Kaka

Hands down, the weakest season of the lot so far. This season makes it clear that this Viking saga is getting a bit too long and complicated. Instead of twenty episodes they should cut it down back to ten. There’s way too much screenwriting ballast and half of the twists are basically pointless. Tension is too much to ask for and so what is left are the decently executed battles, which, however, are not on such a level that the viewer would get drunk only on the refined visuals and be willing to forgive a simpler plot concept, as it was in Kingdom of Heaven or Gladiator.

A decent battle, but not the best by any means. The sets of the town and the fortifications are good, but otherwise is no thrilling ride, just solid craftsmanship. And also, another situation that doesn’t solve much.

Ubbe’s personal struggle is brilliant, and actually the only memorable thing of the second to last episode, which is not a good sign.

Berkoff as a fat Nordic king? The casting this time is exceptionally bad. Actually, the whole episode is a bust.

An absolutely memorable episode. Not even the execution of several members of the group in Iceland can shake the total boredom. At least the end is near.

Preparing for the final battle four episodes before the season finale is not the most fortunate decision, and no alternative side plots can save it, especially not the one with the Buddha. The ending, on the other hand, is superb. Once again, inspired by GoT and equally shocking and authentic.

A nice battle involving siege weapons as a bonus. A bit poorly edited again, full of flashbacks, lacking the masterfully handled GoT-style warfare, but the workmanship is still high. It's hard to say what happened to Lagertha, the Bishop went crazy and that's how it all turned out. A strangely developed character.

It’s a shame the direction they are taking with Ivar’s character. He’s too psychopathic and forced, and the attempt to shock the viewer this way is not the best idea.

The blatant boredom and the final sacrifice scene is so absurd that it actually evokes today's hypocritical times full of lies and untruths very well. As a semi-documentary, the final few minutes are pretty okay. Otherwise, this is the weakest episode so far.

The main line moves to England, with the Bishop assuming the role of saviour and liberator. Well, at least for some time. Only the unfolding love story between him and Lagertha can't be trusted, or doesn't feel authentic. Two good murders at the end hopefully foreshadow that there will be some blood in this otherwise sterile fifth season, which has been unnecessarily long and drawn out.