As with season one, season two sets itself up miraculously well with big broad themes to set the tone for the season, depicting love triangles, questions of faith, and loyalty in a manner that seems accessible to the audience but not in an overdone way. This first episode is complex in its themes but ever-changing, which works to keep the storyline moving throughout the episode.
The first episode of this season parallels the first episode of the series, with a distinct difference in allowing us to see just how far these characters have come. We catch up with our characters almost exactly where we left them, brother against brother with Rollo and Ragnar ready to fight their forces to the potential death.
The brother versus brother theme was strong in season one and it carries over to season two. The battle sequence is shot beautifully and we see more of the shows strong cinematography -- Vikings may be one of the most visually stunning shows on television right now. Vikings also remains unapologetic of its gore, which may not be HBO levels of violence, but still remain incredibly impressive and realistic.
One of the major themes of the first episode, which will carry through the first half of the season, is the often tenuous relationship between brothers Rollo and Ragnar. This storyline works because it is one that is familiar to audiences and is told in a way that intertwines with the other storylines without weighing them down. The opening battle scene is impressive and sets the tone of their relationship pretty clearly. Rollo longs to get out from under Ragnar’s shadow but ultimately finds it difficult to act against his own brother.
It is Ragnar’s difficult relationships with those around him that dominates this episode. The road to power has not come without its consequences. While the relationship between Ragnar and Rollo is important, it is almost dwarfed by an even more powerful storyline, Ragnar and Lagertha.
The question plaguing many fans at the end of last season was how fierce Viking shield maiden Lagertha would deal with her husband’s infidelity. I don’t feel the answer to this question was disappointing in the slightest, highlighting the struggle that Lagertha goes through to ultimately leave her husband.
The show balances this decision with equal parts emotion and ferocity. One of the things that drew fans to Lagertha in the first season was her role as a strong female character, and the writing keeps that intact while still showing her as someone who has to make a difficult and earth-shattering decision that does leave her potentially vulnerable. Katheryn Winnick shines in her scenes showing not only a fierce woman who will not be dishonored but an emotional woman who takes great pain in her decision.
The interaction between Lagertha and Aslaug was an enjoyable element to see as well. There has plenty of backlash from fans towards the princess for breaking up the resident power couple but she brings a very real element to the relationship of Lagertha and Ragnar. I actually enjoyed the addition of her character played by Alyssa Sutherland, who portrays Aslaug as a complex character. Her acceptance of Ragnar’s proposition to form a power threesome with him and Lagertha and her obvious discomfort at the world she’s found herself in bring an interesting element to the story. I believe there’s more to the character than just the upstart princess come to break up a marriage.
All the actors have grown into their characters this season which has brought a whole new layer of comfort and depth to the show. This is a show that works hard to make you care about it’s supporting cast, and that is a trend that continues this season. Since the first preview was shown this summer fans have been on the edge of their seat wondering what will become of Floki, and while the conclusion is most satisfying, the reason why is that the show has worked hard to make us care what happens to him. (Should we all thank Helga for being such a good nurse?)
The area in which this episode succeeds the most is the emotion it brings to the story lines. Each scene is written and acted in such a way that makes you not only eager to see where it ends up, but experience how you get to those conclusions. There is so much heart, ferocity, and emotion injected into every line and action, it’s hard not to feel the emotion right along with the characters. There are a few heart-wrenching scenes in the premiere, but the one that really got to me (and is sure to make plenty of people tear up) was Ragnar’s speech to little Gyda, who tragically passed last season. It brought viewers back to the reality of the show. Vikings is a show about fierce warriors and conquerors, but at its heart it’s a show about who those people really were, and the connections they had with those around them.
Overall, this was an incredibly strong start to the season. Having seen the first four episodes I’m enthusiastically optimistic for the overall quality of the second season.
Stray Thoughts
- I felt a bit upset at the death of everyone’s favorite one-eyed Viking. Again this speaks to the show ability to make the viewers care about even minor characters.
- I think we need more badass Siggy in this show, and I hope at some point we get to see her kick some butt this season. She wasn’t my favorite in season one but I’ve grown to enjoy her and her relationship with Lagertha.
- Ragnar’s obvious nervousness and flustered reaction to the two women in his life was hilarious and endearing. Cleary he uses baby goats as a security blanket.
- I didn’t say much about Bjorn’s decision to stay with his mother, but I did like that he ultimately choose to stay with her.
- I appreciated the amount of Helga (Maude Hirst) and Floki screentime, but I’m hoping we get more of everyone’s favorite monk turned Viking next week!
Were you satisfied with how Lagertha dealt with Ragnar’s betrayal? Are you happy Rollo was spared? Were you hoping for more Athelstan in the premiere? Share your thoughts below and don’t miss an all new episode next Thursday at 10pm on History Channel.
