Vikings
Season 4 Episode 4: “Yol”
Directed by Helen Shaver
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, Linus Roache, Jennie Jacques, Moe Dunford, Alyssa Sutherland, Amy Bailey
The History Channel
Air Date: Thursday, March 10th, 2016, 10:00pm

Last week on Vikings, both Ragnar and King Ecbert (Travis Fimmel and Linus Roache) were visited by the spirit of Athelstan (Guest star George Blagden). Ecbert took it to mean that his beloved Athelstan was dead, and he told Judith (Jennie Jacques) so. Ragnar’s vison said “Mercy” three times. Because of this, Ragnar let Floki (Gustaf Skarsgard) go for Helga’s (Maude Hirst) sake. Bjorn (Alexander Ludwig) fights a bear in the wilderness. Meanwhile Erlendur and Kalf (Edvin Endre and Ben Robson) plot Bjorn’s death using a crazy Berserker, pretty much in the same moment Kalf declares his love for Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick). Gisla humiliates Rollo (Morgane Polanski and Clive Standen) once more.

Spoilers below.

Vikings 4.4 “Yol” review: “I cannot stop thinking about death,” is the opening line as Ragnar opens up to Yidu (Dianne Doan). They have similar views – “a king and a slave.” Aslaug (Alyssa Sutherland) spies this.

Queen Kwenthrith (Amy Bailey) tells King Aelle (Ivan Kaye) and Ecbert that Northumbria and Wessex must defeat Mercia. Aella is pretty bitter about Ragnar. Magnus is definitely in danger. But Kwenthrith is the scariest woman on the show. She can handle it.

It is the feast of Yol (viking holiday around Christmas complete with requisite animal bloodletting). All of the different cultures celebrate their version of Yol – Christmas.

Aslaug and Ragnar fight over Ivar. He’s definitely a momma’s boy.

Floki skulks in shadows, and goes to the Seer (John Kavanagh). The Seer has been waiting for him for hundreds of years. “Show me who you are,” and licks Floki’s hand. Floki giggles. That’s not weird at all.

Rollo’s marriage is about to be annulled, when he speaks up, declaring his destiny to be with Gisla, and everyone understands him. Swoon! 3 seconds later – marriage consummated.

Aslaug gives permission for Ragnar to be with Yidu. Yidu tells him her origin story. Ragnar frightens her (frightened me too), but then frees her in a humorous Ragnar way.

Bjorn leaves his wilderness. He is being stalked by his Berserker. Damn Kalf! I had really hoped you were double-crossing Erlendur, not Lagertha. Whoa. Berserkers are magical. But Bjorn gets the best of him in a disgusting face ripping, intestine uncoiling scene.

Aslaug wants Floki to teach Ivar his christian-hating ways.

Super weird sexually charged scene as Yidu give Ragnar some obvious Chinese LSD. I’m not even sure what was real. Live snakes, swinging upside down, that’s a party.

Bjorn shows up to claim Torvi away from Erlendur. She is free to choose. She doesn’t want to leave her son, but Lagertha promises to take care of him.

Aelle confronts Judith, angered by what he knows to be true. But she is free because of Ecbert.

Gisla can’t get enough of Rollo, to the consternation of the entore kingdom in earshot.

King Harald (Peter Franzén) visits Kattegat. He has come to become King of all Norway, announcing that to all of Ragnar’s family and friends. Aslaug points out he would have to overthrow Ragnar.

Withe the exception of intestines, this was a less bloody episode. I really dug Ragnar letting loose and having fun. Was happy for Rollo too (lucky Gisla!), although it still bothers me that he left his Viking life. I cannot wait for Lagertha to uncover the treachery. I fully expected Bjorn to figure out at least the Erlendur connection.

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

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Vikings: Bjorn Fights Back (Season 4, Episode 4) | History

Watch this clip from Season 4 Episode 4 Bjorn fights off an attack.