In the all-new Season 4 of “Vikings”, the now-ailing king, Ragnar, leaves his throne open, turning friends and family members against one another in all-out war
Will the ailing Ragnar be able to hold things together?
In the nail-biting close of “Vikings” Season 3, fans last witnessed legendary Viking leader Ragnar Lothbrok (played by Travis Fimmel) seizing victory in an action-packed battle in Paris. However, he returns home clinging to dear life.
Rumours of Ragnar’s impending demise now ripple through the land, stoking the flames of greed and ambition in those who would eye his power, including his wife, Queen Aslaug (Alyssa Sutherland), and his eldest son, Bjorn (Alexander Ludwig).
Soon, events beyond Ragnar’s control begin to unfold. Furthermore, while the Vikings war with one another over the ‘vacant’ position of King, more insidious and corrupt affairs are brewing within Kattegat, the seat of power.
POWER STRUGGLES & MASKED TREASON
A joint earldom is announced between Kalf and Lagertha (second from left, in blue), Ragnar’s first wife, but Kalf’s intentions go beyond mere power-sharing.
Fans are probably curious about how Ragnar’s first wife and shieldmaiden, the woman warrior Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick), has been holding her position as the Earl of Hedeby. Not only has Lagertha been engaged in power struggles with her scheming former second-in-command, Kalf (Ben Robson), in the first episode of Season 4 (which premiered on Feb 19), Kalf announced joint earldom with Lagertha — but his intentions go beyond mere power-sharing.
This week, viewers can catch the second episode airing this Friday, Feb 25, when Ragnar’s green-eyed brother Rollo
(Clive Standen) remains in Frankia to win over Princess Gisla, inevitably betraying his Viking heritage by doing so.
NEW FACES TO FEAR
Rumours of Ragnar’s impending demise ripple through the land, stoking the flames of greed and ambition in those who would eye his power, including his eldest son, Bjorn (Alexander Ludwig).
“Vikings” Season 4 also introduces new characters that viewers may or may not be quick to trust. Finnish actor Peter Franzén (of The Gunman and “True Blood”) stars as King Harald Finehair, a complex monarch lusting to be King of Norway. He poses a serious threat to Ragnar, especially when coupled with his violent younger brother, Halfdan the Black (the also Finnish Jasper Pääkkönen).
Another new character is Yidu (portrayed by Dianne Doan of Disney’s “Descendants”), an oddball in the world of the Vikings and who fascinates Ragnar. What’s her motive behind her arrival in what could be Ragnar’s final moments?
Will someone new rise to the throne, and what lies ahead for the Vikings? “Vikings” Season 4 is set to be a thrilling and suspenseful longship ride, pitting both warring foes and kin against one another in a power struggle to the top.
LATEST “VIKINGS” SEASON 4 EPISODES AT A GLIMPSE
Episode 1: A Good Treason
First aired 19 Feb
As King Ragnar lies bedridden, events unfold beyond his control in Kattegat. Meanwhile, Kalf announces joint-earldom with Ragnar’s first wife, Lagertha.
Episode 2: Kill the Queen
To be aired 26 Feb
Ragnar and Floki remain at odds while Rollo, Ragnar’s brother, makes great efforts in Paris to win over Princess Gisla. The episode title also gives a hint at what is being plotted.
Episode 3: Mercy
To be aired 4 Mar
Floki faces harsh punishment for murdering Christian priest Athelstan but a mysterious visitor counsels Ragnar
for mercy.
By Pamela Chow
“Vikings” Season 4 is now airing on Fridays, 10pm, with the encore telecast on Sundays, 10pm, on History (StarHub TV Ch 401).
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