Vikings (season 5)

Vikings (season 5)
DVD cover art for the season's first half
Country of origin Canada / Ireland
No. of episodes 10
Release
Original network History
Original release Part 1: November 29, 2017 (2017-11-29) – January 24, 2018 (2018-01-24)
Season chronology

The fifth season of the historical drama television series Vikings premiered on November 29, 2017 on History in Canada.[1] The series broadly follows the exploits of the legendary Viking chieftain Ragnar Lothbrok and his crew, and later those of his sons. The first season of the series begins at the start of the Viking Age, marked by the Lindisfarne raid in 793.

The fifth season consists of a double order of twenty episodes, split into two parts of ten episodes; the second half will premiere on November 28, 2018.[2][3] The premise of the fifth season differs from the previous four after the departure of Travis Fimmel as Ragnar, and it now follows the adventures of his sons. Jonathan Rhys Meyers is introduced as a major character, after his initial appearance in the fourth season's finale.[4]

Cast

Main

Main characters Sigurd, King Ecbert and Athelstan, who all died in previous seasons, briefly appear in "The Departed" played by body doubles.[6][7] Additionally, George Blagden's voice as Athelstan is heard in "Full Moon", although the actor is uncredited.

Recurring

  • Josefin Asplund as Queen Astrid, Lagertha's lover and, later, King Harald's wife
  • Ida Marie Nielsen as Margrethe, wife of Ubbe
  • Ferdia Walsh-Peelo as Prince/King Alfred, Queen Judith and Athelstan's son
  • Georgia Hirst as Torvi, wife of Bjorn and Lagertha's advisor
  • Jennie Jacques as Queen Judith of Northumbria, daughter of King Aelle, wedded to King Aethelwulf
  • Jonathan Delaney Tynan as Lord Cuthred, a nobleman in service of King Aethelwulf and Bishop Heahmund
  • Keith McErlean as Lord Denewulf, a nobleman in service of Bishop Heahmund
  • Darren Cahill as Prince Aethelred, Queen Judith and King Aethelwulf's son
  • Ben Roe as Guthrum, Jarl Borg and Torvi's son
  • Kieran O'Reilly as "White Hair", Ivar's bodyguard
  • Frankie McCafferty as Sindric, a polyglot drifter
  • Albano Jerónimo as Euphemius, a Byzantine commander
  • Karima McAdams as Kassia, a Byzantine abbess
  • Paul Reid as Mannel, Queen Judith's cousin
  • Khaled Abol Naga as Emir Ziyadat Allah, an Arab ruler
  • Adam Copeland as Kjetill Flatnose (/ʃjetil/), a violent and bold warrior who joins Floki's expedition to set up a colony
  • Kris Holden-Ried as Eyvind (/eɪvɪnd/), a Viking of Kattegat who also joins Floki's expedition
  • Leah McNamara as Aud the Deep-Minded (/eɪθ/), Kjetill Flatnose and Ingvild's daughter
  • Jack McEvoy as Helgi the Lean, Eyvind and Rafarta's son, who also joins Floki's expedition
  • Mei Bignall as Thorunn, Kjetill Flatnose and Ingvild's daughter and Helgi's wife, who also joins Floki's expedition
  • Kelly Campbell as Ingvild, Kjetill Flatnose's wife, who also joins Floki's expedition
  • James Craze as Bul, Eyvind and Rafarta's son, who also joins Floki's expedition
  • Elijah Rowen as Asbjorn, who also joins Floki's expedition
  • Donna Dent as Rafarta, Eyvind's wife, who also joins Floki's expedition
  • Rob Malone as Thorgrim, Kjetill Flatnose and Ingvild's son, who also joins Floki's expedition
  • Scott Graham as Frodi, who also joins Floki's expedition
  • Tallulah Belle Earley as Jorunn, Kjetill Flatnose and Ingvild's daughter, who also joins Floki's expedition
  • Ryan Henson as Hali, who also joins Floki's expedition
  • Svea Killoran as Asa, who also joins Floki's expedition
  • Anthony Brophy as King Svase, a Sami chief and an ally of Lagertha
  • Dagny Backer Johnsen as Princess Snaefrid, Svase's daughter

Guest

  • India Mullen as Aethegyth, a noblewoman from Wessex
  • Frank Prendergast as Bishop Cynebert of York
  • Laurence O'Fuarain as Hakon, a whale hunter of Vestfold
  • Bosco Hogan as Lord Abbot of Lindisfarne
  • Mabel Hurley as young Lagertha, appearing in a flashback
  • Ross Matthew Anderson as Lagertha's father, appearing in a flashback
  • Clive Standen as Duke Rollo, a warrior and Ragnar's brother; he was granted the title of Duke of Normandy by Emperor Charles.

Episodes

No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air date
Part 1
50
51		1
2		"The Departed"[lower-alpha 1]David WellingtonMichael HirstNovember 29, 2017 (2017-11-29)

After Sigurd's death, Ubbe, Ivar and Hvitserk rule jointly over their newly acquired land in East Anglia. Bjorn and Halfdan sail back to the Mediterranean Sea; Floki sets sail for the unknown; King Harald heads back to Kattegat. Meanwhile, Bishop Heahmund arrives at King Ecbert's villa, celebrates the late sovereign's funeral, and begins rebuilding the place. Aethelwulf and Judith are in exile with princes Aethelred and Alfred, the latter struck by sickness. Ivar persuades his brothers to go north and conquer the city of York. In Kattegat, Lagertha suggests that Harald was expecting to find Egil in her place, so he could take over the kingdom. Harald confesses and dares that she kill him.

After days at sea, Floki finally reaches land, which he believes to be Asgard, the land of the Gods. In Kattegat, Harald is held prisoner by Lagertha. He proposes an alliance with her through marriage, but she refuses and has sex with him while he remains tied up. Harald's men free him and capture Astrid; they leave Kattegat and Harald offers Astrid the same proposition that he had to Lagertha. Prince Alfred has a vision in which Athelstan tells him the Vikings are in York, so King Aethelwulf joins forces with Bishop Heahmund. In York, Ivar shows his brothers that he can now stand and walk on his own feet with the help of new leg braces and a crutch.
523"Homeland"Steve Saint LegerMichael HirstDecember 6, 2017 (2017-12-06)
Floki explores the new land he has encountered. In Norway, Astrid tempts Harald with the possibility of her alliance, whilst resisting his sexual advances. In the Mediterranean, Sindric advises Bjorn to arrive as a trader, with a few ships, and not as a warrior in command of an entire fleet. In England, the Saxons led by King Aethelwulf and Bishop Heahmund attack York, but are led into a trap. Aethelwulf's son Aethelred is wounded and the Saxons are forced to retreat. Ubbe and Hvitserk propose a peace, but Ivar wants to continue the war. Aethelwulf seemingly accepts their offer, but Heahmund arranges to have the brothers humiliated. With Ubbe having lost face, Ivar secures his position as the leader of the Great Army. Ubbe and Hvitserk prepare to leave for Kattegat with their few followers; however, at the last minute, Hvitserk defects to join Ivar.
534"The Plan"Steve Saint LegerMichael HirstDecember 13, 2017 (2017-12-13)
Bjorn reaches Sicily, and agrees to act as bodyguard to its commander Euphemius. However, Sindric discovers that Euphemius is merely a client of the Arab Emir Ziyadat Allah, and Bjorn asks to visit him. Euphemius refuses but is persuaded to agree by Kassia, a famous nun, and they set sail for Kairouan in Africa. Meanwhile, in Kattegat, Ubbe agrees to ally with Lagertha against both Ivar and Harald. In Vestfold, Astrid finally agrees to Harald's proposal, and they are married. Floki asks the gods for permission to bring settlers to his new land and prepares to sail. Outside York, the Saxons are joined by Judith's cousin Mannel and his men from Northumbria. Heahmund persuades Aethelwulf to lay siege, and attack only when the Vikings are starving. Inside York, the Vikings pretend to burn bodies, and Ivar humiliates Hvitserk by not sharing his plan. Aethelwulf and Heahmund see the smoke from the fires and enter the apparently deserted city; Heahmund is concerned that there are rats above ground.
545"The Prisoner"Ciarán DonnellyMichael HirstDecember 20, 2017 (2017-12-20)
In York, Saxon celebrations are cut short when Vikings appear from the sewers and engage in battle. Heahmund is surrounded, but spared by Ivar, and captured. The Vikings retake and garrison the city, as the Saxons retreat. Ivar and Hvitserk sail for Kattegat, taking Heahmund with them. In Africa, Bjorn travels by caravan across the desert to meet Emir Ziyadat Allah, who welcomes him and offers to trade. Euphemius disappears and, at a banquet, the Emir explains that he had defected to support the Emperor and has now been captured and executed. The Vikings realise that Euphemius is the meal they are eating and that Kassia is more powerful than she seems. Bjorn, Halfdan and Sindric are arrested and are about to be executed as a sandstorm approaches. Meanwhile, Floki returns to Kattegat with tales of his fabulous new land and recruits settlers to return, despite Lagertha forbidding him from taking her warriors away.
556"The Message"Ciarán DonnellyMichael HirstDecember 27, 2017 (2017-12-27)
Floki and the settlers prepare for their voyage but are betrayed to Lagertha, who is angry but lets them sail. On reaching the new land, the settlers discover that it is not as fertile as Floki had told them. Margrethe is vexed with Lagertha's poor leadership; the Queen threatens to enslave her again if she continues to plot against her. In England, the Saxons have retreated; Alfred swears at Ecbert's grave to pursue the former King's vision of uniting the country. After collapsing during mass, Alfred recovers and decides to make a pilgrimage to Lindisfarne. Ivar returns to meet Harald, and makes an alliance with him; they plan to attack Kattegat in two months' time. Ivar threatens and persuades Heahmund to fight with them. Astrid betrays Harald by bribing Hakon, a fisherman, to warn Lagertha. She is blackmailed and raped by the crew, spied by a young boy. Hakon delivers the warning. Meanwhile, in Africa, Bjorn manages to escape during the sandstorm. With Halfdan and Sindric, he sails back to Kattegat.
567"Full Moon"Jeff WoolnoughMichael HirstJanuary 3, 2018 (2018-01-03)
Alfred reaches Lindisfarne, in search of the memory of his father, and hears his voice as he prays. Floki and the settlers begin creating a settlement near hot springs in their new land. Floki proposes a co-operative, democratic approach, but Eyvind does not trust him and accuses Floki of wanting to be King. Astrid tells Harald that she is pregnant, while Ivar and Heahmund discuss their plan of attack. Bjorn returns to Kattegat, where Lagertha has allied with King Svase of the Sami. Bjorn rejects Torvi and proposes to marry Snaefrid, Svase's daughter. Lagertha and her allies discuss how to respond to Ivar's attack, and decide to meet him in battle on land, assuming that he will not attack the town from the sea. Margrethe continues to urge Ubbe to betray Lagertha, so that when she is defeated, he can become King.
578"The Joke"Jeff WoolnoughMichael HirstJanuary 10, 2018 (2018-01-10)
Alfred returns from Lindisfarne, and argues that the Saxons must build a navy as the only way to stop further Viking incursions. In the new land, Floki proposes building a temple to Thor, but is opposed by Eyvind who warns that they all will starve come winter. Meanwhile, the armies of Lagertha, Bjorn and Ubbe, and of Harald, Ivar and Hvitserk, meet above Kattegat. Lagertha proposes peace talks, but Harald, then Ivar, reject a settlement. Before battle, Ivar takes Astrid and a third of their army towards shore, to protect their fleet. Hvitserk and his group try to flank, but are ambushed in the forest by the Sami. Battle begins, and Bjorn and Lagertha gain the upper hand, as Harald's forces are outflanked. Ivar hears the fighting, but says it is too late to help. Heahmund is wounded, and Harald retreats. Lagertha refuses to kill Heahmund and orders that his life be saved.
589"A Simple Story"Daniel GrouMichael HirstJanuary 17, 2018 (2018-01-17)
In the aftermath of the battle, Heahmund recovers, makes advances and pledges loyalty to Lagertha. Hvitserk secures reinforcements from Rollo, on condition that Bjorn's life is spared. Bjorn seeks peace with Ivar and Harald, but is rejected; Ivar moves to have him killed but is stopped by Harald. Ubbe, regretting marrying Margrethe, seeks solace with Torvi and the two have an affair. In Wessex, Aethelwulf dies and Judith persuades Aethelred to reject the throne and instead propose to the Witan that Alfred become king. In Floki's colony, Thor's temple is completed, but set afire and destroyed. Thorgrim, Kjetill's son, accuses Bul, Eyvind's son, of the arson. In the ensuing struggle, Thorgrim stabs Bul to death.
5910"Moments of Vision"Daniel GrouMichael HirstJanuary 24, 2018 (2018-01-24)
In Floki's colony, Floki urges Eyvind to not seek revenge for Bul's death, offering to make him lawgiver, in exchange for not starting a blood feud. When Thorgrim is found dead, Floki proposes that he be sacrificed to the gods. In Kattegat, Margrethe meets the Seer and reveals her ambitions to become queen. The Seer calls her mad and predicts that she will never be queen of Kattegat. The army of Lagertha faces those of Ivar and Harald. As they do battle, Hvitserk remembers Ivar accusing him of regret for his defection. Hvitserk faces Ubbe on the battlefield, but Ubbe is unable to hurt his brother. Hvitserk kills Guthrum, while Svase and Snaefrid are killed by Harald's warriors. Astrid finds Lagertha and asks her to kill her, fearing her pregnancy. Lagertha reluctantly complies. Harald kills his brother Halfdan. As Ivar orders the Frankish reserves onto the field, Lagertha and Bjorn retreat. As Bjorn prepares to leave Kattegat, he finds Lagertha broken with her hair turned white. Across the fjord, Rollo arrives.
Notes
  1. ↑ The first two episodes aired together on History as a two-hour premiere, "The Departed", but were released separately on streaming services and in digital stores, with the first part titled "The Fisher King" and the second "The Departed".[8][9]

Production

Development

An Irish-Canadian co-production presented by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, the fifth season of Vikings was developed and produced by TM Productions and Take 5 Productions. Morgan O'Sullivan, Sheila Hockin, Sherry Marsh, Alan Gasmer, James Flynn, John Weber, and Michael Hirst are credited as executive producers. This season was produced by Keith Thompson for the first four episodes, and Liz Gill for the fifth to tenth episodes. Bill Goddard and Séamus McInerney act as co-producers.[10]

The production team for this season includes casting directors Frank and Nuala Moiselle, costume designer Susan O'Connor Cave, visual effects supervisor Dominic Remane, stunt action designer Richard Ryan, composer Trevor Morris, production designer Mark Geraghty, editors Aaron Marshall for the first, third, fifth and tenth episodes, Tad Seaborn for the second, fourth, sixth and eighth episodes, and Michele Conroy for the seventh and ninth episodes, and cinematographers Pj Dillon for the first and second episodes, Peter Robertson for the third, fourth, seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth episodes, and Suzie Lavelle for the fifth and sixth episodes.[10]

Casting

At the same time that the series was renewed for a fifth season, it was announced that Irish actor Jonathan Rhys Meyers would be joining the cast, as Heahmund, a "warrior bishop". Vikings creator Michael Hirst, explained: "I was looking at the history books, and I came across these warrior bishops. The antecedents of the Knights Templar: these are people who were absolutely religious, yet they put on armor and they fought. Don't let their priestly status fool you, either. They were crazy! They believed totally in Christianity and the message, and yet, on the battlefield, they were totally berserk."[4]

Former WWE star Adam Copeland was cast in a recurring role for the fifth season, as Kjetill Flatnose, a violent and bold warrior. He is chosen by Floki to join an expedition to set up a colony in a new land.[11] Irish actor Darren Cahill will play the role of Aethelred in the fifth season.[12] Nigerian actor Stanley Amuzie told local media he had landed a small role in the fifth season.[13] The fifth season will also include Irish actor, musician and real-life police detective, Kieran O'Reilly, who will play the role of "White Hair".[14] In April 2017 it was announced that Danish actor Erik Madsen will join the cast for the fifth season, as King Hemmig.[15] He spent several months of 2016 on the set of The Last Kingdom, portraying a Viking.[16]

Music

The musical score for the fifth season was composed by Trevor Morris in collaboration with Einar Selvik. The opening sequence is again accompanied by the song "If I Had a Heart" by Fever Ray.

Additional non-original music by Norwegian music group Wardruna is featured in the episodes "The Plan" and "A Simple Story". The featured tracks are "MannaR - Drivande", "Løyndomsriss", and "Heimta Thurs". The episode "Homeland" also features an original song titled "Skidarima", written and performed by Einar Selvik.[10]

Reception

Critical response

The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported a 100% approval rating, with an average rating of 8.12/10 based on nine reviews.[17] IGN awarded episode 10, Moments of Vision, with a rating of 9 out of 10.[18] Entertainent Weekly gave the episode an "A".[19]

Historical inaccuracies

In "A Simple Story", Aethelred is portrayed rejecting the throne in favour of his younger brother Alfred. In history, after the death of Aethelwulf three of Alfred's elder brothers ruled, for two, five and six years respectively, all dying before Alfred took the throne in 871. Writing in Forbes Magazine, Erik Kain described the storyline as "just a huge unforced error".[20]

References

  1. ↑ Greg Evans (July 22, 2017). "'Vikings' Gets Trailer & Season Premiere Date – Comic-Con". Deadline. Retrieved July 22, 2017.
  2. ↑ Dino-Ray Ramos (July 20, 2018). "'Vikings' Unveils New Battle-Heavy Trailer & Announces Date For Midseason Premiere – Comic-Con". Deadline. Retrieved July 20, 2018.
  3. ↑ "History(R) Orders 20 Episode Sixth Season of Hit Drama Series "Vikings"". The Futon Critic. September 12, 2017. Retrieved October 14, 2017.
  4. 1 2 "'Vikings' Creator Talks Jonathan Rhys Meyers' New Character". 26 January 2017.
  5. ↑ Tsoumbakos, Rachel (January 10, 2017). "'VIKINGS,' SEASON 5: JONATHAN RHYS MEYERS ROLE IS FINALLY REVEALED". Inquisitr.com. Retrieved January 12, 2017.
  6. ↑ "The Departed (Part 1)". Vikings. Season 5. Episode 1. 29 November 2017. Event occurs at 1:05 and 8:05. History.
  7. ↑ "The Departed (Part 2)". Vikings. Season 5. Episode 2. 29 November 2017. Event occurs at 19:05. History.
  8. ↑ "Vikings: Season 5 - Part 1 on Amazon". Retrieved December 2, 2017.
  9. ↑ "Vikings, Season 5 on iTunes". Retrieved December 2, 2017.
  10. 1 2 3 Vikings. Season 5. November 2017. Event occurs at 2:00 approximately. History.
  11. ↑ "WWE Hall of Famer Adam Copeland on the Edge of TV Stardom".
  12. ↑ "'Red Rock' actor Darren Cahill joins 'Vikings' Season 5". The Irish Film & Television Network.
  13. ↑ Izuzu, Chidumga. "Stanley Aguzie: Nollywood actor lands role in "Vikings"". Pulse.ng.
  14. ↑ "How do we pitch Ireland as a movie location to Hollywood?". Irish Independent. 17 November 2016. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
  15. ↑ Petski, Denise (12 April 2017). "'UnReal' Casts Tracie Thoms; Erik Madsen Joins 'Vikings'".
  16. ↑ NRK. "Erik Madsen i ny høvdingrolle i "Vikings"".
  17. ↑ "Vikings: Season 5". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved December 12, 2017.
  18. ↑ Fowler, Matt (24 January 2018). "Vikings: "Moments of Vision" Review".
  19. ↑ "'Vikings' recap: The mad will inherit the Earth".
  20. ↑ Kain, Erik. "'Vikings' Season 5, Episode 9 Review: 'A Simple (Convoluted) Story'". Forbes Magazine. Retrieved 1 February 2018.
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