Vikings Season 3 Episode 5 Review: The Usurper
Henry A. Otero
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That was one hell of an ending wasn't it?
I mean, it wasn't surprising, but Vikings Season 3 Episode 5 finally revealed King Ecbert's true intentions.
Rollo dealt with the death of Siggy, while Ragnar questioned Aslaug about the mysterious wanderer, Harbard, and her connection to him. The Seer spoke in his usual riddles, leading Ragnar to confirm Paris as the next city they will raid.
Ragnar's obsession with Paris was becoming as clear as Floki's obsession with Athelstan. It's not going to end well for one of them. Who would you put your money on?
It was great to see the Viking fleet returning to Kattegat. I think that was the first time Ragnar admitted he's tired of Aslaug and all about his sons. He knew right away that something was wrong. Did you see how quickly he asked Aslaug about his sons?
Aslaug: Rollo, Siggy is dead.
Rollo: How?
Aslaug: Ubbe and Hvitserk fell through the ice into a frozen lake. Siggy saved their lives, but she drowned and we could not find the body.
Rollo: The Gods are mistaken.
Floki: No, the Gods are never mistaken.
I'm not surprised Rollo blamed himself. It was just a matter of time before he fell apart again and turned to booze. The fight between Rollo and Bjorn was intense; at least he got the beating he felt he deserved. I loved the way the Seer laughed and told Rollo he had an important future ahead of him.
Floki kept mocking Christians and especially Athelstan. I wasn't expecting Helga to share the story of Harbard's visit, but it makes sense Floki would know that name is another word for Odin. I wonder if there's any truth Harbard had powers. Is he the same wanderer that set Ragnar on his journey West in the first season?
Naturally, Lagertha was just a little pissed that Kalf usurped her. However, it was Ragnar's offer to Kalf that seemed really strange. He's up to something, I doubt he'd turn his back on Lagertha. Perhaps he's going to put Kalf on the frontline in Paris.
Lagertha: I supported you in Wessex, now you must support me. Together, we can overthrow this usurper.
Ragnar: Firstly, you came to Wessex of your own volition. Secondly, if there's a civil war many of our own people will die. Is your Earldom really that important to you?
Lagertha: Yes.
Ragnar: Why?
Lagertha: Because it is rightfully mine.
Ragnar: Well, there is never much use in arguing with you Lagertha. We shall go and talk to him.
It was hilarious the way Ragnar questioned Aslaug about Harbard, but sneaky of Floki to leave out some very important details. Of course, Aslaug only spoke of Harbard taking Ivar's pain away. Still, I'm not sure he cares much.
I think the most shocking turn of events this week took place in Wessex. Not surprising was the fact Judith was pregnant by Athelstan, but the way Aethelwulf took it out on the Viking settlers. King Ecbert saw his son's reaction, then sent him to settle the conflict. Did the King know what Aethelwulf would do?
It was brutal the way the children were slaughtered. Ragnar is going to be extremely upset, but the King covered his ass by locking up the Noblemen responsible.
Now you know, that this settlement and my agreement with Ragnar Lothbrok mean a great deal to me. So I want someone, someone I can trust to go out to the settlement with a large force and bring these disputes to an end.
Ecbert
I had a feeling Ecbert was playing Ragnar and Lagertha all along, but the way things went down wasn't what I was expecting. King Ecbert is quite brilliant, but Ragnar's going to see right though it, I think.
It's interesting that the Seer told Ragnar that the dead would conquer Paris. His riddles are always pretty confusing. Historically, wasn't Ragnar successful at the Siege of Paris? Regardless, King Ragnar announced they were attacking Paris next. I can't wait to see this battle, it's going to be one of the biggest we've seen on Vikings.
Ultimately, King Ecbert put on a great show publicly and in private thanked his son for getting rid of the Northmen settlers. How will Ragnar and Lagertha react when they learn their people were slaughtered. Will Ragnar turn to Queen Kwenthrith?
What did you think of "The Usurper"? Where is Lagertha going? Why was Ragnar so friendly with Kalf? Did you expect Ecbert to betray Ragnar that way? You're up Vikings fanatics, hit the comments below and share your thoughts on tonight's installment.
Remember, you can watch Vikings online via TV Fanatic if you ever miss or want to rewatch an episode.
NOTE: Vikings Season 3 Episode 6 is titled “Born Again” and airs on Thursday, March 26.
