Vikings
Season 4 Episode 17: “The Great Army”
Directed by Ciarán Donnelly
Written and created by Michael Hirst
Starring Clive Standen, Katheryn Winnick, Alexander Ludwig, Gustaf Skarsgard, Maude Hirst, Alex Høgh Andersen, Marco Ilsø, Jordan Patrick Smith, David Lindström, Josefin Asplund, John Kavanagh, Linus Roache.
The History Channel
Air Date: Wednesday, January 11th, 2017, 9:00pm

Spoilers below for the last 2 episodes of Vikings:

Last time on Vikings, Ivar (Alex Høgh Andersen) challenged Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick), who refused to fight him. The Bjorn (Alexander Ludwig) expedition hit pay dirt in the form of Musselmen. They pillaged and took home riches, women, and glory. Rollo (Clive Standen) had a ton of fun. Helga (Maude Hirst) took a replacement daughter. Floki (Gustaf Skarsgard) was having a crisis of faith – fundamentalist Floki! The sons of Ragnar were visited by Odin to tell them the news of his death. They all have vengeance in their hearts. The Seer (John Kavanagh) told Lagertha that she would be killed by a son of Ragnar.

More below.

TV Review: Vikings 4.17 “The Great Army” review: Sigurd (David Lindström) wonders if Bjorn knows about their father’s death. “Oh you think Odin told us but forgot to tell Bjorn?” says Ivar. Ivar “hates reason.” He wants to declare war on the whole world in the name of Ragnar Lothbrok and Odin. Ubbe went to Lagertha so she can join the great army. She refused, as Kattegat is more important to her. But you could she that she was torn. He freed Margrethe (Ida Nielsen) without permission.

Halfdan and Harald (Jasper Pääkkönen, Peter Franzén) continue to plot, and even get a recruit.

Judith (Jennie Jacques) goes to her father, King Aelle (Ivan Kaye), to warn him of the imminent danger. Her parents take the opportunity to aggressively lecture her on her loose morals. She wants to see where Ragnar dies, the picture of early feminism. Ecbert (Linus Roache) continues Alfred’s lessons – the importance of reading. “Can the occupation of power distract the mind of the ruler.”

Uncle Rollo and nephews sail home – Rollo is reluctant to go, but happy to see his kid. He offers farmland to any viking who wants it in Frankia. “Once a betrayer always a betrayer,” Hvitserk (Marco Ilsø) says. Gisla pretends to be happy he has returned, but curses and punches him in the face when they are alone.

Ivar almost hit Sigurd with an ax over being called a “mommy’s boy.” Sigurd is not so against Lagertha. Their “instruments of wrath” arrive – the Great Army. Ubbe (Jordan Patrick Smith) does look a lot like Ragnar – its eerie (Lagertha mentioned it). He and Ivar set up an attack on Lagertha. Bjorn walks in just in the nick of time and stops the madness. He would have to avenge her and he does not want to kill his brothers. Plus, he was on her side about it.

Ivar visits Floki, and they insult each other with love. It is heartwarming to see, from these two growly people. He wants him to build him something to help him. So he builds him a badass f*in war chariot! So cool!

So, Ecbert’s actions are a little surprising. How did he get so soft? The visual of Ragnar’s pit, from the point of view of his deathbed is stark and lonely, yet powerful. The show is so intense, building as the season continues. Next week is one of their epic battles. No way Lagertha will be able to stay away. I cannot imagine what is in store for us during the finale.

Vikings returns Wednesday, January 18th at 9:00pm ET on The History Channel.

Image Gallery

Videos

Vikings: Ivar Declares War on The Whole World – Sneak Peek (Season 4, Episode 17) | History

Ivar suggests a plan that will help him and his brothers build an army large enough to take on the world.

Vikings: Sooner, Rather Than Later (Season 4, Episode 17) | History

Even with the first arrivals for their army, Ivar is not distracted from his revenge on Lagertha.

Vikings: Floki makes Ivar a Gift (Season 4, Episode 17) | History

Floki uses his talent to make a grand gift for Ivar. Watch new episodes of “Vikings” Wednesdays 9/8c on History.