‘The Last Kingdom’: Eliza Butterworth Talks About Aelswith’s ‘Redemption’ in Season 4
In season 4 of The Last Kingdom, fans are able to see a new side to Lady Aelswith (Eliza Butterworth). Many fans consider her one of the MVPs of the all-new season. Read on to learn what the actress who plays Aelswith has to say about her character’s “redemption.” There are spoilers ahead, so read on only if you’re caught up with season 4 of The Last Kingdom.
Lady Aelswith’s circumstances have changed in season 4
When the season starts, fans see that Aelswith isn’t being treated as well as she used to be. With the death of her husband, King Alfred (David Dawson), everything changes for her. She’s being moved to worse rooms and nothing is ever discussed with her ahead of time. She’s feeling unneeded by her son, King Edward (Timothy Innes) and he’s looking to the support of others, such as his father-in-law.
Lady Aelswith starts to realize that she can catch more flies with honey. She obviously regrets her treatment of some, including Father Beocca (Ian Hart). She openly defies her son on more than one occasion to further her husband’s dream of a united England no matter the cost.
Aelswith defies her son the king on more than 1 occasion
Aelswith has a tough time in season 4 because her daughter, Aethelflaed (Millie Brady) is Lady of the Mercians and her son is the king of Wessex. When Mercia is attacked by the Danes, she encourages her son to come to the aid of her daughter. Aethelflaed leaves to raise men and her mother doesn’t tell Edward. She even sends Father Pyrlig (Cavan Clerkin) to the Welsh to get them to fight for the side of the Mercians. Thanks to Lady Aelswith, the Welsh come to fight and it helps secure their victory over the Danes. Even Edward comes to their rescue eventually, although he’s angry about it.
Eliza Butterworth discusses Lady Aelswith’s ‘redemption’
Butterworth recently took part in a live Q&A with RadioTimes.com. She was asked what her reaction was like when she read the script and saw that her character was going to forge a new path in season 4.
“I was absolutely delighted to see that we could explore her more vulnerable side, and she’s definitely gained some redemption from the audience,” Butterworth said. “It was really fun to explore those sides and nice to see that although she’s starting off a new life with the loss of Alfred that she is actually gaining wisdom from others now and almost can apologize for some of her actions in the past.”
Butterworth admits that Aelswith isn’t all the way there, as she’s still “scheming” and doing what she feels is right for her husband’s dream. “She’s not an angel, she’s still up to her scheming shenanigans as usual, but she’s getting there,” Butterworth joked.
Fans saw a new side to Lady Aelswith is season 4 and it was refreshing. Viewers are starting to really like the character and they hope to see more of her in the future. At the conclusion of season 4, Aelswith appears to have been poisoned by Aethelhelm (Adrian Schiller). She collapsed and it’s unclear if she is alright. We’ll have to wait and see if there will be a season 5 and what her fate will be.
