Oath

Vinland Saga's latest episode marks a significant turning point in the story's narrative, both in terms of character development and thematic depth. Vinland Saga is not about Vikings killing each other.

The author's true vision for the series finally takes shape. The episode's theme is centered around the idea that even in the darkest of times, we have no true enemies. The concept of empathy and understanding takes center stage, highlighting the importance of compassion in times of conflict. The story becomes a reflection of human nature, and the characters are portrayed as flawed but capable of growth and redemption.

Vinland Saga's latest episode shows that it's a dark work that doesn't shy away from the violence and brutality of its setting. However, it's the exploration of the characters' psyche that elevates the show beyond its action sequences. It's a show that demands attention and reflection, as it presents a nuanced and thought-provoking take on the human condition.

In conclusion, the latest episode of Vinland Saga is a significant milestone in the series' narrative, marking a transition from a simple revenge story to a more complex exploration of human nature.

Literally a masterpiece. Never thought I'd see episode dethrones AOT's Friday episode. WOW, WOW, WOW. This episode included all the technical elements that we usually see in masterful movies. Creative directing, well-done dialogues, and eye-pleasing drawing. What makes this episode the best in this season is the appearance of the great character Ashilad, who we have always admired and missed in this season. I liked the writer's philosophy. And the contrast between Thors' and Ashilad's conversation addressed to Thorfinn. "Nobody is your enemy" says Thors, "Everyone but you is your enemy" says Ashilad. I love this Anime man. Looking forward for the new era Thorfinn.

This is, without a shadow of a doubt, the best episode in the whole of Vinland Saga. Probably reaches near top 10 in all of anime, and is undoubtedly the best balance of action, drama and respite I've seen in an episode of the show.

As usual we have all the components of this season: Thorfinn's regret, Einar's will, the suffering they feel together. But this episode takes it further. I've said these characters feel realistic to me previously but the level on which the show artistically conveyed these emotions was something incredible. MAPPA is usually good with emotional moments, but I feel as if the art and adaptation was probably unlike anything they did with Attack on Titan in the sense there was not any malice or evil behind Thorfinn.

A masterclass of an episode. Watch. This. Show.

And see Thorfinn become a true warrior.

To me this is the best episode in the whole series.

Sums up all the emotions and guilt that Thorfinn carried in his journey. As a viewer, we get to feel all those emotions in 20 minutes. Anger, guilt, sorrow, love, hate, conviction. All these emotions served with top notch visuals, soundtrack and voice acting that shatters the heart. Thorfinn finally finding solace. This whole season is about healing and redemption, and I feel Thorfinn finally gets on the path of healing after this episode. I feel that the series reached its prime in this episode and will continue to add on this wonderful journey of healing.

This season of Vinland Saga has been a clear change in pace that might not be loved by some who enjoyed the first season, but after the events of The End of the Prologue this slow paced change is extremely necessary for the sake of Thorfinn's character in my opinion. He's been crushed and left with little to no purpose after chasing a flawed goal for over a decade by trying to take Askeladd's life to fill that void in him, but the sad irony is Askeladd became more of a father figure to Thorfinn than Thors himself. So after the events of the prologue the void nearly became Thorfinn and trying to climb out of that void is something that shouldn't be settled with cool fight scenes, quicker paced episodes, but rather with slow character development that makes you more invested in Thorfinn's progression. Whether that's learning to grow plants at a farm or learning to make a friend, or even making you feel at rock bottom for simply punching someone, I think this season has shown a more human side to this story and shows us that grief isn't something that is to be glossed over or rushed past, but rather be treated day by day.

That being said I love what they've done with the season up until this point and the direction they took in this episode was great to see. Clearly the characters they've introduced with Snake, Ketil, his son Thorgil and others will have more of a role as this season and series goes on, as well as the faces we've already seen in the past with Canute and Thorkell. But seeing Thorfinn and Einar trying to get by day by day is something that I wasn't expecting to enjoy, but I am and I'm glad this story is being treated with the delicacy and patience it deserves.