Vikings Preview: “Promised” 

On HISTORY’s Vikings, I continue to be afraid for Ragnar’s well-being. Everybody’s gunning for him and his throne.

Although, to be honest, the guy seems like he has some sort of death wish. That if he died, he’d gain entry to Valhalla or wherever Athelstan is and he’d be fine with it. Who knows where his emotional and psychological state lies. Did Yidu’s herbs help his situation? Whatever becomes of this action, it was a very interesting scene to see unfold. I bet Travis Fimmel had fun filming Ragnar in such “high” spirits.

Meanwhile, Bjorn survived his sojourn to the Siberian-like wilderness. In doing so, he even outwitted, outlasted and outplayed that berserker of a hitman. Bjorn took care of him with such brutal authority. He should feel good about himself. To top it off, he stopped in Hedeby to see his mom and make another play — this one for Torvi. It doesn’t seem like he’s aware that Kalf and Erlendur were responsible for siccing the hitman on him. But who knows. He’s currently on a badass trip. He could be aware. In a recent press call, Alexander Ludwig explained why his character would make this caveman-like move for Torvi:

Alexander Ludwig: It’s kind of a power play at the start for Bjorn. It’s him kind of just taking what he wants and what’s his and that’s something you’ll see more in this season as well is that he becomes more ruthless as a character and he takes what he wants and doesn’t think twice about it. So at the beginning, it’s a bit of a power play and I wouldn’t say it goes much further than purely a sexual attraction. These Vikings had so many partners and whatnot. I mean, it definitely goes into something. You’re going to see quite a few different romances in this season and it’s going to get pretty ruthless of him.

In Kattegat, the air between Aslaug and Ragnar continues to feel super toxic. She clearly resents his fascination with all things exotic and foreign and, at the same time, she’s exploiting this “weakness.” She started confiding in Floki. She is trusting him to teach her favorite son, Ivar, the ways of the Vikings. No Christian upbringing for her kid.

Now a new threat to Ragnar’s throne has arrived under the guise that he’s doing this for a woman who thinks he’s not powerful enough. King Harald Finehair is setting up camp in Kattegat. Now we have to wait to see what he’s going to do next. It can’t be anything good…for Ragnar.

I want to be happy for Rollo. He’s getting everything he wants. Respect. A beautiful wife. A nifty French title. But he had to do it at the expense of his fellow Vikings. He went above and beyond to impress Princess Gisla and win her love. He learned her language. He cut his hair. He tries to behave like a nobleman should. She’s finally accepted him. She was completely undone by how far he was willing to go to impress her. Now the two share a special connection. One that they’re proving over and over again…all around the castle. They don’t even try to hide it. Morgane Polanski talks about what appeals to Gisla about Rollo and the Vikings ways:

Morgane Polanski: I think the main thing with Vikings is they are as they come. I think the French have, there’s much more layers, there’s much more, I think, agendas and looking over your shoulder. And I think she just adores how straightforward Rollo is.

In Wessex, the most interesting thing going on there — other than Queen Kwenthrith and Aethelwulf’s sudden flirtations — is Judith coming to her own. And she’s not going to let her oaf of a father keep her down. She’s involved with the King and is in a loveless marriage with his son. She’s not feeling any shame. She’s coming into her own and is standing up for herself. Hopefully, that doesn’t come back to bite her in the behind anytime soon. I want to see how far she takes it.

One more thing about last week’s episode. I’ve saved it for last because I don’t know what to make of it. What happened with Floki and The Seer? Who is Floki? Is he a god? Here’s the scene in question:

The Seer: So, you finally came. I have waited a long time.
Floki: What do you mean waited a long time?
The Seer: Hundreds of years. While I lay in the wet ground. Waiting in the space between life and death.
Floki: Waiting?
The Seer: You know exactly what I mean. Don’t play games. I have waited and I understand. Show me that you understand. Show me who you are.

Yes, Floki. Show us who you are. We know that Floki’s faith in the Vikings gods and rituals is strong. If there’s a reason behind his extremism, I want to know what it is. He killed his best friend’s best friend over conflicting beliefs. There has to be a reason. This scene between Floki and The Seer was so surreal. Did Floki’s face change at all? I don’t know what my eyes were seeing. But it was hella intriguing. I might need someone to explain what happened. Anytime The Seer’s involved I feel that way, though.

So I hear that tonight’s episode of Vikings is going to be epic.

Synopsis for “Promises”

There’s an air of betrayal at Court in Paris and Wessex as those whom Odo trusts plot against him and Ecbert agrees to support Kwenthrith in Mercia, but is Ecbert a true ally?

Ragnar confides in Yidu his darkest secret.

Teases

-Floki makes new friends. Just a little bit ago, Floki was imprisoned. Now he’s out and he’s keeping secrets with Ragnar’s wife and teaching her son the ways of the Vikings. The times — they do change. Now he’s possibly entering another alliance. Those are everything. Ragnar’s going to need more than Yidu to watch his back.

-Dianne Doan says that episode five is another big one for her character of Yidu.

-And looking at the episode’s official photos and the last shot in the promo, I have one question: Are we about to get some much-needed quality time with Lagertha’s story?

I feel like we haven’t seen enough of her this season as of yet. Things better get kicked up a notch with her in “Promises.”

-Even though I’m Team Ragnar all the way, that doesn’t stop me from being interested in what’s going on with Rollo and Gisla. They are truly a power couple — something Ragnar no longer has. (He was like that with Lagertha and only Lagertha). Now that their marriage is officially official, what’s next for them? Plotting against Rollo’s family and friends?

Vikings airs Thursday nights at 10/9c on HISTORY.