Welcome back Vikings fans to what was a stellar episode for the show this week. I missed last week’s episode (although I did see it, I was unable to review it) which served as a set up for this week’s action-packed episode. “Treachery” seamlessly introduced new plot lines and stories while continuing on those we are already familiar with, setting the tone not only for the episode, but hopefully for the entire season.
We saw last week that Ragnar and King Horik are not only venturing West, but doing so without Jarl Borg and Rollo. This creates some serious consequences in this week’s episode, as Jarl Borg decides to get his revenge on Ragnar by attacking Kattegat while he’s away. I believe the show has finally found its footing with regards to Jarl Borg, who are first seemed like a convenient plot point between Rollo and Ragnar, but has developed into a fully realized character whose motivations are for the most part clearly seen. We get the impression that Rollo has been a bit of a layabout in the past four years and Ragnar not allowing him to sail West clearly did him no favors, but Rollo is given a chance for redemption in this episode.
While Rollo’s story has always been so clearly linked with Ragnar, and his redemption still very much so, I believe we are also seeing Rollo start to come into his own story. It is up to him to save the survivors of the attack on Kattegat, including Aslaug and Ragnar’s sons. In doing so I hope we will see Rollo have a chance to prove to Ragnar and himself that he is worthy of redemption and becoming something in his own right, not just as the shadow of his brother.
What this episode was really about was character growth, and we see it not only in Rollo but in Ragnar and Athelstan as well. What struck me most about Ragnar’s behavior this episode is that it’s something that has been foreshadowed all along. Ragnar is a warrior, and a conqueror, but when we met him he was a farmer, and that instinct is still very strong in him. Ragnar more than anything else is pragmatic; he understands the need for land and his desire for it is not unsurprising. What we see in this episode is that the normal pillaging, brutal murder, and conquering life that he has known for so long may not be enough for him anymore. This makes sense as we would expect a character to grow. His expression while watching the brutal murder of the clergyman, his enthusiasm for England as a possible settlement, and even his saving of the small child show that his experiences have had a great affect on him. I especially enjoyed his conversation with Athelstan as the former monk turned Viking continues to explain the customs of the Christian faith to Ragnar. One of the most important aspects of Ragnar as a leader and conqueror is that he makes an effort to gain knowledge about those he conquers, and whether he’s motivated by curiosity or pragmatism is a question I hope the show continues to explore.
The most dramatic change of the series so far this season has been Athelstan, who has gone from babysitter priest to Viking warrior in only four short years. This is a dramatic and fantastic change to see, and is bringing many great new elements to the story. Athelstan seems to delight in the pillaging and murder and battle almost as much as his fellow Vikings, but there is still a lingering element of his faith that can be seen, no matter how much he assures the others that he has given up his old God and fully embraced the traditions and ideals of the Norse Gods.
His scenes with Floki this week were some of my favorites, because there is real tension between them. Both have an overwhelming loyalty to Ragnar, but Floki still sees what Athelstan is reluctant to admit to himself, which is the enduring sense of right vs. wrong ingrained in him from his time as a monk. Floki is constantly testing Athelstan, watching him, and taunting him and I hope this thread can somehow continue throughout the season. It brings forth the question of faith and how ingrained into our psyche it can become.
This episode shows us that Athelstan does in fact have his doubts about what he is doing. To me, it seems like Athelstan is suffering with an intense internal conflict. His mercy killing of the priest was an important moment, but it’s also important to point out that he did nothing to help the priest before that. He is overjoyed to see the books and the written word again (a beautiful moment) but instinct takes over when he is startled by the monk and kills him. Athelstan seems at war with himself which once again makes him one of the most relatable characters on the show.
Finally this week we had the return of Lagertha and Bjorn, who have a new life although not necessarily a better one. Lagertha is married but this time to a man who does not treat her as an equal and does not respect her. Seeing Lagertha get slapped around by this man was enough to make any fan’s blood boil. Lagertha has always represented the strong woman on this show, but this season we are seeing her vulnerable side. Bjorn promises to cause some serious harm if it happens again, and we have to admire the man this boy has grown into. I would love to see Ragnar reunited with them at some point in some way, but I don’t want it to be Ragnar or Bjorn that saves Lagertha from this awful marriage. Lagertha has proved so many times in the past that she is more than capable of taking care of herself, and I think we will see that trend continued this season.
This episode was one of my favorites of the first four that I’ve seen (it’s definitely tied with episode 4) because it sets up a lot of storylines while keeping the action moving. Next week is a strong episode as well, and delves into the King Ecbert character, who I haven’t mentioned much but who I think is a fantastic addition to the story. I’m excited for everyone to see and experience next week’s episode (especially you die-hard Athelstan fans) but for now, what did you think of this week’s? How do you think Lagertha should handle her new husband? Are you happy with Athelstan’s transformation (and do you think he has fully given up all his Christian ways?) And do you think Rollo deserves redemption? Sound off in the comments below!
Don’t miss an all new episode of Vikings next Thursday and 10 PM!
