VIKINGS Season Finale! ‘The Dead’ The price of oversharing & a most excellent ruse!

An envoy arrives with a payment for the raiders. I find it funny that Ragnar’s forces were unsuccessful in taking Paris, but still managed to make a fortune in the process. None of this matters, however, if Ragnar is not alive to enjoy the spoils.

It is tough seeing the Viking King in such bad shape. He takes Bjorn to the side and imparts to him some advice. “You must lead with your head not with your heart.” File that one under do as I say, not as I do!

When Ragnar asks his son to perform a task that only he can be trusted with I felt something was up. Later when we see the casket, my heart sunk. Could it be true? Did they really do this? Is Ragnar dead? Holy Shit!

Ragnar’s dearest friends came to pay their last respects and allowed themselves to share the truth otherwise left unspoken. Lagertha for her part remained unmoved in her belief for her former husband. Rollo admitted his true feelings as well while Floki overshared to a degree that was indeed painful. Folk revealed Jealousy not, Odin, motivated his killing of Athelstan.

The French celebrate their own victory and the Princess is less than thrilled. She is furious with her father for paying the ransom and feels the celebration is in poor taste. Speaking of poor taste, Gisla was cold as ice in refusing him what was once promised.

Not to worry, Odo secured another woman who fell for his charms. I’m not sure she knew what she was info when he revealed the French version of the “Red Room of Pain.” Oh my goodness! Vikings went 50 Shades of Grey on us! Hilarious!

Folk remains in the dog house and tries to patch things up with Helga who is having none of it. May I suggest groveling? It may be your last recourse.

Rollo for his part looks at Paris and remembers the words of the Seer. “If you could truly see what the gods had in store for you. You would go out now and dance naked on the beach.” I’ve a feeling Rolls time may finally have arrived.

Ragnar’s casket was taken for his last rites inside the walls with great pomp and circumstance. All went well right up until the point Ragnar popped out of his casket faster than any jack-in-the-box I’ve ever seen! Long live the King! This was a brilliant tactical move which revealed once again our Viking King has his eye squarely on the long game.

In one fell swoop he discovered who killed Athelstan, murdered their priest and achieved the success he longed for in sacking Paris. Rollo, Lagertha and Floki most of all were shocked right out of their shoes!

Both Rollo and Floki saw the writing on the wall with Ragnar and both asked to stay behind when the group returned home. Rollo was granted permission. Folki was not. We all knew our favorite Viking Freak was in deep trouble when Ragnar called him over to chat. “You killed Athelstan” was all it took.
And, that my friends is the look of a person well and truly screwed.

Bonus!
Rollo was correct in remaining behind! The French King has no stomach for war and plans to make an even greater gift to the warrior Rollo in order to ensure his survival. Gisla. The Princess was none too happy about the news of her impending wedded bliss and was not shy in expressing her opinion. Rollo, bless his heart, took it all in stride and seemed hopeful in spite of her tirade. I’ve a feeling the guy is going to have his work cut our for him with Gisla.
Oh what fun!