Indeed, although I've always gotten a kick out of every aspect of Ecbert (all past sleaziness included). Every scene he ever had with Ragnar was pure gold (all the way back to his first meeting with him, in his spa), but I've enjoyed him whenever he's on-screen and whomever he's with.
Linus Roache has always tickled…

I thought this episode was okay…considering. I found myself focusing on the visuals (possibly because of the huge, gaping hole Travis Fimmel has left behind). I admired everything from the intricacies of the set designs to the beauty of the lighting…from the warm glow of the torches and lanterns throughout the raid…

Thank you, same here.
Btw, a few weeks ago I watched "The Last Kingdom". After each episode I read the review and comments. You might have noticed a flurry of upvotes for the comments you made about that series. I've always loved the ancient world, medieval history etc…studied it extensively not only in college but…

What a brilliant comment, all of it. Especially about violence and sensationalism in entertainment and how it's handled on this show in particular.
Only problem…the image in my mind (that I was having trouble shaking) of Ragnar in the snake pit has now been supplanted by an image of the duckling ("unsteady on his…

Okay, now that I've gathered my wits (some of them, anyway)…
I flashed back to watching the classic film "The Vikings" on late night tv as a child (probably my first introduction to the subject) and wondering why they opted to use a pit full of ravenous wolves instead of snakes. I remember the scene having an emotional…

I agree with all that, and think there is another element besides just revenge. We know Ragnar wants Ivar to be successful in acquiring fame and fortune. Wouldn't it reflect more glory on Ivar for him to go after a more powerful king (Ecbert over Aelle) and one who, as our reviewer pointed out, is a more worthy…

Jumpin' Jehosaphat.
Knew it was coming…braced myself…STILL wasn't ready. Waiting for my left eye to stop twitching.

True. Perhaps I should've said disapproving and grim (even more so than usual). As he surveyed the scene, looked at Lagertha then turned away, there was a real contrast between what the two seemed to be feeling. Of course, that then begs the question how did he look at her or anything else with no eyes. Just "the…

I feel the same way about the impending loss. And I haven't looked up those lyrics yet, but the song titles sound entirely appropriate.
As a life-long Zep fan, I occasionally think of "The Immigrant Song" while watching this show. It also fits.

The documentary series that follows the show said that a Viking male rarely lived past 29. Egad.

I thought about the fancy (and expensive) duds, too. I pictured him coming across some peasants who might think he was running away, regardless of his story, and try to return him…expecting a handsome reward. What would Aethelass, I mean Aethelwulf, do then?

'Twas me, if anyone's looking for it.
Glad you liked it.

Our reviewer mentioned that some of us will wince when King Aelle is mentioned. So imagine how close I came to falling off the couch when, during the companion documentary series that's airing after each episode, they showed a brief clip of what exactly is to come. It wasn't in the promo for next week and it answered…

I like the afterlife reunion idea!
I would've loved it if, during Ragnar's and Ecbert's conversation, they had discovered they'd both had a ghostly visitation from Athelstan years prior.
Remember when each got up during the night and saw Athelstan? If it had just shown one of them having that experience I might've…

I've always thought "he who increases knowledge increases sorrow" are among the truest words to be found in the Bible…or anywhere else for that matter.

Lovely comment. I agree with every word.
Oh, and I was amused by Astrid wanting to give "the boys" a makeover (right before her warning). They looked at her as if she were speaking a foreign language.

I noticed that, too. He looked grim, she looked smug.
It appeared that the whole of Kattegat turned out for Aslaug's funeral (and I'm surprised Lagertha allowed that). Many of the people must've held her in high regard. Also, I found the funeral ritual itself beautiful…except for the killing of that beautiful horse. I…

Two tipsy kings…amusing.
Two world-weary kings…heartbreaking.
Travis Fimmel and Linus Roache together…pure magic.

That's confusing because the GG's are bestowed by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, and their basic description says the awards are for excellence in film and television both domestic and foreign. So if this show isn't eligible, I wish they'd reconfigure the fine print, or even their own definition.

Aha! Now I realize why I've always had such a visceral reaction to Daryl! I've spent my whole life picking up strays in desperate need of a bath, food, love and a good home. He fits the bill.