5 Things I LOVE in VIKINGS ‘The Great Army’

1. Ivar.

Who else is surprised by Ivar (Alex Høgh Andersen)? He completely steals EVERY scene! I have a serious love/hate/love relationship with the Viking. No matter what your opinion, you have to respect his fierce determination and stubborn single-mindedness. The scenes tonight with Floki (Gustaf Skarsgard) simply confirmed my feelings all the more! The two together are dark magic indeed!

2. Helga’s heart.

Ah Helga! (Maude Hirst) I am beginning to worry over you, my dear. The loss of Agraboda may have proved too much to bear. Yet, still she is incredibly strong in her own fragile way. It touched my heart to hear the hippie Viking’s kind simple farewell to Rollo (Clive Standen).

3. Ecbert’s advice for Athestan’s son.

Ebert (Linus Roache) is many things. Devious, brutal and above all else clever. What surprises me is his genuine affection for Alfred (Conor O’Hanlon). He truly wants what is best for the lad and his wine lesson was extremely effective. “Always think your own thoughts and act on them.”

4. Rolo and Gisla’s relationship.

I adore the fiery relationship these two have! When Rollo (Clive Standen) returned Gisla (Morgane Polaski) gave him a weak welcome. Then, wait for it….here comes the BOOM! Once they were alone she cursed her husband in a manner that needed no translation. Yet, even in her violence toward her husband you could see her affection racing right along side her pain.

5. Bjorn happened!

Earlier in the season Bjorn (Alexander Ludwig) came into his own by facing down his own demons in the wilderness. Ragnar’s firstborn son proved himself anew by walking the thin line between his love for Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick) and his brothers. He brilliantly stopped his siblings plot against her by redirecting their anger in a more productive direction. THAT was a total Ragnar strategic move and it warmed my heart to see it! Watching him move on Astrid (Josefin Ashland), Lagertha’s lover, was also a classic Ragnar move. Careful, Bjorn! Your fathers vices may prove painful for you as well!