I loved this episode. It had everything this whole season lacked: Atmosphere, purpose, character study, gorgeous music (aside from the final moments of the last episode), comparing and contrasting themes, and so much more. By far the best episode of the season. I can only hope we'll get more of this quality next season but I'm doubtful.
I love the before and during splits of the first act, showing each major character's perspective and what the battle meant to them. That split extended as far as Floki and his hopes to end the cycles of violence that Ivar clearly relishes so much, even Floki's dreams were for naught. I feel sorry for Floki that Eyvind took such a giant dump on Floki's aspirations so quickly after Eyvind didn't find what he expected, and as a result, couldn't be the better person and end the violence. I'm not surprised Floki offered his life as a sacrifice, but I'll be sorely disappointed if that happens. Floki has always been my favorite character of the show since the beginning.
Lots of death this time around. Halfdan, Astrid, Gethrum, and Snaefrid, even if the latter two were nothing characters. Despite my loathing of the character since his introduction through last season, I'm actually sorry to lose Halfdan now. The character grew a lot through his travels with Bjorn and I'm sad we won't see more of their adventures together. The two of them should've stayed in the Mediterranean.
Ubbe and Harald both showed what kind of people they are, for better or for worse, whether it's rage, cowardice, or simply acceptance of what they are. That said, I wouldn't have been said if Ubbe killed Hvitserk, a character I've been largely indifferent to.
Likewise, I won't miss Astrid, but at least we finally got clarity about what she was actually feeling instead of staring off into space. She's always been more of a part of Lagethra's character (and to a lesser extent, Harald's) than actual character herself. I certainly feel more sorrow for Lagertha because of what she had to do for Astrid's sake, than Astrid's actual death.
As I expected, Rollo showed up at the very end of the season. I'm glad the show didn't spoil his appearance in the opening credits. In fact, Clive Standen went completely uncredited.
It may have come out of nowhere, but the Bishop pledging himself to Lagertha was the first thing they've done with him that I liked, because of the Lancelot / courtly love vibe.
Whereas I groaned at that scene. Lagethra deserves better than the likes of Bishop "Kill all the heathens!" Heahmund. I guess it shows all men are fallible but bleah.
