Vikings Season 4 Episode 2 Review: That Was One Hell Of A Good Fight

The episode begins with Floki fleeing for his life (after Helga frees him). It's hard to make good time with rocks everywhere. The villagers (including Ragnar's sons) follow close behind. Floki won't get far.

Over in Wessex, Aethelwulf heads over to Mercia to rescue Queen Kwenthrith and her infant Magnus (who we believe is Ragnar's). Judith is left with King Ecbert. He could force her to sleep with him again but he does not. Instead, he tries a different approach. Ecbert asks Judith what her heart's desire would be if she were free. She'd like to paint sacred texts. Ecbert hires a monk who is at first very resistant to teaching a woman. Thanks to a little persuasion from the bishop, he gets with the program.

In France Count Odo and Rollo discuss protecting the city...Well as much as they can given that Rollo doesnt speak French/Frankish/whatever. Rollo is able to communicate that they should some towers and tie a chain across the river in order to shop any invading ships. We also see the back of the woman Odo was whipping in the dungeon last year. Odo is a big old sadist. Boyfriend Roland and Therese plan to do him in. That is if he doesnt die a super painful death at the hands of Ragnar first.

Rollo gets a makeup. Princess Gisla and her court proceed to make fun of him. I would say "poor Rollo" but after his behavior last week, I have no sympathy for him.

Bjorn is still hanging out in the wilderness and attempting to catch some fish. Lagertha is MIA (which makes me sad).

Aethelwulf and company arrive at the tower where Kwenthrith is being held. One of the men yells "Kill The Queen!" (thus this episode's title). This leads to a feverish battle between Kwenthrith and two female guards. We're not sure if Aethelwulf is going to make it into the tower or not. He finally does just as the Queen is about to be strangled to death. She sees her baby within reach and knows the child will be killed next. Aethelwulf saves Kwenthrith. She grasps for breathe and says "What took you so long?" Was Kwenthrith worth all that trouble? As we know from our previous encounters, she is batsh%t crazy.

With the villagers quickly approaching, Floki attempts to turn himself into a fish. That doesnt work well. Ubbe spots Floki and he's hauled back to Kattegat. Ragnar AGAIN gives Floki the opportunity to confess that he killed Athelstan out of jealousy (instead of because the gods told him too). Floki again refuses. Ragnar says "You made me suffer and now I shall make you suffer". Floki is tied in a cave with arms spread. He is precariously situated atop a rock. Water drips down from the ceiling. It is a slow and painful death-- just as Ragnar promised. Floki screams his head off but there is no one there to hear.

Floki's daughter Angrboda dies. Helga attempts to bury her but the ground is too hard. Ragnar, despite being injured, takes the shovel and digs her grave. Ragnar is kind to Helga saying "He (Floki) loves only himself. You know that better than anyone." He is not so merciful to his own wife Aslaug. She questions Ragnar's decision saying "All he did was kill a Christian. Why should he be punished just for that?" Ragnar slaps her twice saying "This is not about Christians or faith. It's about loyalty and trust...something you can't understand." Ouch. These two need some serious marriage therapy.

Grade: 5 Monsters (out of 5). The fight scene was EXCELLENT. It had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. The long chase and eventual capture of Floki were visually stunning. The aerial shots were beautiful. "Vikings" continues to be one of the best shows on television.