“Vikings” transports us to the brutal and mysterious world of Ragnar Lothbrok, a Viking warrior and farmer who yearns to explore – and raid – the distant shores across the ocean.
The Mid-Season 5 Finale of “Vikings” left us with a new victor, a stunned and shaken Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick), and also a glimpse of Rollo (Clive Standen) gliding his way into Kattegat. These are strange times for everyone, but especially for the sons of Ragnar. Two have won while the others must flee. Their world is in the midst of a complicated destruction, and fire and darkness must reign before new life can come forth. And who better to bring forth the destruction than Ivar the Boneless (Alex Høgh Andersen)?
But let’s back up, before the destruction is in full swing. The mid-season finale left us wondering why Rollo decided to show his face when technically there was no need? Doesn’t he have better things to do in Francia, being the important man that he’s become? Apparently, he’s come to stir the pot via congratulating Ivar and then seeking out Lagertha. Rollo has always been a bit of a tortured soul. He’s a fierce warrior and yet a sad puppy all for his lifelong true love Lagertha. His appearance is limited to the episode “The Revelation” where he pisses all over Ivar’s parade while trying one last time to breakthrough to Lagertha, and even Bjorn (Alexander Ludwig), with his pitiable “revelation.”
Lagertha, Bjorn, Ubbe (Jordan Patrick Smith), and Torvi (Georgia Hirst) seek refuge and place their fates in the hands of the Christ warrior Bishop Heahmund (Jonathan Rhys Meyers). It is a risk no one is terribly excited about but options are slim.
Meanwhile, Floki (Gustaf Skarsgård) is still battling the land and the settlers he’s brought to this Land of the Gods (aka Iceland). And the situation never changes for the better but only intensifies forcing Floki to make a harsh decision.
Things are changing in England as well. Alfred (Ferdia Walsh-Peelo) is king and is struggling to find his footing as king. He makes bold decisions that rub the Church and his fellow countrymen the wrong way. He even welcomes the refugee Vikings into his home, sons of the infamous Ragnar, and the people who once tormented the land. But after speaking to them and Bishop Heahmund, a symbiotic relationship is negotiated and agreed upon. King Alfred’s decisions are more dangerous than he realizes, as plots are woven and knives sharpened against him.
The return of Season 5 brings about significant change, not just within the power structures but within the individual characters, and the new bonds they forge. It’s both painful and amazing to witness. Alfred transforms into a true King with the help of his mother Judith (Jennie Jacques) and from Ubbe, who establishes himself as a gifted leader and resembles Ragnar both in body and spirit more each day. Ivar the Boneless cements his power and destiny in the most intensely horrific and delusional ways, but not alone, as he’s found a wife of equal ambition and thirst for power. It is only Lagertha and Bjorn that exhibit the same patterns. They are lost within themselves and the world they are now in. Bjorn keeps his fury and Lagertha trusts men too fully with her heart. It’ll be interesting to see where they find themselves, if they ever find themselves in the world again.
There will be blood, battle, betrayal, destruction, and death. The return of the season comes full and heavy with deep emotion and darkness. But by the end episode, “Hell,” there is hope for light to return and worlds to be rebuilt, as long as the debris is fully cleared. If you haven’t seen “Vikings” it is never too late to catch up. The return of Season 5 is November 28th, so let the binge-watching commence!
“Vikings: Season 5” returns to HISTORY November 28th at 9/8c
