Vikings Season 2 Episode 1 Recap: Threes A Crowd (Season Premiere)

My how I've missed our dirty, smelly but suspiciously attractive bunch of barbarians. "Vikings" follows Ragnar Lothbrok, his family, friends and fellow warriors. In season 2 the show has moved from Sunday to Thursday at 10 ET (which is good because my Sundays are completely booked).

Just to catch you up to speed, in between raids on England, Ragnar rose to power as Earl. His new duties had him traipsing around the countryside. He had an affair with Princess Aslaug. There continued to be lots of sibling rivalry between Rollo and Ragnar. The slave Athelstan was nearly sacrificed (it was supposedly an "honor") but his Christian faith saved him. The Black Death hit their village and many people died. The dead included Gyda (Lagertha and Ragnar's daughter) and Thyri (Siggy's daughter). See my more indepth reviews of season 1 here: Vikings Season 1 Recaps

In the aptly titled "Brother's War" season 2 opens with King Horik and Ragnar Lothbrok battling Jarl Borg and Rollo Lothbrok. At the end of the battle, Rollo and Ragnar are still alive but One Eye is dead. Will Ragnar eventually have to kill his own brother? It's looking that way.

Back at the village a preggo Princess Aslaug arrives. Uh oh. Lagertha is crushed by the betrayal. Ragnar tries to sell her on a plural marriage but no dice. I'm surprised he didn't get a swift knife to the gut. A hurt Lagertha leaves and their son Bjorn eventually joins her. I'm glad the writers didn't turn the strong shield maiden into a limp noodle just to keep her man. Yes she loves Ragnar tremendously but she also has some self respect.

Other thoughts:

Aslaug's parents were Sigurd (a dragon slayer) and Brunhilde (a shield-maiden). That explains what happened to all the dragons. He killed them.
What will become of Siggy? Her whole family is dead. She's busy trying to stay alive and had attached herself to Rollo (but seems to be on the losing side of the war). She also befriends Lagertha but can she be trusted?
Floki manages to survive the episode. I wasn't so sure.
The cinematography on "Vikings" is beautiful. This might be the best shot show on TV.
More baby goats please.