Overview: Canute (Josh Grelle) deals with rebelling subjects as Thorfinn (Mike Haimoto) and Einar (Ian Sinclair) encounter new problems in clearing the forest.
Our Take: It has been some time since we last checked in with King Canute. This episode brilliantly illustrates how the years have affected him in various aspects. What made him so likable was how honorable he grew to be in a world that was not. Those traits are carried over through his values in the upstanding behavior he expects out of his soldiers.
However, it is how he has evolved as a leader that is engaging. His swift brutality for cruel soldiers shows how unrelenting he has become, for better or worse. Canute’s mind has also sharpened in how he handles his rival for the throne, Ethelred and his supporter, Eadric. The young king’s shrewd psychological tactics in not only coercing Eadric to give up his sieged land, but his king, points to how hauntingly smart he is. Artistically speaking, intense fiery imagery also helps bring that feeling to life.
The challenges Thorfinn and Einar encounter in needing to do extra work to clear out forest efficiently just goes to show the cruel life of a slave. Especially when they are constantly harassed by their superiors. The extra work for the old man, Sverkil, is in exchange for a horse and, eventually, a plow. When they finally do obtain them, it is a breath of fresh air, allowing them to progress at a smoother pace and cutting them some slack.
Einar and Thorfinn’s time tilling the land highlights their vastly different understanding of farming. Their work also showcases the huge difference in their life experience with Thorfinn confined to war and fighting, being naïve about anything outside of it. It creates a playful and enjoyable dynamic between him and Einar.
Sverkil is Ketil’s father. His role makes for various intriguing relationships. How he takes a liking to the boys, despite his bitterness, shows how he respects hard work above all else. The differences between Sverkil and Ketil highlight their contrasting pathologies and positions in life regarding capitalism. The father and son relationship is an engrossing way of putting a lens on how time and experience can affect them. Snake’s chemistry with Sverkil is also enjoyable in how close-knit they are, connecting in how they ostracize themselves from society.
Thorfinn and Einar are friends. Of course, the only one that is dawning on is Thorfinn. That realization is a heartwarming moment, one that is a much-earned healthy step forward for him.