“You’ll accomplish what others before you have failed to accomplish, but the cost will be too high.” It certainly makes sense that Hvitserk questions his decision to back Ivar during the earlier family split, but even then, he had to sense the kind of man and king Ivar would become. Nevertheless, Hvitserk seeks guidance from The Seer, who appropriately offers a vague and cryptic message. One of the more compelling sub-plots remains the growing rift between Ivar and Hvitserk, and even though Hvitserk shows no signs that he desires the throne, his refusal to acknowledge his brother’s divinity can only be tolerated by the king for so long. “All hail Lagertha” chants the crowd prompting Ivar to initiate the spectacle that leaves a young blonde girl hanging by her feet, throat cut, and body set ablaze. Relying on the cult of personality may work for a time, but Ivar’s people stand against him and for their deposed queen. Of course, we know that’s not Lagertha, and while it’s not clear whether Ivar seriously believes he’ll get away with this charade, the scene marks a turning point in the early stage of his rule. The crowd and viewer react much the same. The cold open immediately throws us back into the disturbing arena in which Ivar prepares to offer a special sacrifice, but the anticipation that built surrounding the implied threat to his brother Hvitserk quickly disappears when the king parades a woman he claims to be Lagertha before the assembly. Can the sons of Ragnar Lothbrok save the day? Don’t ask The Seer. Vikings offers no lack of intrigue, and the exceptional acting and production values remain, but the boldness of earlier seasons seems to have vanished, leaving viewers with a solid, but somewhat uninspiring cadre of characters.

Ivar’s further descent into darkness fails to gain much traction, the Wessex coup seemingly falls by the wayside, and though Floki finally stands up and takes charge, it’s too little, too late.

For an episode so fraught with promise, “The Lost Moment” never manages to make it out of second gear.

The lost vikings 2 differences