English Dub Review: Vinland Saga: “The Road Home”

Overview: Thorfinn (Mike Haimoto) fights to protect Gardar (Jarrod Greene) as Snake (Christopher Sabat) seeks vengeance for his men. 

Our Take: Absolute chills is the best way to describe Thorfinn and Snake’s clash. The only bittersweet part was that it did not go on longer. There is a mutual understanding of their skillset and the trials it took to get them there. It does a fantastic job of propelling the excitement surrounding the fight. 

The duel is incredibly tense in Thorfinn closing the distance with his bare hands against a sword-wielding Snake. Snake turns the tables in the smartest way possible, one I had almost forgotten about, in getting to Gardar. With Snake, there’s a compelling core to his crux in wanting to honor his men, despite the thugs they are. 

All in all, Snake and Thorfinn’s match being short-lived is for the best, because at the end of the day, the focus belongs with Gardar and Arnheid’s fractured relationship.

Gardar’s fatal wounds have him living on borrowed time, making his every regret even more impactful, as a result. His final moments with Arnheid bring out the regrets that arise in war-torn fathers, connecting back to a core theme of the series. The different lifestyle he would’ve wanted for his son drives home previous generations’ foresight that time and tragedy afforded them. It makes his anguish and guilt at leaving Arnheid and Hjalti that much more heart-wrenching to watch. 

With all their tragedy, there’s a solemn peace in Gardar coming full circle to the man he truly is and that Arnheid always knew. Where this leaves Arnheid emotionally is interesting in how she’ll raise a new child with Ketil after already losing a husband and son. As for Thorfinn and Einar, the consequences they face will no doubt be crucial in how it jeopardizes their freedom.