Vikings has returned for its sixth and final season, releasing the first two of 20 episodes this week. Huge battles, deadly conflicts and shocking twists have already been teased in the two-hour premiere.
So much happened in the season five finale, which aired earlier this year. It’s all been leading up to a final showdown. Björn is now King of Kattegat after defeating his younger brother Ivar the Boneless in an enthralling battle with lots of twists and turns. We also saw Ivar flee incognito in the aftermath, beginning his journey down the famous Silk Road.
This season strives to up the ante even further. Björn faces the immense pressure that comes with his newfound power as king of Kattegat. It’s a big gain, but it was followed by some interesting losses. Lagertha expresses her desire to leave the scrutiny of her high position in Kattegat and decides to go live on her own on a farm in the country, something she always wanted. Ubbe sails west, leaving Björn’s side. Hvitserk becomes paranoid following Ivar’s escape and becomes a drunk of little use to anyone.
L-R: Bjorn (Alexander Ludwig) and Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick) from HISTORY’s “Vikings.” Two-hour season six premiere airs Wed. December 4 at 9PM ET/PT.. Photo by Jonathan Hession.. Copyright 2019
One of the greatest trials Björn will have to overcome this season resides starts when a pleading King Harald calls for help. Harald has had his eyes on Kattegat’s elusive throne since his introduction to the show back in season 4. However, with King Finehair having saved his life in previous episodes, Björn feels an obligation to offer Kattegat’s assistance. I this a bad call as king?
Meanwhile, after he lost Kattegat in the season 5 finale, Ivar the Boneless fled and began to follow the Silk Road, an ancient network of trade routes. This is the first time the Silk Road has been explored on the show, and it’s stunning. In his retreat, Ivar finds himself in another brutal fight when he encounters the Rus. We are introduced to a new season regular character, Prince Oleg of Novgorod (Danila Kozlovsky). Oleg immediately takes a liking to Ivar, and before long they have their first discussion about attacking Kattegat.
Ivar and Oleg official image. Vikings season 6
Speaking to Gamespot, show creator Michael Hirst teased that Oleg is a strong personality and fierce warrior in battle. Comparing Ivar and Oleg, Hirst said: “Oleg is far more ruthless that he could ever be really, who doesn’t care at all. He doesn’t seem to put any value on life itself and is toying with them a lot of the time.”
Hirst also touched on the very different sort of Ivar we will see this season, an Ivar who’s apparently moved past the dark place he was in during season 5. “I kind of wanted to pull him out of there and to show him again, as someone who you could have sympathy with. To show him in a much more decent life.”
Prince Oleg are both ambitious, and the wish to invade Kattegat gives them a common goal. Oleg’s desire is to invade the Scandinavian countries and convert them to Christianity. So far in the saga, we’ve seen many of our Viking characters baptized as Christians, including Ragnar, Rollo and Ubbe. It might be that Oleg could convince Ivar into being baptized, like his father.
Bjorn (Alexander Ludwig) from HISTORY’s “Vikings.” Two-hour season six premiere airs Wed. December 4 at 9PM ET/PT.. Photo by Jonathan Hession.. Copyright 2019
The first two episodes have set the board. You could say that Ivar has landed on his feet after a devastating defeat at Björn’s hands. He fled Kattegat with nothing, and will return with a powerful ally in Oleg and a renewed hope in taking down his brother. With Oleg’s no-fuss brutality and Ivar’s comprehensive knowledge of battle tactics, they could be quite the formidable opponent. Björn might just have his work cut out for him, and with three of his greatest allies (Ubbe, Lagertha, Hvitserk) otherwise occupied, it’ll be three times as difficult for him.
There’s no doubt that the final season will deliver plenty of the brutality, shock and action we’ve come to expect and love from Vikings. But will Ivar live to rule Kattegat in the season finale? He’ll have to overcome Björn first! Vikings has a way of shocking fans with out-of-left-field twists. Throughout the show, we’ve seen the unexpected demises of Athelstan, Ragnar, Aethelwulf, the Seer, and many other characters both beloved and loathed. Who’s to say Ivar won’t continue the tradition and kill Björn?
Season six will conclude the saga of Ragnar Lothbrok and his sons. However, Netflix has ordered a spinoff/sequel series set one hundred years after the Vikings finale. Set to follow the adventures of other legendary Vikings like Leif Erikson, this spinoff show from Michael Hirst is called Vikings: Valhalla.
Vikings season 6 airs Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. CST on History.
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