‘Vikings’ Season 4: Recap of Episode 9, “Death All ‘Round”

Here’s the recap for Episode 9, entitled “Death All ‘Round” of Season 4 of Vikings.

SPOILER ALERT: This recap contains information about the ninth 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.

This episode of Vikings is basically a bridging episode to get from the events of the last couple of episodes to the mid-season finale next week. Considering that, History Channel has still managed to punch out a decent episode. Oh, and that title is literal, so you might want to strap yourself in.

The Vikings left after the horrible defeat at Paris in Episode 7, and Ragnar’s (Travis Fimmel) new plan has lifted their spirits. Floki’s (Gustaf Skarsgard) in particular, the man who is always happiest when he is building boats and, well, just building in general. Dragging the longships across the land is arduous but it still leaves time to rape and pillage, something King Harald Finehair (Peter Franzen) and his brother look forward to. The gentler version of Vikings under Ragnar’s instruction, not so much. However, between consoling his ex-wife and suffering withdrawals from betel nuts, I think Ragnar also needs to keep a close eye on Harald; he and his brother are always just there, always watching, and plotting it seems.

Things are not so great for Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick) in Episode 9 of Vikings. The Seer’s (John Kavanagh) prophecy finally comes true and she loses her child. Her son and her ex-husband console her and then it is right back into the thick of things for Lagertha. Will this woman ever get a break?

For Bjorn Ironside (Alexander Ludwig), things finally come to a head between his new wife, Torvi (Georgia Hirst) and Torvi’s ex-husband, Erlendur (Edvin Endre). Torvi is forced to take Erlendur’s crossbow and kill Bjorn. For a brief, sickening moment, I even thought Torvi would turn the weapon on herself rather than kill Bjorn. But, instead, she kills Erlendur and that storyline is over for good. Thankfully.

Back in Kattegat, Sigurd (Elijah O’Sullivan) has been the moral compass for his mother while his father is away. This continues into Episode 9 of Vikings after he discovers the body of young Siggy (Porunn and Bjorn’s daughter) floating in a creek. When Sigurd tells Aslaug (Alyssa Sutherland), she can’t seem to recall who the child is and then goes on to say she thought someone else was looking after her. Ivar (James Quinn Markey), predictably, couldn’t care less and I am left wondering which one of them actually offed the child.

In Rome, Aethelwulf (Moe Dunford) finally looks happy as himself, Prince Alfred (Tristan Barry) and Prudentius (Seán T. Ó Meallaigh) make it to Rome. For some strange reason they celebrate by dressing Alfred in a really ugly hat and the poor child is presented with a blessed sword to take home with him.

But, back in Wessex, things are strained after King Ecbert (Linus Roache) is crowned the king of Wessex and Mercia. King Aelle (Ivan Kaye) lets Ecbert know he is not impressed with what he has done behind his back and Ecbert lets Aelle know that their alliance is officially over.

As for Paris, in this episode of Vikings, Emperor Charles (Lothaire Bluteau) is promoting Roland (Huw Parmenter) and sleeping with him as well asking to take on his sister, Therese (Karen Hassan) as his lover.

Poor Rollo is getting knocked back by his pregnant wife, Gisla (Morgane Polanski). While she is not doing her husband any favors, she is still suggesting he get rid of Roland rather than see him in a higher position than her dear husband.

Episode 9 of Vikings ends with Ragnar and the rest of the Vikings finally setting their longships back in the water and approaching Paris. Will this attack on Paris work? Will Ragnar finally have a chance to confront his brother?

What did you think of Episode 9 of Vikings Season 4? What do you think will happen in the mid-season finale next week? Let us know your thoughts by commenting below.

Season 4 of Vikings returns to History Channel with Episode 10, entitled “The Last Ship” on Thursday, April 21, at 10 p.m. ET.

The official synopsis for Episode 10, entitled “The Last Ship,” is as follows.

“A ferocious battle between the Vikings and the French eventually comes down to Ragnar against Rollo and the outcome seals the fates of the two brothers.”

[Image via Jonathan Hession/A&E Network]