The fourth season of the historical drama “Vikings” on the History Channel is set to return to the small screen on February 18.
Season 4 is expected to pick up where Season 3 left off. As per Christian Post, the upcoming season will consist of 20 episodes, making Season 4 the longest season to date for the show.
The first season aired with nine episodes and both second and third seasons had 10 episodes.
History Channel originally ordered 16 episodes, but the network reportedly added four more.
The Irish-Canadian drama will be airing the first 10 episodes for 10 straight weeks and will have a short hiatus before the remaining 10 episodes will be shown.
Based on spoilers, Season 4 will witness Travis Fimmel’s Ragnar coming home to Kattegat seriously ill after his epic victory in the battle in Paris. The condition of the legendary Viking opens the possibility of potential successors to the throne.
Earlier reports suggest that Ragnar’s son Bjorn Ironside, played by Alexander Ludwig, will be the one who will take his father’s place.
Historically, the real Ragnar died after he was thrown into a snake pit by his enemy King Aella. Ragnar’s death was already teased last season so fans should probably gear up for a sad farewell to the character.
Also, Season 4 is reportedly Fimmel’s last season in the historical drama as a series regular. The 36-year-old actor is set to star in the film “Warcraft,” hence his farewell to the series.
Showrunner Micheal Hirst has long stated that he was always open to the possibility of continuing “Vikings” sans Fimmel.
Hirst says that the network always informed him that Ragnar has to be replaced by his sons, who are abler and more popular than him.
With Ragnar’s impending demise, Bjorn is expected to take his place. Crossmap reports that he will be put on the throne by the people of Denmark themselves as a replacement for his father.
The people of Denmark believes that Bjorn is very similar to his father hence, he would be the perfect king for them. However, it won’t be an easy feat for Ragnar’s son.
Reports suggest that Bjorn will not have an easy access to the throne as he has to fight hard and prove his worth. In the past seasons, Bjorn’s parents have made their son feel unequal and have always treated him like a kid.
This is why Bjorn needs to rise up and prove his worth as the rightful leader of Denmark. As a start, he is off to fight a bear.
Entertainment Weekly reports that the younger Viking is going to leave for the wilderness to prove himself as a survivor. A recent photo from the set reveals that Bjorn is going to leave for Norway during winter.
Another interesting thing that will occur in Season 4 is Gustaf Skarsgard’s arrest after what he did to Christian priest Athelstan while Katheryn Winnick’s Lagertha will continue to fight for power with Kalf, played by Ben Robson.
The upcoming season will also see Rollo, played by Clive Standen, turning his back on his Viking heritage and stay in France. The Inquisitr reports that the warrior is set to marry a member of the French royal family.
Meanwhile, the show is also expected to showcase Toronto Blue Jays’ third baseman Josh Donaldson as a guest star. Donaldson will be playing the character of Nordic warrior Hoskuld and will appear in the season premiere titled “A Good Treason.”
History Channel has already released two trailers for the historical drama’s upcoming season and judging by the promo, there is going to be an impending doom as it both spells death and battle.
The first trailer shows Ragnar, sitting on his throne, surrounded by his family, and talking about the nature of power.