A current Viking Deity shows up and has a message for the Sons of Ragnar.

Don't really like how they keep skipping so far ahead in time either. One episode it's, hey lets make the biggest army the world has ever seen and avenge our father! By the end of the very next episode that army is already attacking England and they skip that battle entirely to cut to Bjorn splitting Aella's back open.

I know they've always advance timelines quickly but this is too much and it's becoming a woman's show. Most of the story lines now are about who's sleeping with who. Brothers sharing the same woman, a son ****ing his mom's girlfriend, a king ****ing his son's wife.

Travis Fimmel and George Blagden are badly missed.

Vikings season 5 episodes 1 & 2 review: The Departed

“The King is dead. Long Live the King,” Jonathan Rhys Meyers’ Bishop Heahmund intones in this week’s double-episode premiere of season 5 of Vikings.

Last season saw the wiping of the slate in terms of royalty (if not leadership) in the deaths of long-time rivals King Ragnar Lothbrok of Kattegat and King Ecbert of Wessex (oh yeah, and annoying King Aelle), potentially leaving the History channel’s best show rudderless, with many fans opening bemoaning their inability to see a version of Vikings without Travis Fimmel’s excellent Lothbrok. Rather than ignore this fear, History has wisely made this season about precisely that: in the absence of Ragnar, who will rise?

The contenders are called out in the marketing for this season. There’s the supposed heir (by more Western standards of monarchy, which do not truly apply) in Bjorn, first-born of the sons of Ragnar. Of course, he’s rarely shown any interest in being a king. He has learned leadership, certainly, from his father, but it is his father’s desire for new places and experiences that Alexander Ludwig’s Bjorn has inherited from his father. Once the brothers Lothbrok have led the Great Heathen Army to success in avenging the death of their father by decimating the courts of Ecbert’s Wessex and Aelle’s Northumbria, Bjorn considers his debt to family paid and sets sail back to the Mediterrenean, where he says his fate lies.

He takes with him Halfdan, brother of the Harald Finehair, whose oft-declared goal of becoming “King of Norway” takes him back to Kattegat, where he promises he will deliver the news of the victories that Bjorn and his brothers have had to Ragnar’s first wife Lagertha, whom they left sitting on their father’s throne. Of course, Harald does not expect to find her there, as he had commissioned Egil, the bastard son of a nameless Jarl, to attack the village and wrest it from Lagertha. If Egil’s failure is a surprise to Peter Franzén’s Harald, there is no evidence of it when he finds Lagertha still in power. Nor does he allow her humiliating imprisonment of him to last long: his men free him, kidnap Astrid, and sail off—but not before it’s made clear that this is only a temporary retreat.

But Lagertha’s more than earned the throne that she occupies and while she is the only contender of her generation in the running, age isn’t slowing her down—not that Katheryn Winnick has aged a day in her portrayal of the decades-long career of Lagertha. Harald may have tried, this week, to tempt her into marriage with him to secure her place (more than hinting that a female ruler is especially vulnerable), but Lagertha has not only built up the physical defenses of her hometown, she has created a fighting force that seems a match for any we have seen on the show thus far. And she is as clever, in her way, as her ex-husband Ragnar—you don’t get very far as a woman, she agrees with Torvi, by relying solely on your fighting arm. While others reassure her that her lover Astrid would never betray her, she’s seen enough to know that you have to be prepared for treachery even among those most close to you.

And she’s made powerful enemies, none more so than the now battle-hardened sons of Ragnar by her successor as wife (Aslaug). Ubbe, Hvitserk, and most definitely Ivar are not likely to forgive her from taking Kattegat from their mother before killing her. But for now, at least, they are still in England, where Ivar has convinced his older brothers to fight on, rather than settle down in East Anglia, the prize Bjorn believes he wrested from King Ecbert before his death. If eldest brother Bjorn got his father’s wanderlust, Ivar (Alex Høgh Andersen) seems to have inherited everything we tend to think of as most Viking from Ragnar: brutality and a desire to maraud his way into Valhalla. He convinces (rather than bullies, for the first time) his brothers that a retreat to York is in their best interest. There, with some guidance from their father via Ubbe, they take the fortified town, butcher its inhabitants, and strengthen their position. With access to both land and sea, it’s a smart move and goes a long way to beginning to change our mind about Ivar. While Ragnar’s mannerisms foolishly allowed some to believe he was not quite right in the head, it’s been made crystal clear that his youngest son is as truly twisted in mind as he is in body. And yet, for all that, he has twice now led the Vikings to success by thinking tactically rather than emotionally. It makes for a dangerous combination.

Perhaps most perilous for his brother Ubbe, played by Jordan Patrick Smith. We get to really see Ubbe in battle for the first time, as he scales the walls of York sans ladder and fights his way to the gate, opening it to the Viking forces led by Ivar and Hvitserk. It’s a bit of a surprise because Ubbe’s gift from his father has so obviously been his patience, empathy, and level-headedness, so his physical prowess has gotten less attention. But it is those emotional and mental gifts which ought to make him the best candidate for king; there’s little doubt that he would be a wise and successful ruler—were he not Viking. He lacks the heavy penchant for violence that his bloodthirsty and ambitious baby brother has, and it’s clear that his dominance over him is slipping away quickly. If he has not also inherited some of Ragnar’s cleverness, he may quickly go the way of Sigurd. But for now, Ubbe, Ivar, and brother Hvitserk remain co-leaders of the Great Heathen Army.

Facing them are the combined forces of newly crowned King Aethelwulf (Moe Dunford) and Bishop Heahmund). After the Machiavellian attitudes of Ecbert’s view on his apparent religion, the two provide us more traditional views of medieval Christian faith. Aethelwulf’s is the more comfortable, as he ascribes the turn of fortune he and Wessex have suffered to the removal of God’s grace in retribution for their sins. Although Judith takes his statement on the subject to be an indictment of her past behavior (being her father-in-law’s lover), Aethelwulf is quick to make clear that he believes there is a more general fallen state to blame for their woes, and he seeks the usual remedies: prayer and repentence. He may wear his father’s crown, but he is not his father’s son; there is a humility and kindness to him that Ecbert lacked. And yet, as Bishop Heahmund points out, Aethelwulf is also unlike his father in that he made a name for himself as a warrior. He is as comfortable on the battlefield as in church.

Something that may also be said for Heahmund. Jonathan Rhys Meyers is the biggest name actor to join the show, and there was some fear that it might alter the ensemble-approach—pulling too much focus from the web of characters and plots that have made Vikings so successful. But for now, he seems to fit in fine playing a churchman who seems foreign to modern sensibilities. However, carrying the sword and crucifix was not limited to the crusaders: the Knights Templar were only one of many groups of religious warriors whose prowess and church-approved power could be called into service (or exercised for their own benefit). Nor does his sex life run afoul of what we know of the period. It was not until the Second Lateran Council of 1139 (Vikings is set in the 8th and 9th century) that the Church finally officially forbade marriage among the clergy. Even after that, it was not uncommon for bishops and even popes to have active sex lives. Roderigo Borgia (Pope Alexander VI) had many children both before and after his elevation to the papacy. Heahmund’s religious fervor and sword arm seem poised to make trouble for the Lothbrok brothers.

All in all, the series seems off to a good start, with the tensions clearly outlined for newer viewers and some good character development for those of us who have been here from the first. Ivar’s tearful plea to Floki (who, after the death of his beloved Helga, places himself and his boat in the hands of the gods and discovers Iceland) is the first time we have really seen Andersen’s character exhibit any gentler emotion, and this promises more. Historically, we know who won out (Google it yourself, I’m not spoiling any more of the medieval period for you), but despite Vikings being on the History channel, that’s no guarantee of where things will land on the show. That said, Vikings may not be the same series without Ragnar, but thus far, it looks like it too will rise from the ashes of his pyre.

http://www.denofgeek.com/uk/tv/vikin...w-the-departed

Vikings Season 5 Episode 3 Review: Homeland

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“Our father would have hated you.”

Shared leadership rarely wins the war, and tonight’s episode of Vikings drives home that theme as the first of many battles finally gets underway. Though the clash between Ivar’s forces and the Christian army led by King Aethelwulf and Bishop Heahmund occupies the majority of the episode, the struggles others face offer no less compelling accounts. In the end though, it’s the fractured Lothbrok clan that continues to drive the narrative in “Homeland.”


In spite of the fact that their appearances are brief, Bjorn and Floki’s stories nonetheless receive vital attention. Bjorn and Halfdan have left their homelands, and while Ironside’s desire for adventure has always been clear, such has not been the case with King Harald’s brother. Tonight, in a quiet exchange between two like minded souls, Halfdan reveals to Bjorn that he has no ambitions of greatness and simply wants to savor life however it may come. It seems unlikely that his revelation is part of a long con, and while their friendship may continue to grow, there will come a time when each will have to choose a side.

Nevertheless, their shared lust for adventure faces a challenge when it is suggested that Bjorn send all but three of his ships home as they prepare to enter the Straight of Gibraltar and ultimately the Mediterranean Sea. “Better to appear as traders than raiders.” It seems difficult to believe Bjorn will agree to this, and while his raiding days may be behind him, he’s too smart to weaken himself before entering unfamiliar territory.

Floki’s experiences in Iceland neatly bookend the episode as he continues to battle his inner demons after the death of his wife. Floki now believes he’s in Asgard with the gods, but it’s the small detail of the cut on his hand that provides some clarity regarding his situation. It appears the cut has become infected, and whether this or something else causes his hallucinations, he struggles to understand why the gods have brought him here. Visions of a valkyrie that dissolves into a flock of crows leads him to accept that “this is where you want me to die in peace.” Floki then notices the cut on his hand has vanished leaving us to wonder not whether it existed in the first place, but if this great man has finally found his final home.

In what may be the most intriguing plotline of the early stages of season 5, King Harald arrives home to celebration, and the love his people have for him mirrors the situation Lagertha enjoys in Kattegat. For the most part Harald has been seen as an outsider, but here, among those who love him, he eloquently recounts his recent exploits. For all of his self-deprecating behavior, he proves to be a masterful leader and politician. Of course, the great unknown in his quest to make his town the capital of Norway, is Astrid who he introduces to the throng as “part of my dream.” Knowing she finds herself in a delicate situation, it’s not surprising that she takes the seat next to his, much to the delight of the crowd.

Examining King Harald’s strategy here can’t be done in isolation since Astrid plays such an integral role, but if we go by first impressions, she may be warming to his offer to embrace a new home as its queen. That said, it’s certainly possible that she sees this as a future opportunity once he returns to take Kattegat and place it under his royal umbrella. Does Astrid’s loyalty still lie with Lagertha, or does she seriously contemplate what life as the queen of Norway will afford her? Her resolve does seem to be weakening after the king’s men present her with jewels and fine linen, and when she later appears at the evening’s feast in a beautiful gown and headpiece, her smile leaves a telling impression.

Even so, Astrid learned from the best during her time with Lagertha, and after she abruptly leaves the feast to return to her room, all eyes go to Harald. To be sure, this is a calculated strategy on her part, but when he leans in to kiss her, she momentarily accepts the advance. Of course, she then slugs him in the nose, likely breaking it, leading him to return to the great hall. And this is one of the things you have to love about Harald. His response to the crowd that can plainly see the blood streaming from his nose: “I have no luck with women.” But the subtext goes much deeper as she sends the message that "while I might accept your offer and become your queen, understand that I am an independent, powerful woman in my own right." Can Harald accept her as his equal, but more importantly, when they eventually return to Kattegat, with whom will she side?

It was only a matter of time until the Great Heathen Army met its Christian counterpart, and in true Vikings fashion, the confrontation arrives quickly. For the most part, “Homeland” favors action over exposition, but the biggest takeaway involves the Lothbrok brothers and the dissension that builds between Ubbe and Ivar. Still, the visual language of Vikings comes in all shapes and colors, and the powerful character work from Alex Høge Andersen (Ivar) reinforces much of what we have known and suspected about the new Norse leader. The image of a black-hooded Ivar peering down on the Saxons articulates the fact that his opponent has no idea what it’s up against.

Because of Ivar’s meticulous planning and his men’s ability to carry out his orders, the Saxons find themselves quickly trapped, their haughtiness now disappearing. Curiously, it’s not until he sees Aethelwulf abandon his station to go to the rescue of his son that Ivar enters the fray. The glance he gives his helmet as it sits off to the side means one thing: chariot. But it too is a powerful image because Ivar has developed a feeling of invincibility while in his battle vehicle, and it’s unclear whether he was prepared to sit this one out. Does he perceive a weakness in Aethelwulf that calls out to be exploited?

Perhaps the most emotionally charged scene occurs when Ivar is immediately knocked from his chariot only to brutally hack the nearby Saxon soldier to pieces with his axe. Sitting on the ground, helpless with blood covering his face, a dozen or so Saxon soldiers look upon him, seemingly afraid to proceed. His commanding presence is frightening. “Don’t you know who I am? You can’t kill me. I am Ivar the Boneless.” Despite all of the chaos in the square, Bishop Heahmund approaches as Ivar sits, mockingly clapping his hands until the battle intercedes, delaying their inevitable showdown.

Though it was only a matter of time until Ubbe broke from his youngest brother, the moment Ivar confronts him about going behind his back to negotiate with the Saxons highlights one of the most visually stunning images of the series. Two white cross windows of the church to which they have retreated after their initial victory, flank Ivar’s head as he chastises his brothers for their betrayal. At this point it’s almost painful to watch Ubbe squirm, and Ivar doesn’t let up. “You made a bad call. You showed yourselves to be weak.” Sensing it’s time to go in for the kill, Ivar demands to be recognized at the leader, and though Ubbe refuses to acknowledge this, it marks the beginning of the end of their relationship.

And while Ivar’s brilliant generalship is on full display, Heahmund and Aethelwulf must slink away in defeat and attempt to figure out how this band of pagans defeated them so soundly. Aethelwulf makes the decision to divide his forces, and in retrospect, it’s difficult to know whether it would have made a difference given Ivar’s ability to anticipate his enemies moves. Seeing Aethelwulf cross the battlefield to save his son appears to have ignited something in Ivar, and perhaps this is a tendency he’ll be able to exploit the next time they meet.

Bishop Heahmund presents just as complex a picture as Ivar. This is a man of God who seems to relish battle, and while his lust for killing may simply tie into his quest to expel the heathens from the land, it appears to be more than that. However, when Ubbe and Hvitserk approach the Saxon camp with an offer to initiate peace talks, the bishop reluctantly defers to the king who tells the Lothbroks that they will have their answer in the morning. Most interesting is Alfred’s suggestion that they grant the land promised by Ecbert even though technically they have the law on their side. Though he’s young, and perhaps speaks out of place, his proposition directly challenges the desire of the displeased Heahmund who wants to annihilate the Northmen where they stand.

Ultimately, the bishop, whose demeanor bears a strong resemblance to Ivar, will bring God to his side even though diplomacy may be a better approach than a drawn out war. The Vikings have lost battles before, but Ivar seems to be operating at a different level than his father, and whether the king has the stomach for what’s to come remains to be seen. Heahmund, though, appears committed to doing whatever it takes, and it will be interesting to see how long he allows Aethelwulf to set policy.

The political winds are shifting, and “Homeland” gets the first of many battles to come off to a rousing start. While it’s somewhat disappointing that Lagertha and Bjorn’s stories will have to wait to be addressed, Vikings continues to blend the old with the new amidst a swirling ocean of subterfuge on multiple fronts.

http://www.denofgeek.com/us/tv/vikin...eview-homeland

Vikings Season 5 Episode 7 Review: Full Moon

With Bjorn home from the Mediterranean, Lagertha prepares to defend Kattegat against the forces of Ivar and Harald on Vikings.


“And the winner shall inherit the earth.”

The winds of war are gathering steam, and Vikings sets up the long awaited clash for control of Kattegat and ultimately all of Norway. “Full Moon” takes its time and sheds first light on the impact of Bjorn’s homecoming, Floki’s promised land, and the impending civil war that threatens to tear apart the Norse universe.

In retrospect, it’s certainly fair to question the narrative value of Bjorn’s trip to the Mediterranean, but now that he’s back, the power dynamic shifts in Lagertha’s favor as far as Kattegat is concerned. No one can ever accuse Lagertha of not quickly getting to the heart of the matter, and she pointedly questions whether Halfdan’s loyalties lie with his brother or with Bjorn. However, facing attacks from without and within, Lagertha’s son’s homecoming couldn’t have come at a more fortuitous time. Letting down her facade of strength in front of her son should not be misconstrued as a moment of weakness but rather reflection on everything she’s accomplished. Bjorn’s pride in his mother buoys her spirit, leading to an admission that shows she sees beyond the power and control she’s amassed. “One day I would like to go back to being a farmer,” but of course, it’s never quite that simple.

At her core, Lagertha remains a shieldmaiden, and unlike Harald and Ivar, she rules, in part, because she feels Kattegat needs her. Nevertheless, she faces a terribly complicated situation since she expects and needs Ubbe on her side in the fight against Ivar and Harald. She has successfully rallied her neighbors including King Svase, whose daughter catches Bjorn’s eye as soon as he sees her, but the most persistent thorn in her side continues to be Margrethe. The former slave proposes a scenario to her husband Ubbe that culminates with him sitting on Kattegat’s throne, a plan that exposes not only her lack of political acumen but knowledge of the present state of affairs as well.

Margrethe presumes that if Lagertha and Bjorn die during the battle, then as the oldest son, Ubbe will naturally ascend to the throne. Her power hungry tunnel vision prevents her from understanding the true nature of Ubbe’s relationship with Ivar and Hvitserk. Obviously, this places Ubbe in the unenviable position of having to choose between his wife’s desires and his brother’s lust for power and recognition, but he’s also not stupid and cannot seriously presume that Ivar would ever allow his older brother to rule in his place. Margrethe has quickly become one of the most unlikable characters in Vikings, and even though Ubbe has every right to go after Lagertha for killing his mother, he seems to understand that his wife’s aspirations put them both in danger. Michael Hirst appears intent on using his characters’ lusty behavior as a means of provoking the action which is fine, but there’s always the risk of taking that approach too far.

Often relegated to sidekick status, Bjorn’s wife Torvi suddenly takes on a new role now that her husband has returned from his journey. Even though she’s likely known that Bjorn’s love for her has faded, it’s still heartbreaking to watch her give him permission to pursue Princess Snaefrid. I think it fair to say that Torvi is Lagertha’s closest friend and confidant, and the one person in Kattegat that the queen implicitly trusts. Does Ubbe come onto Torvi as a means of getting close to Lagertha, or has he seen what he really has in Margrethe and decided to cut his losses? How will Bjorn react should their relationship go further? Regardless, he’s in a difficult position since Ivar and Hvitserk have him dead in their sights. Whether the brothers can reconcile appears unlikely, but they do have common enemies in Lagertha and Harald.

There’s always a danger depending on others who don’t have the same stake in the game as you do, and the appearance of King Svase and his daughter represent Lagertha’s willingness to form alliances as needed. While we don’t yet learn why he agrees to help her, the sudden attraction between Snaefrid and Bjorn bears watching even though it doesn’t seem as if Bjorn has a desire to rule Kattegat. Humor doesn’t find itself into too many episodes of Vikings, but when Bjorn asks his mother to get him an introduction to the princess, you have to smile. In true Lagertha fashion approaches Svase and tells him, “My son would like to sleep with you daughter,” an admission that causes neither father nor daughter to blink an eye. It’s a cute scene that could have significant ramifications in the future since he now says that he wants to marry her.

At this point it’s becoming increasingly difficult to understand how Floki’s story fits into the larger arc. Will this group of believers be the ones to settle Iceland, or will Floki return to Kattegat in disgrace? Either way, it feels as if so much potential is being wasted here. Eyvind (Kris Holden-Ried/Lost Girl), the group’s skeptic and conscience presents an imposing figure who could lead these people toward a new life, but Floki has visions of a totally egalitarian society that doesn’t require a leader. However, Eyvind suspects that Floki does want to rule this land which can do nothing but escalate the tensions that are already beginning to mount from several directions. Floki’s “we will run ourselves” mentality seems a recipe for disaster which Eyvind and the others likely suspect no matter how appealing this kind of community might seem. But in the end, will there be a role for this group to play after the dust settles in Kattegat?

Ivar and Bishop Heahmund continue to surprise and confuse as they get to know each other, though the chess match metaphor may be a bit too obvious an image to portray their budding relationship. Heahmund asks him if he’s afraid of his brothers, and while it’s not surprising that he mentions being somewhat concerned about Bjorn, it is unexpected that he asks the bishop for assistance in formulating a battle plan. This request parallels Lagertha’s war room scene in which she and her generals attempt to predict what Ivar will do before deciding on a plan of action. The message from Kattegat is clear; Ivar is unpredictable.

But what of Ivar and the bishop? They quickly transition from Ivar asking Heahmund’s input about the upcoming invasion of Kattegat to a discourse on free will vs fate, the hallmarks of the world’s religions. Whether this is truly another side to Ivar or simply more subtle manipulation remains to be seen, but his challenge to the bishop is met with an unwavering belief that this is all part of God’s plan. So what does all this mean? While vastly different from his father, Ivar does possess a number of similar traits, one of which appears to be a curiosity about the Christian God and the unexplained nature of both belief systems. It’s difficult to get a handle on him, but his interest does appear to be genuine, though it’s also just as reasonable to conclude that he’s simply playing with Heahmund’s emotions.

As we watch Ivar set out to eclipse all of his father’s accomplishments and fame, Alfred presents a more serene juxtaposition as he visits Lindisfarne to try to gain a sense of what his father was like. Given the pace at which Vikings moves its narrative, and the fact that the future king says “I do not aim to be humble,” it seems the next Christian protagonist is laying the groundwork for future battles with the Northmen. I’m certainly no Catholic scholar, but Alfred’s suggestion to have the priests conduct their business in English seems a bit ahead of its time. Still, it reveals him as an innovator and the leader of the next generation of Saxons.

Though more cerebral than physical, “Full Moon” nonetheless gives a compelling behind the scenes peek at leaders as they prepare to engage in what will essentially become a civil war. And while the leaders clearly carry the most weight on the eve of battle, it bears watching characters like Margrethe, Astrid, and Halfdan, all of whom hold the potential for influencing the action. “Cry ‘Havoc!’ and let slip the dogs of war.”

http://www.denofgeek.com/us/tv/vikin...view-full-moon