English Dub Review: Vinland Saga: “The First Method”

Overview: Ketil (Doug Jackson) learns of the truth of what transpired on his farm during his visit to the king in a startling reaction. 

Our Take: Ketil and Thorgil’s return home is anything but a warm welcome. Then again, with everything that’s transpired both on their farm and with Canute, was anyone expecting any different?  

Ketil handles the news even worse than one could imagine. His brutality towards Arnheid is unforgiving in the purest sense of the word. Not only is it hard to stomach, it’s chilling watching him become the living monster he told tall tales of. The trauma from losing his past lover is a deep wound. Snake acts a good voice of reason to his viciousness, going to show why he’s as close of a confidant to Ketil as he is. 

The decision to keep Arnheid only spells trouble for her, especially in her badly beaten, comatose state. Thorfinn’s reunion with Leif and his freedom with Einar is a welcome development. However, it’s a celebration that feels small with the weight and dire situation Arnheid is in. 

To make things more tense is Canute’s impending army making their way to Ketil’s doorstep. However, with a fire lit under Ketil, their conflict is most certainly heating up, taking an interesting turn.