English Dub Review: Vinland Saga “Pain”
Overview: The battle takes a predictable turn for the worst as Ketil’s (Doug Jackson) forces find themselves on the backfoot as Thorfinn (Mike Haimoto) and Einar (Ian Sinclair) do their best to keep Arnheid (Natalie Van Sistine) alive.
Our Take: The senseless losses of Ketil’s forces coming to pass are absolutely brutal in the savagery of their deaths. It’s more grueling when taken into consideration how easily they could’ve been avoided if not for his arrogance and pride. The brutal consequences of war Ketil must face in sending men to die is a compelling, rightful punishment to look forward to.
Canute’s close call of becoming chopped liver is a testament to how much he has learned in swordsmanship. There’s a clear, realistic distinction that Canute isn’t up to Thorgil’s level. However, the fact that he was able to hold him off, even just momentarily, is an impressive development.
Continuing to speak on Ketil’s crimes, he must also pay up for the ultimate one against Arnheid. Her final goodbye is utterly heartbreaking in her loss of hope wanting to her death in order to reunite with her family. Even more harsh are Einar’s confession or Thorfinn’s hope in Vinland that fall on deaf ears and arrive too late to matter.
Even Ketil’s deserved guilt over his irredeemable actions won’t be enough, so hopefully Einar really makes him pay. Thorfinn’s newfound sense of purpose has been a welcome development and that continues with his re-commitment to his family. Although, how it extends to his goal of keeping Canute from more pointless violence is an inspiring moment that was more than worth the wait.
