
Well, I had a feeling episode four of HISTORY’s Vikings was going to be big. But I didn’t quite expect this. Let’s break it all down:
Two Deaths
Siggy

I’m kind of crushed over the death of Siggy. Because she’s a character we’ve known since day one, this is a big loss. Even though she was a master manipulator, there was so much more to her. The character went through so much. And she always kept me guessing. I loved Siggy.
However, I’m not going to lie. I’ve been wondering what they were going to do with this character next. Siggy and Rollo are over — he’s off raiding and licking his wounds over the end of this relationship. What’s a viable storyline for her? I don’t know. I don’t know that she would have ever gotten back to the position of power she wanted so badly despite her taking a seat on the throne shortly before she died.
I love how she went out in such a selfless way. There are consequences to Harbard’s healing of Ivar. With every time he uses his power for good; something bad must happen. Didn’t it look like Ubbe and Hvitserk were compelled to walk out on to that frozen ice? It’s like nothing could stop them. Siggy goes after them. She does everything she can to save them from drowning. She sacrifices her life in order to save the boys. When we see her late daughter appear before her, I lost it. And then when she realizes this is her time, she lets go. And now she’s reunited with her family in Valhalla.
It’s all very sad. But at the same time, it’s really beautiful too. A beautiful death that makes an emotional impact — what more could a show want when making the decision to kill a character that’s been on the canvas since the beginning? Although, from the post mortem interviews I’ve been reading up on, it was Jessalyn Gilsig’s decision to leave the show.
Creator Michael Hirst talks about Harbard’s presence in Kattegat and Siggy’s death
Burgred
Unlike with Siggy, I’m not going to spend too much time mourning Queen Kwenthrith’s weak ass brother, Burgred. I couldn’t understand why she asked for her brother to be saved. He was one of her rapists. He did horrible things to her. And I didn’t understand why she continued to protect him. Now we know. Because she wanted to be the one that killed him. And she wanted to do so in a public way. She let him think everything was going to be okay. She let him think the two would rule together. And just when he feels he’s safe. Just when King Ecbert forgives him being such a complete idiot. Just when everything seems like it’s going to work out for him and his sister…Kwenthrith pulls the rug out from under him. It all begins with a toast:
Kwenthrith: And so my dear, let us celebrate our alliance and drink to victory over my abusers.
Burgred: My dear sister, you have saved me. I love you. How I’ve always loved you.
Kwenthrith: Yes. Salutations, my love.
Burgred takes a drink. She doesn’t. She pours her drink out right in front of him. Turns out the woman poisoned her brother. She got him back for all the pain and humiliation he caused her ever since she was a child. Kwenthrith composes herself and says:
Kwenthrith: My Lords, ladies and gentlemen, please rise and raise your cups to the sole and only ruler of Mercia.
Ragnar: To the Queen of Mercia
How classic are the looks on the faces of Kings Ecbert and Ragnar in the wake of this twisted act? Even more humorous is when everyone in the room pours out their drink for fear they’d be imbibing some of that same poison. And then they throw their cups to the floor. I laughed a lot during this portion of the episode.
Athelstan and Aslaug’s Affairs
Before Harbard disappears from Kattegat, he and Aslaug hook up. Is there a purpose to this as well? Is there another pregnancy in Aslaug’s future? The Queen knows Ragnar doesn’t love her — well, not the way she wants to be loved. But I fear this is a decision that will have consequences.
Oh Athelstan. He’s entered this dangerous liaison with King Ecbert’s daughter-in-law, Judith. There’s real feelings there but it doesn’t stop him from making the decision to leave with Ragnar when the time comes. Ecbert is attached to Athelstan. Doesn’t want him to go. Judith also makes a plea for him to stay. But in the end (or at least as of this episode), Athelstan doesn’t listen to them.
Athelstan: I’ve made up my mind. I will go back with Ragnar. All my future lies with Ragnar.
King Ecbert: I think that is the wrong decision.
When I interviewed George Blagden before the beginning of the season, I had to ask him about the Ragnar and Athelstan friendship and why it’s such a draw for the show. In season three it continues to be one of my favorite aspects of the hit series.
George Blagden: I think there’s a lot of bromance between them — if I can use that word. It kind of helps that there’s a lot of that going on off screen as well. Like, tonight, Travis [Fimmel, Ragnar] has told all the journalists that I’m engaged.
TV Goodness: Is that true?
George: It’s not true, unfortunately. It’s not true. And I don’t know how seriously people are taking it. Some have come up to me and said congratulations. It’s just an example of the kind of the banter we get up to — Travis and I. And I think when you have that connection off screen it only enhances what you’re doing on screen. Sometimes you just have a chemistry with other actors. And what you create is powerful and I think that’s what Travis and I have.
Harbard Exits Stage Right
When Harbard leaves Kattegat — he disappears before Helga’s very eyes. So does that mean he’s one of the gods? What purpose did this visit serve? Is he supposed to be Ivar’s savior? I’m still a bit confused over Harbard’s true identity. And I thought he was going to mean trouble for The Seer. Wonder if we’ll ever get a definitive answer or if we’ll be left wondering who The Wanderer truly is.
An evil alliance

Now that the Vikings have done what they set out to do in Wessex/Mercia, Lagertha will probably head back to Hedeby. I’m so scared for her because while she’s been gone that bastard Kalf betrayed her. She really read this situation wrong. She thinks she can trust him. And she couldn’t be further from the truth.
Kalf has already taken Lagertha’s spot as earl of the village. And now he’s made a big move that he feels will increase his foothold. And he may be right. His guests are Erlendur, son of King Horik, who Ragnar defeated. And Erlendur’s wife used to be married to Jarl Borg. You remember him, right? The king who died in the most gruesome way possible? Ragnar brutally gave him the blood eagle execution. I still have nightmares about that death. Better yet, Erlendur and his wife have a son….a legitimate heir of Jarl Borg. And this means nothing but trouble to Ragnar and Lagertha and everyone we love. Things are going to get scary later this season.
Random Thoughts
-Did Queen Kwenthrith urinate on Ragnar’s wounds? Wow. Just…wow.
-Last season, we (or at least I) thought that Floki had aligned himself with King Horik. But the entire time, it was just a ruse. He stayed loyal to his friend, Ragnar. This season, it seems like Floki isn’t on board with Ragnar’s alliances with the Christian peoples. It really does seem like he may have to choose between the gods and Ragnar. Thanks to the presence of Athelstan, Ragnar is much more open-minded. That doesn’t sit well with Floki. Will definitely keep my eye on what’s going on there.
-Poor Porunn, amiright? Half her face is completely torn up. I feel so bad for her. Bjorn can’t do much right now but be supportive.
-I loved every time Kings Ragnar and Ecbert were in a scene together. The looks on their faces were classic. They have a lot in common (including Lagertha). Favorite conversation is when they both admit they consider themselves to be good men. And then they ask about the other side of the coin:
Ragnar: Are you corrupt?
Ecbert: Oh yes. Are you?
Ragnar: Hmm hmm…
They are in agreement. They are both good and corrupt. Awesome. Travis Fimmel and Linus Roache look like they have so much fun in their scenes together. Fimmel also looks like he’s having fun in his scenes with Katheryn Winnick. Every time Ragnar and Lagertha converse, I’m always reminded of how much I want those two characters to get back together. In “Scarred” they’re both very aware of the other’s flirtations/entanglements. They confront each other about Queen Kwenthrith and King Ecbert.
It’s amazing how the two — they’re always circling each other. Usually Ragnar is circling Lagertha in a very flirty, sexy-licious way . Why don’t those two just get back together already?
-What are your thoughts on Siggy’s death? Athelstan and Judith? Who do you think Harbard the Wanderer truly is? Will we see him again?
Vikings airs Thursdays at 10/9c on HISTORY.
Related posts
2 Comments
Leave a Reply Cancel reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Classics
George R. Olson, Tim Rozon, and Sarah Levy Talk the SurrealEstate S2 Finale
[Spoilers for the SurrealEstate Season 2 finale.] How’s everyone doing after the finale? As we close out the second season of SurrealEstate, some of our merry band of misfits are scattering to the winds–Zooey to law school, Phil to the Vatican, and Augie back to his think tank with Rochelle,…
Previewing SurrealEstate Season 2 Finale + Revisiting the Season with George R. Olson
[Warning; General spoilers ahead.] Strap in, SurrealEstate fam, because we’ve arrived at the Season 2 finale, and it’s a doozy. As we saw in the closing moments of last week’s episode, Susan is back. But because we have one more episode left, it’s not as simple as all that, as…
Tyler Hynes Talks Through His Eight-Film Hallmark Holiday Library
Things you realize when you have to re-record your shows on a new DVR – just how many Hallmark movies your people have done. Fan favorite – and one of ours – Tyler Hynes has done eight Christmas movies for Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries since 2018. Alongside…
Spencer Creaghan Talks About Creating SurrealEstate’s Signature Sound
SurrealEstate is winding down its second season, with two episodes left, and just as in Season 1, Spencer Creaghan’s music continues to be a character unto itself. And every week, he shares tidbits with the fans via his s social media channels, something he started to help give them an…
Andrew Walker Talks Christmas Island and the Magical Hallmark Community
[Warning: Spoilers for Christmas Island.] Now that the Screen Actors Guild strike has been resolved, we’re able to resume regularly scheduled programming and interview our favorites and yours. Up first, earlier today, I spoke with Andrew Walker about Christmas Island, which premiered last weekend and encores tonight and through the…
George Olson and Danishka Esterhazy Talk SurrealEstate “I Put a Spell on You”
[Warning: Spoilers for the episode.] Tonight’s fun new SurrealEstate found Luke caught up in an especially bewitching woman, Kay, played by Tara Yelland, Susan trapped in her house, and Zooey learning the ropes. In the next part of my conversation with showrunner George R. Olson and producing director Danishka Esterhazy,…
Danishka Esterhazy Talks SurrealEstate: “The Butler Didn’t”
[Warning: General spoilers for the episode]. Tonight’s new SurrealEstate, “The Butler Didn’t,” follows the team as they investigate the years-earlier mysterious death of a woman whose ghost now reenacts her hanging by dropping over the banister from the second floor to terrify anyone on the landing or at the bottom…
Scott McCord and Elizabeth Saunders Talk the From Season 2 finale
[Warning: Spoilers for the season finale.] How’s everyone doing after that finale? While we wait and wonder and hope for a third season announcement, soon, here’s what Scott McCord and Elizabeth Saunders had to say about their parts of the finale, and where they hope they get to go next….
Scott McCord and Elizabeth Saunders Talk From Season 2 + A Season Finale Preview
[Warning: General spoilers ahead.] It all comes down this, #FROMily. As Sunday’s episode wraps up Season 2, we begin with the aftermath of the terrifying onset of seemingly simultaneous attacks on Julie, Marielle, and Randall, which accelerate the “We gotta get out of this place” of it all. Sara comes…
Alison Sweeney Talks About What’s Next for Hannah and Mike After Carrot Cake Murder: A Hannah Swensen Mystery
[Warning: Spoilers for Carrot Cake Murder.] Everybody OK after that Hannah Swensen Mystery twist? Thankfully, our favorite crime-solving couple is still on speaking term, even if they’re on a break (hopefully not that kind of break). Most importantly, we already know this isn’t the last film in the series. No…
What They Said: Three Revealing Conversations from Survivor’s Remorse “Closure”
WARNING: Spoilers for Survivor’s Remorse “Closure” The latest episode of Starz’s Survivor’s Remorse featured conversations that showed characters really digging deep into their thoughts, emotions and motivations.
Two Takes: The Catch “The Knock-Off”
Who can you trust? If this episode of The Catch was any indication, the answer is just about nobody. Betrayal was running rampant as Felicity (Shivani Ghai) arose from the dead to seduce-con Margot, Gretchen (Maria Thayer, Gotham, The Mindy Project) played gold-hearted Alice 2.0 before swindling Ethan, Tessa jumped…
What They Said: Top 3 Quotable Moments from Preacher “El Valero”
Both Quincannon and Jesse refuse to give up on what they each think is rightfully theirs. While Jesse is struggling to face the consequences of his actions, Quincannon has laid his past demons to rest and is hellbent on moving forward and putting Annville on the map again. Despite a…
What They Said: Favorite Quotes from Supergirl “Worlds Finest”
Oh, Supergirl. That ending was cold. But I can’t hate on you because the latest episode has quickly become one of my favorites.
What They Said: Top 4 Quotable Moments from Black Sails “XXIII”
The dialogue in “XXIII” is phenomenal. It’s always a fun ride when Black Sails carries its viewers along without giving them the chance to catch their breath. When an episode moves at this unforgiving pace, there is no chance for a breather nor is there a respite from the information…
What Lucifer Said: Favorite quotes from Supernatural “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”
Supernatural episodes are almost always funny but thanks to the dialogue and a certain man speaking said dialogue, I laughed a lot during “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” You know, when I wasn’t busy fearing for Sam’s life or wondering what in the world was going on with Dean and…
What They Said: The Flash, “Legends Of Today” and Arrow, “Legends Of Yesterday”
Two nights of Arrow + The Flash = what more could we ask for?! I don’t know what it is about blending these shows, but I can’t help but feel that every time they come together, they somehow become greater than the sum of their parts. And that’s saying a lot…
What they Said: Top 4 Quotable Moments from Graceland “Little Bo Bleep”
Shoot outs. Fake outs. And long-awaited revelations. “Little Bo Bleep” was a jam-packed episode that wrapped up some loose ends and totally frayed others. Â It finally gave us one Sarkissian in jail and pulled back the curtain on Briggs’ master plan, but it also set up Jakes for a world…
What They Said: Favorite Quotes from Poldark “Part 4”
“What have I told you, I don’t require my wife to crochet and sip tea, but I do require her to remember she’s not a beast of burden.†No, I’m not talking about The Rolling Stones! I have to admit though, just for a second, the lyrics popped into my…
3 Moments of Goodness from Brooklyn Nine-Nine “Johnny and Dora”
The most satisfying part of this season’s finale has to the Jake and Amy kiss. Well, they kiss three times but the last one is the best one — and it means something. The Charles and Rosa dynamic was also great. I love how she’s convinced he doesn’t know anything…
Wow. The end of ” scarred” left me gasping for air. Seriously. So siggy is gone… lagertha is not earl anymore but doesn’t know it…. athelstan has an affair with that woman…. and who is Harbard? Is it Odin in the flesh??? Seriously I think somehow Aslaug is gonna see some repercussions from that little infidelity act with Harbard but now king oreck’s son is joining forces with the guy who took the earl spot from lagertha. Oh boy this is getting so gooood.
Right? I’m loving Vikings this season so far. Everyone has something to do or go through. I’m so sad Siggy’s gone. And I’m totally scared for Lagertha.
And Aslaug better be on the lookout for those pesky consequences.