(s04e01) | The Last Kingdom Season 4 Episode 01

: New players Eardwulf (commander of the Mercian guard) and his sister Eadith emerge. Eadith uses her influence over Æthelred for political gain as they plot to conquer "undefended" Danish lands.

: In East Anglia, Cnut and Brida plot an invasion of Mercia and Wessex. To lure the Saxons out, they spread misinformation via Haesten that Cnut has left for Ireland. The Last Kingdom Season 4 Episode 01 (S04E01)

: The episode opens with Aelfric , Uhtred's uncle, defending Bebbanburg from a brutal Scottish attack. Although he survives, he loses over half his men, creating a rare window of vulnerability. : New players Eardwulf (commander of the Mercian

: Uhtred is reunited with his son, Young Uhtred (played by Finn Elliot), now a pious young cleric who clashes with his father's pagan ways. Character Dynamics & New Entrants To lure the Saxons out, they spread misinformation

: Following King Alfred's death, Queen Aelswith finds her influence at court severely curbed by the ambitious Aethelhelm . Critical Reception

Critics noted the episode's "busy, stage-setting" nature, praised Ian Hart’s performance as Father Beocca, and highlighted the emotional weight of Uhtred finally returning to his birthright after three seasons of delay. The Last Kingdom Season 4 Episode 1 Review: To Bebbanburg!