The second episode of Season 4 of the historical drama TV series “Vikings” that aired on the History Channel on February 25 was able to successfully sustain the pace of its premiere episode that featured betrayal, tragedy, daring rescues, and bad but funny haircut.
Everything that viewers of the hit show wanted the “Vikings” had it, further assuring fans that the fourth season of the most brutal Viking drama on television today will live up to fan expectations.
Episode 2 was undeniably a very good episode of “Viking.” However, some critics feel that the show is trying to tell too many stories at once with the time that it is allotted with by History Channel, notes Forbes.
“Vikings” has numerous plots and subplots and with a 42-minute time per episode, it seems pack to the brim and there is only so many plots and subplots that it can take in given such duration.
Despite its limited air time, “Vikings” is handling the storylines fairly deftly with some minor exceptions. The show has likewise evolved from its humble beginnings back in Season 1.
There is no longer the simple Viking village and the small, petty, and deadly politics that cause Ragnar’s ascension into power. The storyline no longer focuses on the men from the North alone but also keeps tracks of other developments elsewhere including some English factions, and the intrigue of the French court which goes well beyond Rollo’s betrayal.
Matters in Kattegat
Over in Kattegat in Denmark, the first plotline centered on Bjorn Ironside, played by Alexander Ludwig, as he tries to survive the harsh winter. He was fortunate to have found a log cabin eventually in the middle of almost nowhere.
Another interesting plotline in the Vikings home turf is the escape of Floki, played by Gustaf Skarsgard. King Ragnar was not surprised with the development because he knows how good his long-time friend is in escaping detention.
While Ragnar was calm and compose with the situation, Floki is overwhelmed with fear as he fiercely sprints away from his home, notes the International Business Times.
Ragnar’s eldest son by Princess Aslaug, played by Alyssa Sutherland, named Ubbe, played by Luke Shanahan, eventually tracks down Floki who was discovered to be hiding in the water. That prompted Ragnar to state that Floki, despite being great, was dragged back to Kattegat and that his Gods were not able to protect him.
King Ragnar eventually reveals to Floki that he has a wonderful punishment prepared for his friend which he said will go on and on, which turned out to be water torture.
Prior to subjecting Floki to water torture, Ragnar told Aslaug that he is frustrated with Floki because he refuses to reveal the reason why he killed Athelstan, played in the previous season by George Blagden. He then slapped Aslaug to the ground while saying that it is about loyalty and trust, which he believes is something that the Queen could not understand.
The episode wraps up with King Ragnar finding Helga, the wife of Floki, at the top of a mountain digging the grave for her daughter. Ragnar also helps out in the digging. The death of his daughter is still unknown to Floki.
Goings on in England and France
Over at the Kingdom of Wessex in England, King Ecbert, played by Linus Roache, reported an urgent but unexpected news to his people. He said that according to his son Aethelwulf, played by Moe Dunfold, the people of Mercia have overthrown Queen Kwenthrith, played by Amy Bailey and she was locked in a tower.
King Ecbert went on to say that they should consider using force to overcome Mercia, which means that the English may be in for a battle.