Fate, Love Triangles and Blood. Review: Vikings “Brother’s War”

Season 2, Episode 1

Air date: Thursday, Februray, 10/9C on History

Rating: ★★★★★

“Who needs a reason for betrayal? One must always think the worse, Ragnar, even of your own kin. That way you will avoid much disappointment in life.”— Floki

The year is 796, Scandinavia. A battle between two brothers is about to begin as the highly anticipated Vikings returns with the season two premiere, “Brother’s War.” The action picks up at the center of last season’s most critical conflict—brothers Rollo (Clive Standen) and Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel) are finally about to collide in an epic clash.

Ragnar (Fimmel) is pulled into a conflict which will force him to fight other vikings as well as his own brother Rollo.

Series creator and writer Michael Hirst makes a wise choice in keeping his sophomore season focused on the themes that are central to the legend of Nordic hero Ragnar: family, leaving a personal legacy, and the need to look outward to the West to ensure his people’s survival. As ”Brother’s War” begins, a battle pulls us right back into the show’s mythology and the conflicts among characters. Rollo, who has been missing in action, has decided to side with Götaland’s Jarl Borg (Thorbjørn Harr), who has an unresolved land quarrel with King Horik (Donal Logue). On the other hand, Ragnar is part of Team Horik, an allegiance his wife Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick) has been disapproving of since last season. As the tension builds, I become intrigued with the vikings’ battle techniques. Contrary to popular conception, it’s not all about brute force.

Movies like Gladiator fascinated me for its fight scenes, and this viking battle is a real treat in providing us a glimpse at the vikings’ methods in warfare. Soon, Borg’s side gains momentum thanks to Rollo’s unleased anger. We’ve heard in season one how much of a great warrior Rollo is, but now he doesn’t hold back with showing how vicious he can be, especially as he fights against those who were once his friends and fellow villagers.

Rollo’s (Standen) anger is unleashed in the battlefield.

One death is so brutal, it leads to an emotionally climatic moment between Ragnar and Rollo, to the utmost displeasure of Borg, the instigator of the battle. Luckily, Ragnar’s gutsiness and visionary perspective about the need to travel to the west diffuse the tension. I must note, King Horik’s deal to preserve peace among the viking factions appears rather fragile, leaving everyone feeling uneasy. Once again, we see Ragnar being caught between the egos and interest of the two Nordic rulers. Now, be aware that at this point in “Brother’s War,” the key building blocks to this season’s main story lines have been solidly laid out – I love the thoughtful and efficient story arc development! After the adrenaline-high battle sequence, Hirst has more in store for us. It’s time for the other shoe to drop for Ragnar! Just as Rollo’s choices have deeply pained Ragnar, Ragnar’s indiscretion with Princess Aslaug (Alyssa Sutherland) equally hurts Lagertha. Ragnar’s one night stand has consequences and it’s fun to see the mighty Earl Ragnar a nervous wreck when Aslaug shows up at Kattegat. With Aslaug’s news being revealed, the tone of the show shifts, treating us with a welcomed comedic sequence. How refreshing for Fimmel, Winnick, and Sutherland to showcase their funny bones! Ragnar earns a big fail in his attempts to pacify the tough as nails Lagertha. The sticky love triangle also reveals how much the actors have eased into their roles since season one. In addition, seeing the humor infusion being expanded beyond Ragnar’s dealing with his women, like when he manipulates his people’s belief in the Gods, including his loyal friend Torstein’s (Jefferson Hall), is an effective way to balance a fairly violent episode, easing viewers into the rest of the season’s storylines.

Lagertha (Winnick) will be forced to make a tough choice.

One of my favorite moments in this episode has to be Lagertha’s determination to find out what really happened between Ragnar and Auslaug. Talk about tense and awkward. In spite of the humor, Lagertha’s situation isn’t treated lightly at all. Ultimately, we witness the struggle Lagertha endures when figuring out what her fate is. “I must do what is right for my son,” she confides to Siggy (Jessalyn Gilsig), tragically not realizing that is exactly what Auslaug is doing too. I’m not going to label Auslaug as a home wrecker (especially after hearing it wasn’t uncommon for Earls to have more than one wife) but what is strongly hinted at is Auslaug didn’t get to know her own parents, making it imperative for her to ensure her unborn child gets to know his father Ragnar. This explains the exorbitant level of patience she displays as she, Ragnar, and Lagertha figure out what’s next for them. Going back to Lagertha, in her last scene of the episode, the manner in which she looks at Ragnar is Hall of Fame worthy. I love how Lagertha is written this season. I truly get excited for well-written, strong, female characters. Lagertha’s defiant nature provides a vast (and, may I say, awesome) contrast to Auslaug. I think this variance will continue to come into play as the storylines unfold this season.

Ragnar, Lagertha and Bjorn (O’Toole) greet an unexpected visitor who brings news that will change their lives.

What’s on my radar?

Keeping an eye on Ragnar’s relationship with Bjorn (Nathan O’Toole). I love how Bjorn isn’t afraid to challenge his father at such a young age but I also like how Ragnar seems to have (mostly) honest, common sense talks with him. I expect being the son of Ragnar Lothbrook will continue to weigh heavy on Bjorn.
Siggy continues to move chips behind the scenes and one must not discount her experience in dealing with political situations. Where will her observant nature and savviness land her next?
Gustaf Skarsgard’s scene-stealing ability. His portrayal of the wise but irreverent Floki makes me look forward to seeing him on screen every time.

“Brother’s War” is ultimately an episode of juxtapositions. We go from violence to comedy. Rollo’s anger at Ragnar morphs into submission. Ragnar goes from mourning Gyda (Ruby O’Leary) to anticipating the arrival of another son. These dynamics allow Hirst to effectively advance viewers through the storylines while immersing them deeper into the show’s mythology. I also appreciate how the dialogue, scene management, and the acting remain focused.

With so many new shows debuting this season that failed to impress me, I had to pause to wonder why Vikings pulled me in for a second season. Travis Fimmel and Clive Standen being easy on the eyes provide huge incentives to watch but ultimately, it is the quality and intensity of the story lines that keep me tuning in. Many shows digress and dilute story lines during their sophomore season but Vikings is all about effective storytelling.

As a sneak peek for next week’s “Invasion,” look forward to a time leap. Things are about to get really interesting in Kattegat.

What did you think of “Brother’s War?” Leave me a comment below or tweet me @LutzElle.

For more on the show, go to http://www.history.com/shows/vikings. Follow Vikings on Twitter @HistoryVikings using hashtag #Vikings, as well as some of the cast members—@gblagden, @KatherynWinnick, and @CliveStanden

Like Vikings on Facebook.

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elleL

Soaker of life. I like to experience things and see the world. I consider myself a professional traveler. My love for movies and television goes way back but I'm a sucker for action-oriented films and shows. Oh, and I make excellent martinis! Follow me on twitter @LutzElle.