User Reviews

The ultimate test of a successful series is whether it stays with you long after the viewing is over.

By that measure, this EXTRAORDINARY series is one of the grandest and most delightful surprises of all time.

It came from humble beginnings, from a network that, not so long ago, was considered "daring" simply for dramatizing the story of the Hatfields and the McCoys.

My how far HISTORY has come! This series is not merely solid in its genre but in fact the casting, the acting, the writing, the direction, the sets -- are among the most engaging and most powerful ever to visit the medium.

Using my own test, I think I will always remember the first wobbly attack on England; the nasty politics with the former Earl; Ragnar's divorce and remarriage and ultimate reunion with his ex-wife ... for battle!; the strange (and never explained) visit to their village by a Norse God and ... of course ... the two attacks on Paris, the first magnificent but unsuccessful, the second less magnificent but successful.

Wow.

This series was so strong that it elevated everyone associated with it. By happenstance, I caught a recent episode of POI that featured a guest spot by Katherine Winnick. So forgettable was she in that show that, were it not for the name, I would never have associated her with the role she played here. In VIKINGS, she developed a regal bearing and even the mannerisms befitting royalty, she stole every scene that was not nailed down ... and several that were.

A wonderful season-finale to one of the most astonishing shows of all time

The curtain falls on foreign land as the Vikings still tries to maintain their presence despite Ragnar's deterioration. This season's finale resembles more of the first season' where the show opted for continuity than grand spectacle. It's far from a bad thing since the monumental siege has been showcased from the last two episodes. Balance between one final dramatic moment and set-up for next season is kept neatly.

Story moves from last baptism of Ragnar. As expected many of his trusted generals are not pleased. The episode also presents a chance for each major character to open up more. Trickery and battle still linger here, although they are in modest volume. Without spoiling anything, not every revelation is surprising, mainly due to a few foreshadowing events from last and also this episode.

This is a quieter send-off, befitting of the series as it has delivered an incredibly high production value, especially from the last two episodes. There's a more focused direction for establishing characters and subplots further. As the Vikings themselves aptly say that there's next spring to plunder, siege of Paris is not meant to be the one loot to solve their problems, but a venture for discovery and footing for power.

A few notable performances by the patriarch roles. Ragnar, Rollo and Bjorn have their moments in spotlight. As Ragnar is injured, Bjorn does most of the dealing and negotiation. Alexander Ludwig looks strong and his character has grown in the season. While he's still under Ragnar's shadow, he has delivered good quality to lead, perhaps a prospect for next season. Rollo is always a strong presence in the show and even though he hasn't developed much beyond his lost this season or charging with bare chest, he might find himself with more paths.

Vikings conquest is a battle of attrition, plunders and problems mount as they sail back and forth between the richer lands. As they carry scars and treasures The Vikings should sail to a finer upcoming season.

I know what you're going to say.. "Why was the ending not like season 2 or why was it not as epic as episode 8 and 9??"

Still i loved this episode because they choose to go a little bit slower at the end. They have put more emotions and character development in it. There are many examples i can give off, but it would just spoil it.

The fourth season is hopefully going to be grandiose, epic... We have seen that this season was a little bit different than the second season, you could see that they've put more effort in other areas. Some of the past episodes were just mind boggling. Te CGI and the cinematography were just top notch. History Channel proves that it can do better, much better! and they succeed in it.

Through this season i was thinking by myself, why does it feel different than season 2? It's because they try hard to play with your emotions and they manage to let us emphasize even more about a character. You get to ask yourself the following questions:

Did Ragnar really???

What will Rollo do?

What will Ragnar do to Floki?

Who will betray him or stay loyal to him in season 4?

While watching this episode you enjoy it and at the same time one keeps asking himself these questions.

This finale was not epic, it was a finale that cared about how we think and feel, not about what we see... And i loved this about it!

A well deserved 8.9/10