TV Show Review

TV Review: VIKINGS: Season 4, Episode 9: Death All ‘Round [History]

Katheryn Winnick Vikings Death All 'Round

History‘s Vikings Death All ‘Round TV Show Review. In Vikings: Season 4, Episode 9: Death All ‘Round, was a bloody episode, yet there was no battle. We lost a couple souls we wish we had not. Ragnar’s (Travis Fimmel) plan was successful in getting across the mountains to re-launch their boats down river of Paris, but this victory was undercut by much loss of life.

 We saw our first glimpse of true carnage at the hands of Finehair (Peter Franzen), his brother Halfdan the Black (Jasper Pääkkönen) and their warriors. They pillaged a small farm outside of Paris that left the farm and the family that owned it in bloody pieces. If I did not like Finehair  and Halfdan before, I certainly have no love for them now. Bjorn (Alexander Ludwig) was the only one who seemed to question their actions. History has not glorified what Ragnar’s people do on raids, they kill holy men, they raid and rob indiscriminately. Ragnar has spared people on occasion. Finehair and his crew, however, tortured and massacred a family, not for business, or to glorify the gods, not even for sport, it was recreation, they were shopping.

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Lagertha’s (Katheryn Winnick) miscarriage followed the seer’s prediction. Her men rallied. Ragnar forgot his addiction for a moment and comforted Lagertha. Bjorn followed his father’s lead and mourned with his mother by her side – the original family together and supporting each other. This heartbreaking moment was preceded by another one of Floki’s (Gustaf Skarsgård) visions. Why Floki’s mind is linked with Queen Aslaug’s is a mystery. They share a common spirituality but Floki floating into her mind every time there is a tragedy is more than strange.

In Paris, Rollo (Clive Standen) was upstaged by Roland (Huw Parmenter) and Gisla (Morgane Polanski) was not happy about it. She reminded Rollo that his position is never secure. Of course, Rollo struggled with that revelation.

The coronation of King Ecbert (Linus Roache) in Wessex and anointing of Alfred (Connor O’Hanlon) in Rome signaled the start of an era. As Ecbert plainly stated, “everything has changed.” King Aelle (Ivan Kaye) was upset that he was cheated out of his share of Mercia. Ecbert was never a trustworthy ally, but then again, Aelle was never an intellectual match for Ecbert. Aelle’s speech was filled with the bitterness of a man who realized he was outwitted and outclassed in every way.

In Kattegat, Ivar (James Quinn Markey) is turning into a little tyrant, and Sigurd (Elijah O’Sullivan) is raising himself. Ragnar knows his wife is negligent, but Aslaug (Alyssa Sutherland) has really lost her mind to depression over losing Harbard (Kevin Durand). She lost all interest in little Siggy. The only person who cared about Bjorn’s little girl was her cousin, Sigurd. Now, another child of Ragnar’s line falls victim to drowning on Aslaug’s watch. This time there was no one there to save poor little Siggy. Meanwhile, Sigurd has to live with the image of his cousin drowned in dirty water. He also seems like he will be the only one feeling guilt and shame over the tragedy. This season has not been kind to daughters.

One thing is sure, Torvi (Georgia Hirst) is a badass. She tried to be diplomatic and understanding with Erlendur (Edvin Endre) but neither she nor Bjorn would ever be safe as long as Erlendur was alive. That scene was strange and fantastic. Everyone felt the gravity of Torvi’s kill. An ex-royal Viking was killed by a woman instead of in battle. It was a dishonorable death for which Torvi could have been published, but the death solidified Erlendur’s insignificance in the scheme of things. Also with one stroke, Torvi saved three lives – her child’s, Bjorn’s and her own. Torvi, Gisla, Aslaug and Lagertha, all exceptional women who shined in this episode.

Leave your thoughts on Episode 9: Death All ‘Round and Season 4 of Vikings in the comments section below. For more Vikings reviews, photos, videos, and information, visit our Vikings Page, our Vikings Google+ Page, and consider subscribing to us by Email, “following” us on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+ or “liking” us on Facebook for quick updates.

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PopcornMovieMaiden

I am ...a lover of all things film/TV ...a poet with a law degree ...a D.C. native, who frequents local and international film festivals ...a couch potato with opinions.
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