtred as they said their goodbyes. Their relationship has been one of the highlights of the show so far, well drawn, emotional and entertaining. You believe in the attraction they have for each other; in the idea that they make each other laugh but can wound each other deeply as well. When Uhtred said his final farewell – “You’ve been half my life and all of my madness” – it rang sorrowfully true. Will we see Brida again? I’d hope so. Emily Cox played her with a fierce charisma and she had many of the show’s funniest lines, in addition to being easily the best-drawn female character we’ve encountered so far.
‘I sold myself for a tailcoat and a helmet’
Brida’s departure leaves Uhtred on the verge of another reinvention and we left him contemplating the future as a man of Wessex for at least a year, having agreed to Alfred’s terms of service. Clearly that year will prove to be considerably longer: Alfred is a man who knows there’s more than one way to skin a fish and if he’s got marriage in mind then marriage will occur. Regardless of what Uhtred might think. That said, I suspect our brash young hero has talents of his own. He’s raw and still inclined to fight first and ask questions later, but he chose the harder path of honouring his oath and fighting for Bebbanburg over flight and fun with Brida and Ragnar, and that suggests a man who, like Alfred, has a longer game in mind.
Additional notes
- Alexander Dreymon continues to grow on me giving Uhtred a roguishness that works well and provides a nice contrast to the more measured Alfred.
- More Saxon character development this week. In summation: Odda the Older, a practical, steadfast type whom Alfred should be careful of taking for granted; Odda the Younger, an ambitious young thruster with a machiavellian streak who reminds me for some reason of the spy in Asterix and the Roman Agent; Æthelwold, an immature young man with a penchant for drink, women and uncle issues (hmm, perhaps that’s something he and Uhtred could bond over).
- We also spent some more time with down-to-earth soldier Leofric (Adrian Bower), appreciator of Danish-raised women and smart battle tactics. Could he be Uhtred’s Harper? Please let it be so.
- Then there’s Alfred’s wife, Ælswith, who turns out to be pious, a little bit niggly and not very keen on Danes of either gender. There’s something cloying about her love for her husband, which is both off-putting and sort of intriguing. Here’s hoping we learn more.
- Wearing sheepskin coats, drinking mushroom ale and having tripped-out visions: Brida is definitely one step away from a nose ring and a stall at Camden market. If she gets one she could ask Guthrum for some fashion tips, what with the whole “I’ve tastefully accessorised my outfit by wearing my dead mother’s rib bone in my hair” thing.
- Talking of Guthrum, it was interesting to see the contrast between him and Ubba when negotiations were going on. Where Ubba thought entirely in terms of plunder and death, Guthrum seemed more open to negotiation, and not just to be paid to go away regularly. (Those with an interest in finding out how open can look here and here.)
- The secret to Alfred’s success: the recognition that words equal power. He’s busy writing his version of history, and ensuring that everyone else’s is lost in those dark mists of time.
Violence count
One Leofric boot to Ælthelwold’s head, one lonely miscarriage in an empty wood, one brutal training session and the death of King Ælthelred.
Quote of the week
“You are Wessex, England, always to be cherished, never to be violated only to loved vigorously,” Hmm, Alfred might be a visionary leader but I’m really not sure about his chat-up technique …
So what did you think? Will you miss Brida? Should Leofric and Uhtred head off on their own buddy trip?
And what about King Alfred’s chat-up lines – hit or miss? As ever all speculation welcome below …
