BBC America's historical fiction drama, "The Last Kingdom", which has been compared to "Game of Thrones", is halfway through it's first season, and added to it's plot are issues of identity, romance, friendship and violence. "The Last Kingdom," which focuses on its protagonist, Uhtred (Alexander Dreymon), a Saxon and a Dane at heart, is a complex tale about the numerous wars fought between the Danes and the pious Saxons. 

This week's episode will focus on an epic battle between the two. In episode 5, the actual war occupies very little screen space. Instead, the story focuses on the politics and the Saxons' preparedness to take on the Danes. 

Episode 5 will also capture the simmering tension between Odda the Younger (Brian Vernel) and Uhtred. The Saxon eldorman is upset when he learns that Uhtred has escaped death and tried to save his wife, Mildrith (Amy Wren). 

Although Uhtred feels quite alienated in the Saxon camp, he has finally found a friend. His new confidante is Leofric (Adrian Bower), who trains Uhtred in the art of fighting. Their friendship becomes a sub-plot in the upcoming episode. 

Spoiler TV reports: "It's impossible to fault anyone's performance this week, this really is a mid-season finale of sorts and everyone is on their game — the show is covering the first two novels in the series, so this naturally is the end of the first and the beginning of the second we are seeing unfold this week."

Episode 5's synopsis reads:

"In rescuing Mildrith from suspected abduction, Uhtred is drawn into the great battle of Cynuit, where he heroically defeats a formidable enemy. But when Odda the Younger steals the glory, Uhtred is furious and faces Alfred's penance." 

"The Last Kingdom" season 1, episode 5 airs on  Saturday, 7 November at 10pm on BBC America. You can live stream the episode online here. 

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