We are one episode away from the season 2 finale of "Viking". The History channel is billing it as "the most shocking event in television". Uh unless they kill everyone on the show, I dont think so.
Episode 8 "The Boneless" and episode 9 "The Choice" illustrate a number of changing alliances among the Northmen and the English.
The Aslaug baby count is up to 4 (I think) thanks to the birth of Ivar. He is known as "Ivar the Boneless" in Viking history but we're not sure exactly what sort of physical ailment he suffered from. Asluag is determined to keep him regardless. Ragnar is not so sure. His struggling with whether or not to kill the child was one of the most powerful acting we're seen from the always compelling Travis Fimmel.
Meanwhile back in England Princess Kwenthrith of Mercia arrives in Wessex. She fighting a civil war at home. She also appears to bed anyone within range (including Ecbert). She has her eye on Athelstan too.
The Vikings again land in England led by King Horik, Ragar and Lagertha. They are joined for the first time by Bjorn. Horik sends Torstein to let Ecbert know of their arrival. Ecbert sends his son Aethelwulf to meet with the Vikings.At Horik's command, everyone in the party is killed except Aethelwulf.
A new battle begins. King Horik leads the Vikings into what ends up being a trap. Ragnar tried to stop him but Horik wont listen. Rollo is badly injured and feared dead. He is found on the battle field by Athelstan. King Ecbert offers any Vikings willing for fight for the princess land and gold in return. A number stay to fight. The rest turn to Scandinavia including Rollo (who is still badly injured) and Athelstan.
Bjorn is renamed Bjorn Ironside (since he was not injured in battle). Aslaug sets Porunn free. She is no longer a slave. Horik and Floki are still scheming. Is Floki being set up to kill Ragnar and/or Bjorn? It's looking that way. In an unrelated note, can someone hurry up and kill King Aelle? He is very irritating.
Favorite Quotes:
"I am crazy and cracked. There is something wrong with me. Which is why I choose to travel with King Horik. He understands the gods better than Ragnar.”- Floki to Helga
“It is my judgment that a boatbuilder is worth ten earls.”- King Horik. “And how many kings?”- Floki.
"In the gentle fall of rain from heaven I hear my god, but in the thunder I still hear Thor. That is my agony."-Athelstan. "I hope so day our Gods can be friends."- Ragnar.
Grade: 4 Monsters (out of 5). Two more strong episodes. I cant wait to see what happens in the finale. You can bet someone is going to die.
TV: Heavy On Sci Fi, Horror & Adventure; Light On Reality
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