The Wanderer

After defeating Princess Kwenthrith's uncle Brithwulf, the Vikings prepare to attack her brother Brugred. King Ecbert gets close to Lagherta and Lady Judith shows feelings for Athelstan. In Kattegat, Auslag, Siggy and Helga share the same dream with a wanderer with blood in one hand and a burning snowball on the other. Meanwhile. Lagherta is betrayed in Hedeby by Kalf that announces that he is the new Earl.

"The Wanderer" is an intriguing episode of "Vikings", with three women sharing the same dream in Kattegat. Kalf's betrayal is unexpected. King Ecbert seems to be deeply attracted by Lagherta. Who is the mysterious stranger? My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "The Wanderer"

This episode slows down the pace, but turns up the internal tension. The Vikings have arrived in Wessex, and while things seem stable with King Ecbert, there's a constant sense that not everything is what it seems. Every promise and smile feels double-edged. Ragnar knows this-and stays alert.

Meanwhile, Athelstan becomes the episode's emotional core. His spiritual conflict is deeper than ever. He's caught between Christianity and Viking beliefs, and that inner turmoil affects not just him, but everyone around him. His growing closeness to Ragnar and Lagertha puts him in a very delicate position, and it's starting to look like that ambiguity might cost him something.

Lagertha proves again that she's far more than a shieldmaiden. She's now navigating power plays and betrayal within her own people, adding a strong secondary storyline.

The episode is more political than action-driven, but it's crucial for setting the stage. Doubt, resentment, and hidden threats are being planted everywhere. I give it an 8, because while it's not a thrill ride, the character development and building tension are powerful and well-executed.

The episode starts following the aftermath of the last skirmish. For most part it revolves around bonding of Lagertha and King Ecbert through mutual agriculture interest. Aside from the usual diplomatic engagement, two of the supporting characters have more spotlights given to them, Torstein and Athelstan.

Apparently Torstein (Jefferson Hall) suffers a severe injury from the last battle, this marks a significant change to the character as he has to deal with the mental and physical effect of this grave wound. Long gone are the days of worrying about pregnant ladies, Hall shows more distraught and timid performance. It's a good direction to show how a previously able man copes with the pain.

Athelstan (George Blagden) also enjoys more attention in this episode. His divided belief is highlighted, he is not one to boast or stand forward, but he's now in interesting position between the two parties. It's always fascinating to see the clash of faiths, no one more suitable to showcase it other than Athelstan.

There are hints of storm brewing on Ragnar's home ground as the prophetical arrival of mysterious individual is building up. Meanwhile his force is gaining on the Prince's, they bound to collide soon. This marks another solid entry to the historical epic.

Why have the need for only Athelstan translating for the king and Lagherta - yet Ragnar and the kings troops seem to be able to converse no problem. It should all be one language - maybe different dialects, because the translating is annoying and exhausting. Then the out-of-focus slo-mo's are also getting annoying. Writers, this show is supposed to be getting better, not annoying.