VIKINGS – 4.1 ‘Breaking Point’ Valhalla Denies Ragnar, Floki’s Madness & Rollo’s Wedding Fail

While Ragnar is refused entrance through the gates of Valhalla, Queen Aslaug pays a new game of Lick-the-Seer in search of an answer. Will a woman rule? The Seer for once, lays down some real truth. “It is unwise to imagine the death of kings.” Auslag leaves their conversation like most of us, hearing only what we wish to believe.

Bjorn is eager to prove himself and makes an impulse decision to arrest Floki on his fathers behalf for Athestan’s murder. Floki is still a true believer and continues to defend his actions against all accusations. Helga is helpless to prevent the arrest and it breaks our hearts to see her trying to help her husband in vain.

Floki later asks the impossible of his bride when he demands that she release him. It seems our favorite Goth Viking is mad as a hatter. Does he even care that his actions place his family in grave danger?

Relationships between father and son become prickly when Ragnar learns of Floki’s arrest and Rollo’s new residence. Ragnar is many things, and stupid is not one of them. He knows how dangerous both decisions are for them all.

Ragnar tries to extend a life-line to Floki in asking for some remorse for his actions. Floki is incapable of taking the easy out because “The Gods demand it.” The former friends are at a stalemate. What will he chose?

Lagertha joins forces with Kalf who is later confronted by Einar demanding her death. Kalf plays along, but he only has eyes for the former Shield Maiden. Nothing says “I love you” like murder. And, men all over winced while she wasted no time in cutting off the one part of her enemy loved he the most.

Rollo is in way over his head and is slow to realize the gravity of his situation. His new bride Gisla is less than willing and believes him to be a monster. Bringing a knife to the bedchamber, unbeknownst to her, actually garnered a bit of respect from the Viking. I wonder how long Rollo will exercise patience.

Rollo’s marker is immediately called in by the French in their demand to defend them against Ragnar. The brother takes the “In for a penny, in for the pound” method and goes all-in in a most brutal way. He visits the Viking settlers just in time to witness their ambush by the French.

Observations & Questions:

• I don’t see Aslaug and Ragnar living happily ever after. Did you see the look on her face when she was told the King lived? It was ICE COLD. Do you think she’s got some regrets, or does she just covet his power? Maybe both.

• The son of Horick is all grown up and still continues to hold a mighty grudge.

• Aslaug’s new slave Yidu is defiant even in her captivity and catches Ragnar’s eye.

• “I’m alive. Unfortunately.” I feel an impending doom.
• Floki and Helga’s daughter is ADOREABLE!

• I love the little touches revealing the Viking’s curiosity of anything new. Weapons, treasure, maps, cultures, all are welcome!

• Will Bjorn survive his Hero’s Journey?