User Reviews

It is strange how suddenly the Vikings have changed the direction. Seasons 1 and 2 were full of Ragnar's energy, wit and surprising moments, season 3 had slowed down a little, but still was pretty good, showing us new powerful people, new places and new opportunities for Vikings.

Not so season 4. Throughout all 8 episodes, Ragnar is suffering - and lacking almost everything I liked about him. He doesn't (until episode 8) come up with new ideas, doesn't want to go to Paris or discover new places, feels old and tired, doesn't rule in any way so it looks more like anarchy there and so on. He is just a shadow of his glorious past.

****** SPOILERS AHEAD ********

Then there are these new uninteresting characters. The king Finehair arrives, basically says he wants to overthrow Ragnar, I expect some tense things to happen, but .. in the next episode Finehair just combs his hair in the harbor and Ragnar behaves like nothing happened. And this Chinese girl is totally wasted - much of a screen time is spent on introducing her, but her only purpose is to make Ragnar an addict - what the hell? Additionally this whole emancipation Sweet Judith thing feels so weird and forced. In previous seasons, Judith had feelings for Athelstan and their baby and some character depth, but now she is just being annoying in way like "Look how tough have I become", and again, it fills so much screen time in the series and probably for nothing.

Luckily episode 8 had finally brought some fresh air. Ragnar shows after long long time his wit and comes up with something apparently nobody has every attempted before, despite other's opinion - that's the Ragnar I like. Queen Kwenthrith is no more a queen and is killed eventually and so is count Odo. These two were pretty interesting actors, so I am curious, who replaces them, on the other hand, at least something's happening. Be removing Kwenthrith from the rule, Ecbert shows again his mercilessness and it is why I love this guy. He is really consistent so far (compare it with Ragnar) and gives a great performance.

The moment when I was cheering the most (and where Ragnar surprised me completely) was killing the Yidu. Ragnar isn't that weak after all. Only downside is he's got the drugs, which shouldn't be there in the first place (as well as Yidu). The whole drug issue is so embarrassing and destructive for Ragnar's character that I just pray to God before every episode that this 'ancient Chinese medicine' will be gone for good as if it never existed (like many director's cuts).

********* END OF SPOILERS ********

Hope the remaining episodes catch up.

STOLEN STORY ----------------------SPOILER--------------------

The great story of Season 4 is definitely stolen from Turkish history. In first episodes Rollo comes up with a great idea, the idea that building 2 towers at the 2 sides of river and put a chain between them. This whole idea is stolen cause this was done in 1453, while Ottoman empire attacks the Bizantines to conquer Istanbul, Bizans Empire built 2 towers and put a chain between them for Ottoman Empire cannot pass. It is done exactly the same in the series.

And not just that, also in episodes 8 Ragnar comes up with a idea to pass the ships on the land and go back to river after they pass the towers. Exactly same thing happened in the siege of Istanbul. Great Conquerer Faith Sultan Mehmet passed very big ships on the land and go back in the water(Haliç) to conquer Istanbul. Exactly same with Ragnar's idea. So this plot is stolen. You may also search if you like about the victory of Istanbul. After you watch Season 4 of Vikings. You will feel like I know this Story. This is a shame for Vikings...

With a little bit imagination by the writers,Yidu could become a great part of the season

This episode is all about honesty, towards companions or even oppositions. Rollo picks up on the evasive maneuvering from the king, Kwenthrith realizes her throne is on jeopardy and Harbard's side activities with the ladies have been known to Aslaug. While some of them are playing the war of attrition, most are losing their patience and opt for immediate action.

It begins by the new Vikings warlords openly speaking their concerns about Ragnar, who in turn gives an ingenious idea for their problems. Ragnar has been on frizzy land for the few last episodes. It becomes apparent that he doesn't have special attachment for Yidu beyond the medical necessity, but it's quite striking nonetheless that after showing a sign of live he puts his hands on her.

The Paris side also has a couple of revelations, done in bedroom while flogging. It seems all cards are on the table now with treason exposed as they might be prematurely celebrating their victory. A bit of drama also occurs in Kattegat with the housewives. It's a bit disheartening to see Aslaug becomes so dysfunctional and overly attached to Harbard, she's far cry from her half mystical self when she first met Ragnar.

On the more heated region, Kwenthrith is now on thin ice after losing the throne to Ecbert. She also makes uncharacteristically sloppy decisions, or perhaps she might not be good on defensive end to begin with. Still, it's shame that she just falters and ultimate succumbs to her fate.

Fate hasn't been kind to some of these ladies, but the others are elevated in sly and rather kinky way.