Vikings Season 4 Episode 1 Review: A Good Treason (Season Premiere)

A Viking's life is never easy. That's especially true when you're the leader. Ragnar has always faced challenges but this year it looks like they're coming from his own family as well as his closest friends. Who can Ragnar trust? Anyone?

The fourth season opens with wife Aslaug visiting the Seer. Apparently she has her eye on ruling Kattegat. Meanwhile Ragnar is in a coma. Remember he was VERY near death previously. He dreams of reaching Valhalla but the doors close right before he enters.

The vikings return from sacking Paris. From the looks of Ragnar's four boys, it's several years later. Aslaug tells Bjorn his wife Porrun disappeared in the night. She shows Bjorn his daughter. He refuses to acknowledge the child.

Do You Feel Sorry For Floki? I Don't.

Bjorn takes a leadership role and orders the arrest of Floki for murdering Athelstan. Loki is chained to a pole in the center of the village. What does Ragnar have planned for him?

Earl Kalf announces that he and Lagertha will rule Hedeby together. Some of the citizens (including Einar) object. Kalf says he was banish Lagertha if those who are opposed make themselves known. Kalf then has his men open fire with crossbows (which they got in Paris). Einar is shot in the neck. Lagertha then cuts off his penis. Ouch! Was that harsh? Maybe, but life as a viking is not for the wimpy.

It's Hard Living In Ragnar's Shadow

Ragnar doesn't have much faith in Bjorn (or his leadership potential). He chides his son for arresting Loki. Bjorn heads into the wilderness alone. He wants to prove himself. I assume Bjorn will be out there a while. We've seen previews of him fighting a bear.

This Will Probably Not End Well

Meanwhile over in Paris, Rollo marries the Frankish princess Gisla (and she;s none too happy about it because she's basically being prostituted). The royal court plans to watch them consummate the marriage. Rollo orders them all out. Surprisingly he does not force himself on her. It might help if they spoke the same language...just a thought. She speaks Old French and he speaks Norse (I think).

You, Sir, Are A Big Jerk

One of the vikings visits Rollo. Some of the men are unhappy are want to return home. Rollo repays him for his loyalty by killing all of them (including the children). The last man standing swears "Ragnar will avenge us" and is the shot dead. I was hoping Rollo would be redeemed after his previously bad deeds, but there's no coming back now. I seriously don't understand the rationale behind his choice. He's in a foreign land where he doesn't speak the language. Sure he's married to the Princess but now he has no men. And his brother Ragnar doesn't trust him as far as he can throw him.

Grade: 4 Monsters (out of 5). Since it's the beginning of a new season, the show spent a bit of time catching everyone up. There is treachery at every turn. No one can be trusted-- not fellow vikings, not friends and not family members (or spouses). And that's precisely what makes "Vikings" such a great show. The drama of all the main characters is as exciting to watch as the spectacular fight scenes.

Side Note: Did you notice the "Vikings" title sequence is slightly different? I've always thought it was one of the best on television. The music by Fever Ray is still as haunting as ever. I love it! See the full song on YouTube here "If I Had a Heart" - Fever Ray