Miscalculations, a Deal, and an Eagle. Recap: Vikings - “Eye for an Eye”

Season 2, Episode 4

Air date: Thursday, March 20, 2014, 10/9c on History

Rating: ★★★★★

“Now we’re equal, we can talk together honestly, man to man.” – King Ecbert

Jarl Borg (Thorbjørn Harr) has made good on his threats, he’s taken Ragnar’s (Travis Fimmel) lands and has a bounty out on Ragnar and Rollo’s heads. Does this mean the summer raid in the west turned into a huge bust for Ragnar and the Vikings? Keep your axes sharpened; the decisions and the miscalculations some of the Vikings have made are about to take a costly toll.

King Ecbert (Roach) believes “honest prayers are always answered.”

Considering the name of the episode, this is the one I’ve been waiting for. But as the storylines are about to pick up steam, will the proverbial eye for an eye leave everyone blind in the end?

Series creator Michael Hirst and team raise the stakes with this episode. Ragnar finally meets with a man face-to-face who could change not only his future but possibly his people. Whether it will be for the better or worse, we’ll have to wait and see. Ragnar learns Borg has displaced him, sent his family into hiding while a blast from the past hits him up at a time when he needs support most –all this happens in the course of an hour! Through his envoys and network of spies, King Ecbert (Linus Roach) remains informed of the comings and goings of the Vikings. The fact Ecbert has an army ready is telling not only of his huge ambitions but whatever agenda he has prepared, he means business. In contrast, Ragnar has more basic interests; yet, his agenda is also significant. He may not be a man interested in treasure but his visionary spirit shouldn’t be discounted.

Ragnar is different from the rest of the Northmen, especially compared to the big-headed King Horik (Donal Logue) because he’s able to keep a big picture perspective in mind during this raiding trip. He’s adamant about exploring land options for his people as a way to ensure their survival and prosperity. The informed and strategic King Ecbert quickly picks up the change in attitude with this group of Vikings. It’s not the typical behavior he’s seen of other Northmen and this peaks his interest. The chain of events ultimately leads to a meeting between the two men. I doubt anyone is shocked that the meeting takes place in the King’s highly favored bath but I was somewhat surprised Ragnar went along with the bathing routine that easily, especially considering he’s in a land far away. The Anglo-Saxon lessons with Athelstan (George Bladen) pay off tremendously for him and these communication skills allow Ragnar and King Ecbert to find some common ground, paving the way for a potential deal between them. I must concur with King Ecbert, their meeting in the bath puts the two men at a more humble and leveled playing field. Note to whoever is responsible: please consider capitalizing more on the eye candy in such scenes!

Bjorn (Ludwig) remains extremely loyal to both of his parents.

They say bad news travels fast and such is the case for the Vikings. One of King Horik’s men brings the Borg news of a takeover, and Ragnar quickly readies to get back home. Instead of helping Ragnar, the always opportunistic King Horik announces his desire to stay in Wessex to work out a deal with King Ecbert. His justifications for his choice aren’t convincing to me nor to Ragnar; besides, his plans come with a catch —he requests Athelstan’s assistance. The news also reaches Bjorn (Alexander Ludwig), who tries to convince his mom Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick) to help. He eventually gets through to her but convincing her egotistical and drunk of a husband to assist Ragnar nearly leads to a horrible domestic violence situation. But hey, this is Lagertha we’re talking about after all! I have total confidence she will always find a way to land on her feet and do right by her son, even if it benefits her ex-husband too.

I’m always interested in seeing how characters react to challenges, and just like Lagertha, Siggy (Jessalyn Gilsig) continues to show her survivor abilities, quickly adapting to new situations. Rollo finally catches a break and in the midst of a stressful situation, thrives once again. The Borg-induced crisis gives him a purpose and his mojo returns as he plots how to ensure Jarl Borg never feels comfortable in his takeover. He thinks about how to disrupt supplies and most importantly, considers the ways to keep Ragnar’s memory alive. What a huge contrast from the defeated Rollo!

Ragnar (Fimmel) has an emotional encounter with Bjorn and Lagertha (Winnick).

Unfortunately, the same can’t be said of Auslaug (Alyssa Sutherland), who shows her true colors when she is faced with adversity. Considering she has just given birth to Siegert, however, I’m going to try to justify her behavior due to her hormones being all over the place.Going back to Athelstan, I believe he genuinely wants to help the Vikings but his intentions aren’t fully appreciated or understood by Ragnar. I must confess, as soon as Ragnar asks Athelstan if he truly wantsto stay in Wessex, I was thinking: “Uh-oh!” At that moment, I knew Athelstan would regret staying and should have chosen to remain with his friends. The signs of what is coming to him are everywhere in “Eye for an Eye,” from the crosses shown to him holding the Bible, and more. One can only guess how this experience will impact him moving forward.

Patience always pays off and King Ecbert steps into action as the first sign of vulnerability among the Vikings. I can’t wait to see what his ambitious agenda is all about! On the other hand, let’s not forget what the Seer (John Kavanaugh) tells Borg about the eagle being his destiny. The Seer is a sneaky son of a gun. Does anyone have a bet on what the megalomaniac Borg will think when he crosses paths with the eagle-armored Ragnar? Things are, indeed, about to shake up in Kattegat!

What did you think of “Eye for an Eye?” Leave me a comment below or tweet me @LutzElle to discuss.

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.