Perhaps learning a thing or two from the politically strategic Prior, Alfred (Tom Builder's biological son) forces and appoints himself the successor to his father. With this new appointment, and added wealth, he's now in a position to similarly force a marriage upon Aliena (desperately destitute following the burning of her cotton trade, and needing to finance her brother's knighthood and Earldom). She in turn is torn between her natural romantic sensibility towards the 'Red Head' Jack, and her promise to her father - in one of the earlier episodes before his death - to reinstate her brother as Earl of Shirling. Duty and honour take precedence, and she reluctantly accepts.
Maude is defeated, is forced to flee to France, and gets less than five minute's screen time.
The conniving Bishop is threatened and confronted by the incestuous duo (Mother and Son), forced to honour his promise, and they again concoct another devious strategy: to finally make a last play for the son's ascension to Earldom, and the Bishop's succession to Archbishop of Canterbury.
The narrative seems more like an exposition of the seeming hypocrisy, injustice, and lack of common sense amongst the main protagonists of the series, as well as Church and Royalty in general... Ideals, power, titles, ceremony, protocol are all ultimately inconsequential. God, it seems, has abandoned Kingsbridge, and it's constituents. There's a strong romantic and familial drive/message in this penultimate episode.
I didn't quite understand Jack's need to go to France alone, without his mother. After all, she's got nothing left in England left either, unless she truly is a sort of witch that can predict the future...
Some predictions for the next episode
There was a hint of Arthur's sister having some sort of Romantic attachment to Jack (especially her eagerness to hide Jack's stolen ring), which I'm sure will be explored in the final episode - perhaps by Alieana's death?...
Jack is sure to encounter the exiled Maude, perhaps by gaining fame for helping build the Parisian Landmark.
It would be a bit too predictable for Jack and Aeliana to be together happily ever after (and expect there to be some sort of nasty twist in that regard).
I can't see justice being served for all parties concerned. It would run counter-intuitive for the way the series has gone so far. More likely, is the domination of the powers of the establishment, in spite of their evil deeds, yet a glimmer of hope for the future: be that a vengeful wife getting her own on the newly instated Earl of Shirling, a would-be-Queen's son fighting for the Crown of England, a happy and peaceful family living in exile and poverty, or even the use of a ring to reinstate a just monarchy.
One of the better episodes. I look forward to the next episode!
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