Make no mistake!
This was, as far as I can remember, what episodes before a season finale are supposed to be: a build-up.
I wouldn't say it excels on that task, though, for I've been hoping to see more of the Alfred's "pagan affair" results on his mind (but, not as much on his faith, Alfred's changed and that can be seen on next and final episode's teaser)... but it's fair to say it achieves the minimum requirements.
Curious to see how it's going to work Alfred & Aelswith's relationship with Uhtred & Iseult from now on...
I feel the same way Uhtred feels, about the Church.
The rigid, "answers for everything" Church suddenly finds itself challenged in what the power of their Almighty can do.
To save a child, they will ignore treatments that Nature can provide, and instead, insist on prayer and faith.
If the child dies - "It is God's Will. We are humble servants, who do not understand the ways of God"
If the child lives - "PRAISE BE TO HIM!! A 1000 priests, praying together, were heard by God and he answered those prayers"
(Worse part is - this continues today. I experienced it personally, during a tragic moment in my life. "Your Mom died because it is God's will; he has plans and her continuing to live are not part of that plan" was told to me by a family friend. Last time I talk with that person).
The Church plays both sides of the life and death struggle, and always manages to convince people they are right. But the King isnt so sure, given how both he and his son were saved not by prayer, but by the actions of a person they consider to be a heathen. The look he gives...
And meanwhile, Uhtred is done with all most all religions, be they Heathen, Christian or Norse. He is a practical Man who believes in the world of reason.
Shout by MiniButMightyBlockedParent2016-09-04T16:08:13Z
The ending was awesome, it never ceases to amaze me how clever Uhtred is.
But I'm not sure I like the hole "Iseult can see the future" thing. This show seemed very realistic until now, I hope that doesn't change and they don't add too much of that magic stuff she is apparently capable of.