‘Vikings’ Season 4: Recap of Episode 2, “Kill The Queen”

While we missed out on what was happening in England in the season 4 premiere of Vikings, this week’s installment does not disappoint. As well as catching up on Queen Kwenthrith, Bjorn searches for himself and Ragnar has to deal with Floki. Here’s what went down in episode 2, entitled “Kill The Queen.”

SPOILER ALERT: This article contains information about the second episode of season 4 of History Channel’s Vikings. Please proceed with caution if you have not yet viewed this episode and wish to avoid spoilers.

Episode 2 of Vikings opens with a reminder that Bjorn Ironside (Alexander Ludwig) has decided to find himself by roughing it in the wilderness (unlike what vikings normally do which is roughing it, in general). It is a tough time for Bjorn, as he struggles to even catch food for himself with something taking all his kills from the traps he has set. Eventually, though, he does manage to secure himself some food.

In Kattegat, Floki (Gustaf Skarsgard) has escaped and the hunt is on to track him down. Ragnar Lothbrok’s (Travis Fimmel) son Ubbe (Luke Shanahan) helps out. Floki tries to throw off the scent by travelling through water, but there is no fooling the vikings on his trail.

Ragnar approaches Helga (Maude Hirst) and asks if she helped Floki escape. While Helga is hesitant to admit she may have done so, Ragnar is, at least, compassionate, saying it is her duty as Floki’s wife to do so. He also feels obligated to help support Helga and her daughter with Floki, providing them with food on account of the fact that “winter is coming,” and fans are wondering if they are still watching Vikings anymore or if they have stepped into another TV program.

Eventually Floki is caught after Ubbe sees him hiding from the vikings under the water. He is hauled back to Kattegat and Ragnar — once again — has to deal with his old friend. Ragnar is still trying to get Floki to admit that maybe what he did to Athelstan (George Blagden) is not what the gods asked, but perhaps just Floki’s own jealousy. After all, did the gods save Floki from getting captured by the vikings just now? Ragnar then comes up with a creative way to torture Floki rather than kill him outright.

Besides having to argue this point with Floki, Ragnar also has to defend his beliefs against his wife, Aslaug (Alyssa Sutherland). This leads to him slapping his wife, which is totally not cool, Ragnar.

Remember Queen Kwenthrith (Amy Bailey)? Well, she and her son, Magnus, have been taken hostage after the different factions of Mercia decided that she was not the true queen. So King Ecbert (Linus Roache), along with King Aelle (Ivan Kaye), join forces to rescue the queen. A guard admits he knows where she is being held captive. It could be a trap, it might not be, but King Ecbert allows his son, Aethelwulf (Moe Dunford) to attempt a rescue.

It turns out queen Kwenthrith is being held in the aforementioned tower, and it is not a trap. After some fighting and a close call for Kwenthrith and Magnus, she is rescued. Kwenthrith is, as always, enchanting. She is also tough and holds her own when the order to “kill the queen” is issued. But will Aethelwulf be able to hold his own again the beguiling Kwenthrith now he has saved her?

Meanwhile, back in Wessex, Ecbert, is making his move on Aethelwulf’s wife, Judith (Jennie Jacques). He is very smart about it too, offering Judith the choice of being “free” by organizing a tutor for her to show her how to paint the holy books — a task that is normally forbidden for women. This ploy works, and Judith finds herself more inclined to favor her father-in-law now.

But what of Rollo (Clive Standen)? After all, he burned all his bridges at the end of episode 1 of Vikings. Episode 2 shows the audience that there are plenty more bridges for this viking to burn. Rollo is showing the Franks just how to defend themselves against the vikings when they return to raid Paris.

But, just when you are hating on Rollo all over again, he gets himself the makeover I was talking about in my season 4 review of Vikings and that adorable humorous aspect rears up again between himself and his brand new Parisian wife, Gisla (Morgane Polanski).

Also in Paris, that 50 Shades of Vikings scene we saw in the season 3 finale comes into play again. It turns out Therese (Karen Hassan) is merely playing the part in order to extract information from Count Odo (Owen Roe). It seems there could be a sting in the tail of this deceit that will not be to Odo’s liking at some point in season 4 of Vikings.

Episode 2 of Vikings concludes on a sad note. While King Ragnar had tried to provide food for Helga and her daughter, Angrboda (Rosalie Connerty), the harsh winter was no match, and Angrboda succumbs. Ragnar helps bury the child but insists that Floki needs to know.

And what of Floki? Where is he? Ragnar has looked to the viking sagas and has chosen a punishment most fitting. Floki has been strung up in a cave, just like the god Loki was. Instead of venom from a serpent dripping down onto his head though, causing a constant, torturous reminder, it is water that drips down onto his forehead.

What did you think of episode 2 of Vikings? Let us know your thoughts by commenting below.

Vikings returns to History Channel with episode 3, entitled “Mercy” on Thursday, March 3, at 10 p.m. ET.

[Image via Jonathan Hession/A&E Network]