Death All 'Round

Episode 9, "Death All 'Round", continues the slow-burning build-up that has defined most of season 4. And while it's not a bad episode by any means, it does feel like another stepping stone toward something bigger that still hasn't arrived.

Ragnar remains a broken leader, drifting further away from his old self. His decline is painful to watch, but fascinating. Meanwhile, Bjorn continues to rise, showing calm and calculated leadership. His growing dynamic with Floki adds layers to both characters.

Technically, the episode looks great-moody visuals, subtle tension, and well-directed sequences. But at this point, the buildup is starting to drag, especially for fans used to the fast pace of the earlier seasons.

I give it a 7. It's solid, but feels transitional. Hopefully all this setup is leading to something truly explosive.

A very average episode, setting up for the next biggy. There is a little bit of character development and some killing. There are some big moments concerning Lagerther.

The episode before the break offers mindless violence, a couple of surprises and Ragnar seeing things. It is probably the weakest of the season so far, and it feels just like a filler before the big battle.

We have a little bit of King Ecbert, a little bit of Alfred in "Rome", a little bit of Paris stuff, but basically this is an episode that centers on the vikings (curious, right?). After making their ships fly, the raiders have to get them back to the water, so they can bring their plan to fruition.

As said above, the episode doesn't offer much in the plot development part, even though it has a couple of surprising violent moments that make things move a little bit. But in general, it just shows that Ragnar has lost his power and control and that the other vikings are just doing a little bit whatever they want to, as there's no clear leader anymore. It is not badly done, but it is not especially interesting either. The quality of the production is still really good though, but a show as the "Vikings" should strive for something more than just some violent moments.

While the Northmen pull the ships through the woods, Harald and his brother Halfdan slaughter a family of farmers and Lagertha has a miscarriage. Meanwhile Father Prudentius, Aethelwulf and Alfred arrive in Rome and are received by the Pope. King Ecbert is crowned King of Wessex and Mercia while King Aelle shows how his unhappiness to his allied. Erlendur presses Torvi to kill Bjorn with his crossbow and he has a great surprise. Ragnar is addicted and keeping his last drug to help him to kill Rollo.

"Death All 'Round" is the ninth episode of Season 4 of "Vikings" with few surprises. The Vikings succeed to cross the woods pulling their ships. Lagherta loses her baby. Alfred and Aethelwulf arrive in Rome. King Ecbert becomes officially king of the two realms and despise King Aelle. Ragnar seems to be completely destroyed by his addiction. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "Death All 'Round"