English Dub Review: Vinland Saga: “Dark Clouds”

Overview: Einar, (Ian Sinclair) Thorfinn, (Mike Haimoto) Arnheid (Natalie Van Sistine) and Snake (Christopher Sabat) help an ailing Sverkel (Greg Dulcie) as they enjoy a few moments of peace before looming conflicts ensue.

Our Take: A runaway slave is on the loose and his brutality for his abusive masters immediately sets up a lingering danger for Ketil’s farm. Einar and Thorfinn’s discussion of life after slavery has a tinge of tragic irony with Ketil and Canute’s war lingering. Even with threats on the horizon, there’s care and consideration given to Thorfinn and Einar. 

Thorfinn’s budding ideology of peace and kindness lends brilliant credence to the comfort he finds in Christianity’s teachings and practices. His learnings are clearly being set up for how he will deal with horrific forces and ordeals to come. 

With Arnheid assigned to Sverkel’s care, it offers more bonding between her and Einar. Along with Snake, Thorfinn and Sverkel, their dinner is a dynamic of pure bliss in their simple enjoyment of a meal’s communal experience. Not dissimilar from Einar’s heartfelt experience before his family was ripped from him. 

Arnheid and Einar’s shared connection continues to delight in how sincere and down-to-earth they are in cherishing their time together. The moment packs a bittersweet punch with the harsh reality of their servitude hanging over their heads.

All the merriment was merely the calm before the storm as Arnheid’s husband is the escaped slave. His mission to take her back will not be without consequence in his murder of Lizard. Even more compelling is what the emotional aftermath left for Arnheid will be.