Written by Andre Todman
The tension raised by earlier episodes of Vikings is at boiling point when season 5 begins. Instantly, the premiere feels like a breath of fresh air and does a fantastic job of revealing cracks in old alliances and showing the beginnings of stronger and more deadly ones.
The first two episodes unfold at a reasonable pace, switching frequently between each of the main characters and their progress, and although some scenes feeling like padding, when the season finds its groove, it’s well worth it.
The third act in episode two is when things really pick up to deliver some of the best moments of tension so far. Breaking up the drama, there’s a bloody battle as the Lothbrok brothers storm the small town of York in an impressive scene with great choreography and plenty of deaths. Although a very one-sided battle with the town being drunk and underprepared, it gives great insight into the brothers and how they deal with their victims, mainly focusing on Ivar and his unhinged, more brutal methods of combat.
Jonathan Rhys Myers provides a powerful performance as the series’ new antagonist, Bishop Heahmund, and the character is given time to show his conflicted morals. Although the character’s complexity presents Heahmund as an interesting player to continue watching, a larger display of his fighting or leadership ability would have been appreciated.
In expanding the series’ law, Floki is shipwrecked on a mysterious island that he believes is Valhalla, which offers an interesting arc for his character. Gods and the afterlife have been a staple at expanding the culture and world of Vikings, but never has a character actually reached a place of worship without dying. This offers a range of exciting possibilities for the show to explore.
With many fearsome characters becoming stronger by new alliances and main players losing trusted companions, season 5 is anyone’s game – it just depends how far they’re willing to go.
Vikings airs Wednesdays at 9.30pm on SBS and is also available via SBS On Demand.
Pic: Katheryn Winnick as Lagertha in Vikings
