The siege of Paris proves to be costly for both parties, a clear indication of this is when the king of invading force coughs and pisses blood while the episode is still fresh. Nevertheless, after recovering enough men and resources the Vikings begin another attempt to conquer the city. While the episode primarily hinges on Ragnar, ironically as he's fading, it also features the other warriors generously.
Ragnar and Bjorn were pretty banged up from the last episode mishap. Part of the story is given to Lagertha and Rollo who are in much better condition. They try to overtake the city, with more stealthy approach this time. The nocturnal siege might just prove to be more effective, and the battle choreography in night time is equally splendid. It utilizes fire and shadow for great contrasting look, as well as a particularly unique gimmick for the battle.
As the body count starts to mount and resources dwindle, it's clear that compromise might be needed. Ragnar is perplexed not only by the situation of his army, but also the condition of his debilitation. Travis Fimmel gives a good acting performance, it's not often to see Ragnar in a fragile state. Unlike the times when characters are injured before, Ragnar is still weighed down by the role of a king even in his weakened state.
A bit of runtime is dedicated to Kattegat and Wessex. The event in Kattegat is particularly strange, almost mythical of sort, while the scheming in Wessex resumes. The ruling father and son are deceptively plain, though inside they are layered with vices and intrigues. As for royalties go, the Parisians seem weak. This effect isn't just because of the characters' natures, but also the execution. Aside from Count Odo, the princess and king lack any daunting charisma.
As the series is nearing its end, the consequences of the siege will be paramount to their physical and mental fortitude, for better or worse.
Ragnar and Bjorn were pretty banged up from the last episode mishap. Part of the story is given to Lagertha and Rollo who are in much better condition. They try to overtake the city, with more stealthy approach this time. The nocturnal siege might just prove to be more effective, and the battle choreography in night time is equally splendid. It utilizes fire and shadow for great contrasting look, as well as a particularly unique gimmick for the battle.
As the body count starts to mount and resources dwindle, it's clear that compromise might be needed. Ragnar is perplexed not only by the situation of his army, but also the condition of his debilitation. Travis Fimmel gives a good acting performance, it's not often to see Ragnar in a fragile state. Unlike the times when characters are injured before, Ragnar is still weighed down by the role of a king even in his weakened state.
A bit of runtime is dedicated to Kattegat and Wessex. The event in Kattegat is particularly strange, almost mythical of sort, while the scheming in Wessex resumes. The ruling father and son are deceptively plain, though inside they are layered with vices and intrigues. As for royalties go, the Parisians seem weak. This effect isn't just because of the characters' natures, but also the execution. Aside from Count Odo, the princess and king lack any daunting charisma.
As the series is nearing its end, the consequences of the siege will be paramount to their physical and mental fortitude, for better or worse.
