Overview: Thorfinn (Mike Haimoto) and Olmar (Ben Balmaceda) make a decision regarding the safety of Ketil’s (Doug Jackson) farm.
Our Take: The most completing part of this episode is how beautifully courage plays into both Thorfinn and Olmar’s journeys. For Olmar, it is how he grasps real strength and compassion in protecting those desecrated by war. It is a compelling revelation and even greater catalyst to admitting his own weakness and standing up to Thorgil’s ego. Snake and Sverkel’s admiration of him continues to drive home how emotionally intelligent and similar to one another they are.
Leif’s relationship with Thorfinn has grown so much in witnessing the change he’s undergone as a result of being enslaved. A testament to that is the trust he has in Thorfinn to not only willingly come back to him, but do so unscathed.
Thorfinn’s reason for protecting the farm is true to his development, wanting to repay Ketil’s kindness and all the people it led him to. Thorfinn’s valor comes from the beating he must endure to prove himself to Canute’s soldiers. It is a hugely intense moment that signifies just how far his convictions have come. The ending also acts as a strong cliffhanger leading into the final few episodes.