Vikings Season 3 Recap – Episode 8: To the Gates!

To the Gates!

Boy, oh boy, am I glad this week’s episode picked up from last week’s. I think this one may even be my favourite for the season so far! Here’s what went down in Episode 8 (entitled To The Gates!) Season 3 of History Channel’s Vikings:

Most Epic Battle Scene So Far

It was about ten minutes in when I realised just how awesome this week’s episode really would be – and just how much it was all about the epic battle to claim Paris. This episode is hard to sum up in words because it was more about the visual enormity of it. Even with my love for Episode 8, there is actually not a lot to say about this episode other than the Vikings actually bit off more than they could chew in the form of Paris. While Athelstan (George Blagden) had given them some wonderful insights in how to scale the impenetrable and Floki (Gustaf Skarsgard) had created a fantastic way to scale the high walls, this battle was always going to be a whole city against a small band of marauders.

Even so, the vikings fought to the bloody death trying to obtain victory.

The battle can be broken down like this (please excuse the order, the episode was crazy busy):

• Holy crap! Look at those walls!
• Let’s bash the doors down to create a distraction while Floki’s ships sneak in the back way and scale those walls.
• *door bashing doesn’t work*
• Let’s pull those doors out instead!
• Crossbows are no match for bows and arrows, wooden shield walls or axes.
• Blood, so much goddamned blood. Are there even any vikings left?
• Floki realises he’s not cut out to lead a battle and goes a little more crazy than he already is.

• Ragnar (Travis Fimmel) notices this and the viewers realise that Ragnar ALWAYS has a plan.
• Bjorn (Alexander Ludwig) finally steps up to the plate and does the right thing now he doesn’t have a lady friend to keep an eye on.
• Rollo (Clive Standen) battles like a beserker, catching the eye of Princess Gisela (Morgane Polanski) in the process – is that a match made in annoying heaven or what?!
• Whoops, Rollo looses his balance and falls over the high wall, plunging into the water below. Shit, is Rollo dead?!

• Speaking of fighting like a beserker, Ragnar takes over as crazy man, sticking his tongue out and throwing himself backwards off the wall. It is not pretty and it certainly isn’t nice to watch Ragnar Lothbrok bounce off every hard surface on the way down.
• Shit, is Ragnar dead?!

• Meanwhile, Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick) and Kalf (Ben Robson) have pulled out the doors and are met with… nothing. Not a bloody person is in sight!
• Forward they all march, not thinking it is a trap at all even though my 11 year old is shouting that very thing at the television.

• Yep, it’s a trap, but luckily Kalf works this out and knocks Lagertha unconscious, taking her out of the death zone just in the knick of time!
• It’s about now that you realise just how hopeless this venture was.

Casualties of War

Besides the huge toll of vikings now drinking in Valhalla, there are few notable deaths. Rollo actually survives, as does Ragnar – even if he is spitting blood and appears to have a few broken ribs. It is Bjorn that comes as a shock to the viewer! It seems he scored two bolts to his back and at first we think he is dead. Ragnar drags him back to camp and it turns out the wounds are not life threatening.

Ragnar is a Patient Man and Lagertha Gets a Sponge Bath

While most of this episode is bound by battle, there is a quiet moment or two. Firstly, we find Ragnar staggering into the forest to have a quick chat with Athelstan about game plan. It seems Ragnar does know Floki killed the priest and making Floki leader of the failed attack on Paris was very much in Ragnar’s plan of how to get back at him. While Ragnar claims to be a patient man, I am not at all impressed with just how many lives he is willing to sacrifice so that Floki can learn a lesson…

Secondly, we find Lagertha and Kalf sponging each other off. Kalf is still trying to woo Lagertha but the bitter taste of her lost Earldom is still fresh in her mouth. While I am pretty sure Lagertha and Kalf will end up married, Lagertha is still claiming she will kill Kalf eventually. I don’t doubt her one little bit.

Remember Kattegat? Well, it seems Þórunn (Gaia Weiss) is done with it, abandoned her baby, Siggy, and blown that joint. Having Aslaug (Alyssa Sutherland) left holding the baby with the same name as the woman who lost her life saving Aslaug’s sons seems somehow poetic…

What did you think of Episode 8 of History Channel’s Vikings? Let me know your thoughts by commenting below!

You can read my Episode 9 recap here.

(Photo Credits: History Channel, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.)

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• Vikings Season 3 Recap – Episode 7: Paris (vikingsnewsandrecaps.wordpress.com)

Vikings Season 3 Recap – Episode 7: Paris

Paris

Here’s what went down in Episode 7 (entitled Paris) Season 3 of History Channel’s Vikings:

Floki Spirals Ever Downward

I have loved Floki (Gustaf Skarsgard) for so long it feels like a stab to the heart what History Channel are doing to him this season. I truly thought I couldn’t be more conflicted than having one of my fave characters kill another of my fave characters last week, but it seems the misery bleeds through to this week as well. I am pretty sure Ragnar (Travis Fimmel) knows who killed Athelstan (George Blagden). He would be a fool not too with all the religious zealotry spewing from Floki’s mouth this season. Still, I was left shaking my head when Ragnar turns over the attack on Paris to Floki. Ragnar is either very stupid or has a hidden agenda and I am not sure which one I am hoping for.

Princess Kwenthrith of Mercia is Not So Crazy

The more I watch Vikings, the more I fall in love with the tenacity of Princess Kwenthrith (Amy Bailey). This woman gets shit done! In this episode we find out the consequences of that small peeing incident – it seems she has, conveniently, born Ragnar a child. And she uses this child gallantly in her negotiations with Prince Aethelwulf (Moe Dunford). These scenes are among my favourites this week as we see the game of kings and queens played out perfectly.

King Ecbert: the King who Can’t Lie Straight, Even in Bed

For such a long time fans thought King Ecbert (Linus Roach) would be the one person in power who wouldn’t try to double-cross Ragnar. But, alas, that hasn’t come to fruition and Ecbert seems to be the most rotten apple in a barrel you couldn’t even sell at market. And he will go to no ends to prove his ruthlessness. After sending in his son to sort out the mess that is Mercia, he makes his move on his son’s wife, Judith (Jennie Jacques). Yes, that’s right, it seems he will do anything for Judith and her son to Athelstan, even at the expense of his own flesh and blooded son. Or is it just another charming game on his behalf?

Paris

We knew Paris was the big shiny new thing for Ragnar to claim in Season 3, but now its shores are within sight. I must say, I was a little disappointed with how the city and its townsfolk were portrayed. King Charles of West Francia (Lothaire Bluteau) is less than the authority type having to bow to the whims and fancies of his daughter, Princess Gisela (Morgane Polanski) rather than Count Odo  (Owen Roe), a man who actually knows something about battle. It also seems like King Charles and Rollo (Clive Standen) have the same, my brother is better than me syndrome. To add insult to injury, the townsfolk of Paris are pretty flustered about the imminent invasion even though their fortifications are substantially grand. Honestly, I’m not even sure I care about Paris anymore…

Þórunn is Not as Tough as She Thinks

Þórunn (Gaia Weiss) is a character I feel like I should love but, more and more, I find her character spineless. I have said it before, and I will say it again; what did she expect from battle? She gets one little battle scar and instead of wearing it like a badge of honour she sulks, pushing both her husband and her child away from her misery. Meanwhile, as a result of this, Bjorn (Alexander Ludwig) has turned to the arms of another’s wife, Torvi (Georgia Hirst).

It will be interesting to see how next week’s episode plays out and whether Floki really can lead the Vikings into victory over Paris.

What are your thoughts on Episode 7 of History Channel’s Vikings? Let me know your thoughts by commenting below!

You can read my Episode 8 recap here.

(Photo Credits: History Channel, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.)

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SEASON PREMIERE: Vikings Season 3 Recap – Episode 1: Mercenary

MERCENARY

Welcome to my very first recap of History Channel’s Vikings! Want to catch up on Season 1 and 2 of the show before you find out what went down in Season 3 Episode 1 (entitled Mercenary)? Then you need to check out the video below:

Okay, now you know what to expect, let’s jump right in shall we?

We find Ragnar (Travis Fimmel) with his newly appointed (but not like he suggested plot point rich) haircut chatting to his son, Bjorn (Alexander Ludwig) about being a reluctant king, wielding power and all those things that vikings talk about in the midst of winter when there is nothing else much to do.

Others, however, are getting itchy feet. Floki (Gustaf Skarsgard) is just plain going batshit crazy with all the happy around him, so his new wife, Helga (Maude Hirst) is happy to send him a-raiding! Other vikings have gotten themselves between a rock and a hard place by placing too many buns in the oven and are happy to get away from their warring womenfolk. And then there is Rollo (Clive Standen) who is messed up personified and perpetually ready to meet Valhalla.

So off to England they go because King Ecbert (Linus Roache) promised them farmable land – but wait, what’s that catch? Ragnar is needed to fight against warring kings and queens? It seems the rambunctious Princess Kwenthrith of Mercia (Amy Bailey) is having a spat with her brother and uncle over lands. Is it just me, or is this the English equivalent of what went down between King Horik (Donal Logue) and Jarl Borg (Thorbjørn Harr) all over again?

Anyhow, vikings live and die honorably by the sword, so they all agree to settle this spat and the scene is set for an epic battle.

And epic it is.

It seems the English came up with this brilliantly dumb idea to set up on two adjoining (but completely unattached) patches of land. The plan was to attach Ragnar’s group from both sides – I think. But in all their smugness, they forgot the one gaping flaw: If Ragnar attached one side, there was no way for the other mob to come round and help. So Ragnar (with the help of Floki lopping of a royal head) totally brings down the smaller group IN FRONT OF THE OTHERS and succeeds in completely scaring the shit out of the remaining English party.

And that’s how vikings get shit done!

Now let’s go back and have a look at what else was going on in Episode 1.

RELATIONSHIPS

• It seems likely that King Ecbert and Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick) will get their jiggy on this season since the king appeared captivated by the shield maiden from the very onset.
• Bjorn and Þórunn (Gaia Weiss) will not have a straight run to the altar. Þórunn is determined never to be controlled by a man again as she journeys from slave to shield maiden. Bjorn is pigheaded and not at all like his father when it comes to letting the women he loves fight. Pretty sure Ragnar is going to have words about how Bjorn was more interested in protecting his girl during battle than fighting alongside everyone.
• If you have read into the sagas of Ragnar, you will know that Ragnar has three wives. And it seems Season 3 might also herald in the arrival of wife #3 with Aslaug (Alyssa Sutherland) getting cranky at the sight of Ragnar going off to England with his first wife, Lagertha, in tow. If that isn’t enough, Princess Kwenthrith, the ever horny, seems determined to get a viking earl into her bed. Wouldn’t it be interesting if Ragnar returned with a pregnant English princess in tow?

DECEPTION

Lagertha’s second in charge, Kalf (Ben Robson) who we totally haven’t heard much about until just now, appears to be lining up to double cross in Season 3. He might now want Ragnar to find this out…

So what did you think of the Season 3 premiere of History Channel’s Vikings? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

Video Source: YouTube – Catch up on Vikings

You can read my Episode 2 recap here.

Video Source: YouTube – Catch up on Vikings

(Photo Credits: History Channel, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.)

Pre-Order Your Funko Vikings POP Vinyls Now!

Order now for May 2015 arrival:

Recently we announced that History Channel’s Vikings was on the list to be glorified as Funko POP Vinyls figurines. Well, we can announce that the wait is almost over! May 2015 is the arrival date and you can pre-order the Vikings figures now.

On offer are five figures so far: Ragnar (Travis Fimmel), Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick), Rollo (Clive Standen), Floki (Gustaf Skarsgard) and the Seer (John Kavanagh):

While I am a bit disappointed not to see Helga (Maude Hirst) in the line up, I am more than impressed with just how creepy cute they have made the Seer! I am also surprised to see Bjorn (Alexander Ludwig) and, especially, Athelstan (George Blagden) missing from the line up.

You can pre-order the whole set or individually by clicking here.

Who are your faves – and which ones would you have liked to see developed? Let me know what you think of the new Vikings Funko POP Vinyl figures by commenting below!

Source: Funkos POP Vinyls – Funkos new Vikings POP Vinyls

(Photo Credit: popvinyl.net)

Ben Robson Joins the Cast of History Channel’s Vikings

Make way for Kalf, Lagertha’s second-in-command:

Season 3 of History Channel’s Vikings will find actor Ben Robson joining the cast as Lagertha’s (Katheryn Winnick) trusted second-in-command, Kalf.

According to the Wikia on Vikings; “… [in a] Norse earl’s Hird (warband), Kalf would hold the rank or office of a Forungi (commander)“. Little more is known yet about Kalf’s role in Season 3, but if Lagertha trusts him, then that is good enough for us!

Ben Robson is best known for his roles in known for Dracula: The Dark Prince (2013), The Oldest Profession in Winnipeg (2011) and The Joint (2013).

Let us know your thoughts on Kalf’s role in Season 3 of History Channel’s Vikings by commenting below!

Source: Deadline – Ben Robson Joins History’s ‘Vikings’; Rob Morrow In ‘Texas Rising’

(Photo Credit: IMDb.com)

Will Erlendur Be Ragnar’s Downfall in Vikings Season 3?

Could saving Horik’s son Erlendur in the Season 2 finale of History Channel’s Vikings turn into a HUGE mistake?

In the Season 2 finale of History Channel’s Vikings, we found Ragnar Lothbrok taking the life of King Horik (Donal Logue). However, he was compassionate enough to spare the life of Horik’s son, Erlendur (portrayed by actor Edvin Endre) – will this turn out to be his greatest mistake?

While, historically, it is suggested that Ragnar was killed after being thrown into a pit of snakes by King Ælla (or, alternatively, Aelle) of Northumbria (played by Ivan Kaye in the TV series). This resulted in Ragnar’s sons avenging their father’s death by invading England with the Great Heathen Army. However, according to historical scholars, it is not certain that Ragnar Lothbrok even existed – or, if he did, perhaps he is an amalgamation of several key historical figures.

Keeping this in mind, is it possible Horik’s son Erlendur could be the downfall of Ragnar? Vikings writer, Michael Hirst, had this to say on the matter:

Ragnar reprieved him … Erlendur has been impressed by the idea of going to farm in England. And in his pocket he has a handful of mud, earth from England. When Ragnar sees him with this handful of dirt, he knows that he’s thinking along the same lines, that they’re connected in some way. So he spares him. But, of course, that turns out to be a terrible decision in the end.

It sounds ominous, doesn’t it? Let us know your thoughts on what might happen between Ragnar and Erlendur in Season 3 of Vikings by commenting below!

Source: Huffington Post – ‘Vikings’ Finale Scoop: Creator Reveals All, Including Next Stop On Ragnar’s World Tour

(Photo Credit: History Channel, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.)

Who Does New Vikings Character ‘The Wanderer’ Kill Off?

Kevin Durand hints at the death of a favourite character:

During this year’s San Diego Comic Con, Clive Standen (Rollo) and Alexander Ludwig (Bjorn) both confirmed that someone would die in Season 3 of History Channel’s Vikings. They also announced it was one of their favourite cast members, which suggests the character may be a fan favourite as well.

Now it seems newcomer Kevin Durand is suggesting he is the one who will kill this character after ET Canada reporter Rick Campanelli quizzed him about the character’s death:

Do you know how that happens? Did you know that I was there? When the person dies …yeah, I’m on Vikings… it might have been my fault…

Kevin Durand will play a character called The Wanderer. Little is known yet about where or when this character will pop up in Season 3 of Vikings other than it will be for at least 3 episodes.

Guess we’ll just have to wait until Season 3 of Vikings premieres in 2015 to find out who lives and who dies. Let us know your thoughts on this by commenting below!

Source: ET Canada – ‘Vikings’ Cast At Comic-Con, Tease ‘Insane’ Third Season

(Photo Credit: FX Networks)