Vikings
Season 4 Episode 1: “A Good Treason”
Directed by Ciaran Donnelly
Written and Created by Michael Hirst
Starring Travis Fimmel, Clive Standen, Katheryn Winnick, Alexander Ludwig, Gustaf Skarsgard, Ben Robson, Maude Hirst, Morgane Polanski, Lothaire Bluteau
The History Channel
Air Date: Thursday, February 18th, 2015, 10:00pm

The last season of Vikings was short and sweet, with lots of heartbreaking death, fierce and gory battles, and religious mixed with political moves. Two fan faves, Athelstan and Siggy (George Blagden and Jessalyn Gilsig) died – Siggy, while saving Ragnar’s children from drowning, and Athelstan, murdered by Floki (Gustaf Skarsgard). Porunn (Gaia Weiss) becomes a shieldmaiden, marries Bjorn (Alexander Ludwig), has a baby, gets severely scarred and then wants to be away from Bjorn. The Vikings attacks Paris, and have a surprising victory at the end, although Ragnar is severely injured. they leave Rollo there, who is offered Princess Gisla (Morgane Polanski) and riches if he joins Frankia. He does.

Spoilers ahead! Beware!

Vikings 4.1 “A Good Treason” review: Aslaug (Alyssa Sutherland) visits the Seer (John Kavanagh). “I want to know of a woman will succeed to the kingdom of Kattegat.” The Seer won’t tell her. He’s not a gossip. I think this means Lagertha or Bjorn;s daughter. This is juxtaposed with Ragnar moving towards Valhalla in a dream, but the doors are closed to him.

Time has passed as marked by the growth of Aslaug’s children. Ragnar is still ill. Floki has made him a present to heal him, his love evident in his eyes.

The visit to Paris was quite lucrative. Bjorn gives a rousing victory speech. Athelstan is mentioned quite a few times making Floki, and as a result Helga (Maude Hirst), look uncomfortable. Just then…

“I order the arrest of Floki for the murder of Athelstan.”

Floki is chained in the middle of Kattegat, and children throw dirt and worse at him. Helga runs pleading with them to stop.

Kalf and Lagertha go home, and Kalf pulls a surprising move – share the earldom and rule as equals.

Aslaug buys a defiant slave (Dianne Doan) that amuses her.

Ragnar is finally awake. And quite displeased with Bjorn for arresting Floki and leaving Rollo behind in Paris. He is intrigued by the new slave. I am going to enjoy that future relationship.

Rollo is getting married! he looks proud and pleased, while she looks like she will be sick on her pretty dress. Sweet Rollo actually looks sorry that he is making her cry. I love him. WHen it’s time for the very public bedding, Rollo orders everyone out. She pulls a knife on him, and he laughs and goes to sleep. He doesn’t want to bed her so frightened and unwilling. He’s the best.

Okay, so I’m in love with Eark Kalf (Ben Robson) now too. Einar is completely opposed to the sharing, and demands he get rid of Lagertha. Kalf calls everyone together and has those opposed struck down. And then Lagertha castrates Einar.

Bjorn is going away to the wilderness to prove to his dad he can survive. Ragnar is really doing a number on his son. It almost felt like he didn’t care. Except when he thought Aslaug was having a vision, he almost went after him. I do like that Aslaug seems to look out for Bjorn, even though she was pissed at him for ignoring his daughter.

Ragnar is a very watchful king. He watches Floki. “You killed Athelstan out of jealousy. That is the truth. Just admit it.” Nope. Floki is sticking to his “gods told him to” story.

Some of the camp outside of Paris are against Rollo, and some are for him. No matter. He comes with the Paris army and strikes them all down. Rollo what happened to you? In the act of ultimate betrayal, he killed his own people as a message to Ragnar. Okay, he’s not the best anymore.

“Ragnar is coming. Ragnar will revenge us.”

Vikings is back and stellar as usual. I’ve missed it so much, and this year we will get double the amount of usual episodes.

Vikings airs Thursday nights at 10pm ET on The History Channel.

Image Gallery

Videos

Vikings: Season 4 Episode 1 Exclusive Sneak Peek – Thursdays 10/9c | History

Watch this exclusive Sneak Peek from the Season 4 premiere episode of Vikings. New season premieres TONIGHT, Thursday, February 18 10/9c #Vikings

Vikings: Rollo and Gisla Sneak Peek – Premieres February 18 10/9c | History

Watch this sneak peek of Rollo and Gisla and check out a new season on Thursday, February 18 10/9c