Maybe Harbard. Nothing he does is without sacrifice i.e. those little boys who died on the ice last season. 2 of Ragnar's sons would have if the original Siggy didn't intervene.

Me too

I think Rollo and Ragnar were shaken by Lagertha's injury. She's never been hurt before and seeing it threw them both for a loop.
Ragnar insisted to be left there to fight but after Lagertha's sword to the chest I think he was mentally fried.

I'm think Bjorn still hates her guts.

The city grew because Ragnar made them incredibly rich with that first Paris horde. Bjorn mentioned it's worth in the season 4 premiere and Aslaug grinned like a cheshire cat at the sight of it. Not to say that Aslaug is incompetent but a profit like that would boost the economy of any town.

I also think Harbard has possessed her in some way.

I think we've only seen the tip of the ice berg. I think it's going to be revealed that Aslaug orchestrated Ragnar's decline by tasking Yidu to drug Ragnar. His addled brain led to some judgment slips and has diminished his legacy in the eyes of his sons. Just as she intended.

I had a feeling it wouldn't be. That character existed just so we can understand the vile person Aslaug is. I think she'll die by Lagertha later in the season, but first we need to be properly repulsed by the character.

Don't know what he's waiting for. They love each other, there's no one else in the way. Just let them be happy for goodness sake.

Great episode, finally an A.
What can I say about Travis Fimmel? He's always good but this was some next level shit. I love that he's still able to top himself and tonight was epic.

How did she threaten him about Lagertha?

100%

I think they are playing each other. There was nothing genuine in "Everything I do Ragnar is for you". Nothing at all.

Every time this argument is made someone chimes in to say that it was the sign of the times, women had it hard and girl children were not valued. I had someone argue with me that it would be normal for baby Siggy to be neglected because she was a girl. The king's granddaughter? Really?! Under the custodianship if…

I'd normally agree because Ragnar is always a step ahead. I believe the first plan was fake. More of a test, and maybe a rouse for Rollo to lower their defenses after such a decisive victory. And perhaps also why he didn't want Lagertha leading that field attack. Although I think he was surprised by the capsize chain…

Indeed. I believe you are correct about Aslaug and Lagertha's trajectories.

Athelstan is buried in Kattegat. I think it was just a random head to show that Ragnar has seriously lost his shit.

Agree with a lot of your sentiments. Season 3 wasn't my favorite. My suspension of disbelief was put to the ultimate test, but my love for Travis Fimmel's portrayal of Ragnar brought me back and I'm glad I stuck around.
As far as Ragnar sacrificing soldiers for the personal vendetta, I felt the same way, but then I…

JRM is excellent. I think he's going to be Alfred but sadly long after Ragnar's dead.

Not opium, Ragnar's definitely on betel nuts. Turn your mouth and poop red and produce lots of saliva and tears (crying at the Yol celebration).
Makes him feel euphoric, and is a stimulant.