English Dub Review: Vinland Saga: “An Empty Man”

Overview: Thorfinn (Mike Haimoto) continues to be grief stricken from his past mistakes as he and Einar (Ian Sinclair) continue to bear the brunt of their retainers’ vile nature. 

Our Take: Thorfinn continues to wrestle with his lingering nightmares about Askeladd and his father. The ideas of existentialism that are explored are not revolutionary for the message overall. With that said, they are shepherded by heart-wrenching execution. His defeated state highlights how revenge acted as his sole defining feature. Thorfinn’s hollowness expertly illustrates how crippling a lack of purpose can be, even one as foul as hatred. 

Einar and Sverkel play strong, impactful supporting roles in his spiritual journey. Einar brilliantly acts as the kind friend he so desperately needs, highlighting his struggles are evidence enough of his evolution. Sverkel’s the wise teacher, advising the new experiences and aspirations he’ll accumulate as a blank canvas looking to the future. 

Einar’s immense rage at the retainers destroying their crops allows Thorfinn even more character work. Their setback highlights Thorfinn’s growth in his empathetic response to Einar in the retribution the retainers deserve comparatively to him. Einar also delves into the universal cruelty slaves endure, impartial of whether owners and retainers hate or love them in learning about Arnheid’s situation with Ketil. It also harkens back to his kindness in his frustration over the sanctity of crops and what they mean to farmers.

Taking the lead for Einar, Thorfinn knocking out their abusive retainer is immensely satisfying in how well-deserved it is. With the dead still weighing on him, how he copes with his past demons will define his evolution.