The gripping season finale of "King & Conqueror" kicks off with the grand arrival of William and his formidable army on English shores, as Harold returns hastily from his victorious campaign at Stamford Bridge. In a bid to thwart William's incursion, Harold urgently tasks Morcar and his men with intercepting the Norman forces before they can set foot deep into England.
Upon hearing the news about Tostig, Gytha's world shatters. She learns with horror that Harold, aligning with Morcar, had played a part in the tragic demise of her brother Tostig. Filled with disbelief and betrayal, she scorns him for betraying the family he vowed to shield. Gunhild and Edith, too, are left reeling from this startling revelation.
Edith, overcome with dread for the safety of her children, informs Harold of her intention to flee England. Despite his earnest pleas to reconsider, Edith stands firm in her decision.
In a poignant, private moment, Harold confesses to Edith the accidental circumstances of Tostig's death, revealing that it occurred during an attempt to save his own life. He breaks down in sorrow, while Edith, moved by his distress, offers him comfort. Additionally, Harold receives grim news: William has commanded his soldiers to wreak havoc and destruction upon the innocent people of Wessex.
Determined to strike at William when least expected, Harold resolves to march out immediately. Gunhild urges caution, suggesting they await Morcar's reinforcements, but Harold, unheeding of his sister's advice, departs abruptly, leaving Edith without a proper farewell.
As Edith prepares to abandon her homeland, Gunhild interventions, pleading with her to assist in persuading Morcar, who had initially declined to back Harold. With threats and pleas, Margaret, Edith, and Gunhild manage to coerce Morcar into deploying his troops to Pevensey.
Gytha, aware of the impending battle, urges Edith to depart before the conflict begins. Yet, Edith, steadfast in her resolve, chooses to remain. Gytha, acknowledging her efforts in mustering an army for Harold, emphasizes that the outcome of the struggle now rests solely on his shoulders.
Upon learning that Harold had triumphed over King Hardrada and retreated to London, William devised a ruthless scheme. He commanded his men to ravage and torch every village within reach, confident that such devastation would ignite Harold's fury and lure him into confrontation.
Furthermore, William was delighted to discover that Odo had returned to lend his support, recognizing his crucial role in the upcoming battle. He entrusted Odo with a crucial message for Harold, timing it to precede his own assault.
Meanwhile, Baldwin's encounter with Matilda unfolded with grim intentions. He unveiled his ambition for a unified rule over France, Flanders, and Normandy, demanding that Matilda cede her power to him. With a chilling ultimatum, he threatened her life should she refuse.
As the stage was set for the climactic struggle, Odo approached Harold with William's proposition, urging him to surrender while there was still a chance. Harold, steadfast in his resolve, rejected Odo's plea. Instead, he formulated a strategy to outflank William by dispatching his troops from an alternate direction.
In Northumbria, Matilda stood her ground against Baldwin's offer. Echoing his threats, she warned him of her own defiance. She revealed that the Barons sided with William and implored her father to retreat, emphasizing the collective might against him.
The scene in Hastings unfolded with intense anticipation. Observing Harold's entrenched camp and his refusal to yield, William ordered his forces to launch an attack. He deployed his archers against Harold, but the King's men, shields raised, managed to fend off the barrage until Morcar and his Mercians arrived.
As Harold's and William's armies clashed, the former awaited Morcar's reinforcements. However, Harold learned that Morcar hesitated, preferring to sit on the sidelines and assess the outcome. Upon hearing this, William personally entered the fray.
A fateful arrow struck William, causing him to fall, momentarily inspiring Harold's troops to break their defensive line and counterattack. Yet, William rose anew and rejoined the battle. Realizing that this was William's ruse to lower their shields, Harold rushed into the fray, clashing directly with William in a fierce duel.
In this retelling, the narrative is enriched with vivid descriptions and heightened emotional stakes, painting a more immersive picture of the historical events.
The Battle of Hastings concludes in a dramatic fashion, with William and Harold locking horns amidst their respective soldiery. In the climactic encounter, William strikes Harold with such force that the English king's crown is dislodged. With a swift motion, he plunges his sword into Harold's body, bringing an end to his reign. As additional blows rain down upon the fallen monarch, William delivers a final, grim blow—piercing Harold's eye with an arrow. Amidst the triumphant cheers of his victorious troops, who hail him as the new King of England, the battle draws to a close.
News of Harold's demise reaches Edith, who is then presented by Gunhild with a chest that Harold had bequeathed. Inside, Edith discovers a solemn declaration, signed by Harold himself, granting her unfettered permission to leave England's shores.
Elsewhere, Matilda learns of William's survival and breathes a sigh of profound relief. With this knowledge, she assumes her rightful place as the Duchess of Normandy.
Turning to the climactic scene of "King & Conqueror," Edith is summoned to positively identify Harold's body. William, in a moment of calculated mercy, vows to spare her children's lives if she pledges never to return to England. Agreeing to this terms, Edith confirms Harold's identity.
With heavy hearts, Edith and the remaining members of the Godwinson family bid farewell to London. The series concludes on a poignant note, as William is formally crowned King of England, marking the dawn of a new era.
