Vikingshas many great episodes, but its best one, which sees the death of a major character, pulled off a twist that other TV shows can learn from. Historical dramas have found great success on TV over the years, and Michael Hirst has been behind some of the most popular ones, among themVikings, which ran from 2013 to 2020.
In its first seasons,Vikingsfocused on the travels and plans of legendary Viking figure, Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel). As the show evolved, it shared the spotlight with Ragnar’s sons, especially Björn Ironside (Alexander Ludwig) and Ivar the Boneless (Alex Høgh Andersen).Vikingsendedin 2020 after six seasons and was followed by the sequel seriesVikings: Valhallain 2022.
AlthoughVikingsdidn’t maintain the quality of its first seasons for the entirety of its run, it stands as one ofthe best TV shows of the decade. Of course,Vikingshad its strengths and weaknesses, along with forgettable and memorable episodes, andits best episode pulled off a twist that other shows can learn from.
“All His Angels” Is The Greatest Episode Of Vikings' Six Seasons
“All His Angels” Is Vikings Season 4’s Episode 15
Among thebest episodes ofVikingsis season 4’s “All His Angels”, whichsaw the death of Ragnar. At the beginning ofVikings, Ragnar was introduced as a fierce warrior who went on many journeys and raids alongside his Viking brothers. Ragnar also dreamed of traveling to the other side of the world, but unfortunately, he never got to do so.
Most historians agree that Ragnar Lothbrok didn’t exist, and the character is a combination of real historical figures.
Throughout his time inVikings, Ragnar made important alliances but also made big enemies, and that eventually led to his death. Ragnar died inVikingsseason 4 episode “All His Angels”, as part of his carefully elaborated plan to ensure that his sons – Bjorn, Ubbe, Sigurd (who is killed a couple of episodes later), Hvitserk, and Ivar – avenge him and conquer England together.
“All His Angels” has a heavy emotional charge and perfectly builds up tension as Ragnar’s death approaches.
The episode’s main focus is Ragnar’s last moments, as he accepts that his end is coming, but he doesn’t know exactly how. “All His Angels” has a heavy emotional charge and perfectly builds up tension as Ragnar’s death approaches, and when it happens, it gives Ragnar the farewell he deserves as he bravely and quietly lets the snakes kill him, and he’s welcomed to Valhalla.
This Vikings Season 4 Episode Pulled Off A Twist Other TV Shows Should Learn From
Vikings Perfectly Handled Ragnar’s Death
By the time “All His Angels” arrived,the audience and Ragnar himself knew he was going to die, but no one would have imagined how.Vikingshad already seen many horrible deaths, such asJarl Borg’s blood eagle death, but for Ragnar’s death, King Aelle was very creative in the worst way. After torturing Ragnar for days, Aelle prepared a pit of snakes.
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To the Gates!
Ragnar was taken to it, recited a poem about his sons’ future triumphs, stated that he was going to die without apology, and welcomed death. After that, Ragnar was thrown into the pit of snakes, where he remained silent and still until he died. Despite knowing that Ragnar is about to die, seeing him in a pit of snakes is gut-wrenching.
Vikingsknew what the audience was expecting and still found a way to shock viewers, unlike many other TV shows that simply fulfill the audience’s ideas of how certain events will happen. “All His Angels” is heartbreaking and suspenseful, and while it could have been predictable,Vikingsbrilliantly avoided it.
