I hope you’ve recovered from last night’s devastating Parisian episode. There are only 3 episodes left until the mid-season finale! 

“Portage” – Thursday, April 7 at 10 p.m.

Defeat for the Vikings calls Ragnar’s leadership into question as they evacuate their camp and move back down-river. Ragnar himself remains inscrutable until he orders the fleet to beach at a cliff face and unveils an ingenious plan. Rollo and Gisla have news that strengthens Rollo’s position at the French Court whilst Count Odo fails to identify his true enemies, with fatal consequences.

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“Promised” – Thursday, March 17 at 10 p.m.

There’s an air of betrayal at Court in Paris and Wessex as those whom Odo trusts plot against him and Ecbert agrees to support Kwenthrith in Mercia, but is Ecbert a true ally? Ragnar confides in Yidu his darkest secret.

CLIPS & PROMOS FROM VIKINGS SEASON 4 EPISODE 5: Airs Thursday, March 17 at 10/9c on HISTORY

FLOKI AND HELGA MEET HALFDAN AND HARALD

“PROMISED” PROMO

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Hope you are enjoying season 4! Episode 3 is jam packed with excitement.

“Mercy” – Thursday, March 3 at 10 p.m.

Ragnar sees that Floki faces devastating punishment for the murder of Athelstan, but as Floki remains a prisoner, a mysterious visitor to Ragnar counsels mercy. Intrigue prevails at the French Court as Rollo finds an unlikely ally in Count Odo, but can’t escape the contempt of his new bride. Bjorn must fight a brutal opponent in the wilderness but will he survive the threat that Erlendur and Kalf are sending his way? 

CLIPS & PROMOS FROM VIKINGS SEASON 4 EPISODE 3: Airs Thursday, March 3 at 10/9c on HISTORY

BJORN V. BEAR

“MERCY” PROMO

VIKINGS SUPERTEASE

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Vikings just kicked off its new supersized fourth season, and the Princess Gisla promises to be just as fiery as we saw her last season. The most surprising character of season three, and a quick fan favorite, Gisla is sure to tame our rough and tumble Rollo. Morgane Polanski was nice enough to take some time out of her busy schedule to do a little phone interview, and let us know what we can expect from her character this season.

Your character Gisla is amazing and you are just on fire on the screen, and especially the premier. How difficult has it been for you to get into that character and to film those scenes, like your wedding scene and the [scene, that fire?] Was it hard to get emotionally in that and just how did you get yourself ramped up for that?

Yes, thank you so much. Yes, it was hard. I mean, every emotional scene, especially emotional scenes when like 300, 400 people are watching you and she was being emotional in public. So that’s even harder because I feel like you try to find the balance between your emotion that you kind of hide yet you’re in public. So, that was hard but I just, yes, trained myself before to get there, yes, to get there. But definitely emotional scenes are harder when you’re in the public space rather than intimate.

Without spoiling anything, can you tell us if the two of you, Rollo and Gisla, will have a relationship moving forward?

That’s hard to say without spoiling. Let’s just say that there’s a journey going and ups and downs and yes, there’s some – let’s just say that stubborn people don’t stay stubborn forever. There’s stuff going, happening, going back and forth, so yes.

So we got to see the first four episodes, can you talk a bit about the relationship with Rollo and the Princess - her going from being completely disgusted by him to being maybe more accepting him or trusting him, but can you just talk a bit about the whole transformation?

So, yes, in season three we sort of left it where her father after Gisla’s been defending Paris and basically saving her – doing what her father was supposed to do, he is behind it, accepted without even asking it to her for her to marry Rollo in order for him to defend Paris if his brother attacks. So I think for her like that was the biggest slap in the face, that was humiliating just because he even accepted without consenting of her or asking to her. So I think, yes, so that was her ego it seems is completely smashed.

So in season four, we pick up at this wedding which she doesn’t want to, but has to happen, and then they’re going to go on a journey from there. Stuff is going to change, twists and turns and ups and downs. And yes, there’s been really cool stuff to discover so I’m really excited for you guys to see it.

Do you have a favorite scene or episode so far?

[Humming] The wedding scene was pretty epic to shoot just because like - first of all, I never went to a wedding so that was my first ever wedding.

Wow. [Laughter]

And like the veil, the whole thing, I mean, yes, that must be to look at. There’s some really amazing stuff I’ve shot after that, but that must have been – and especially the – I mean, I’ve never met anyone that will go in a wedding like sobbing, like they’re walking to the death chamber or something. Yes, that was pretty epic. That was my favorite I think.

Last season you had that wonderful speech, rallying the troops and then last night’s premier, you guys have already talked about it, Gisla stood up to Rollo. Tell me about playing a strong female character in this, what has historically was not really a world friendly to women, or to strong women I guess.

Well, I mean, I think with Michael Hirst, we’re pretty lucky to have - he likes to write for strong female characters. And I mean, it’s so exciting for me as an actor because although you think you have the fairy tale of the princess she is, she basically does the job her dad is supposed to do and it’s so brave and ballsy and will not – she has so much it seems and she’s so humble that she just won’t allow people to walk on her, yet she has to be the face of the people.

Especially this season, my character goes through such a journey and going from adult to a woman and taking a completely different direction and it’s just so interesting as an actor to have that sort of material to bite on and especially as a woman. Yes, it’s really exciting.

Rollo doesn’t know much about the political maneuverings within the French court but Gisla probably does, so I was wondering if you could…

Yes. Behind every strong man stands a stronger woman. [Laughter] So I think she’s smart and she knows if she doesn’t [contradict] for her father, she’ll do it through Rollo.

[Laughter] Okay and so she’s going to be the one sort of pulling the strings do you think? Or I guess you can’t really tell us that.

No, she takes her title – she will defend her county until the death. Like if she could be on battle, she would but she can’t. But she would – so she will defend this country until she dies, so.

Did you feel any extra pressure playing this historical French figure from maybe your French history teachers in the past? Did you say, “I want to make sure I do everything right by them,” or anything?

[Of course] the pressure is definitely not from my French history teachers. [Laughter] No, obviously it’s always pressure playing someone that existed, but I think there’s so little on that time and I think Michael really appreciates like him giving up us the script and us taking the freedom to just do it as we would do it. At first I really, you know, but then I took ownership of it and, yes; there’s so much you can do, you know?

Can you talk a little bit about how you’re shooting your scenes? Like are you guys shooting kind of apart from the rest of the cast and how is to work with Clive Standen?

It’s not that the shoot apart, it’s just a lot is on location and a lot is in the studio in Ireland. So the studio where France is, is not in the same set of Vikings so I get to see them a lot but not just work with them a lot. And working with Clive is absolutely amazing. He is so easy to work with, we get along really well. He’s a very good friend and it’s very easy. Yes, really, really cool.

Do you think at this point that Gisla is underestimating how ruthless Rollo can be or do you think she understands who he is at this point?

I think it’s hard for her to understand without them speaking the same - like before they start speaking the same language. I think she’s definitely fascinated by those Vikings and what they are and what they represent and she I think is sort of in her deeper, inner soul, she feels close to them yet completely doesn’t understand them.

Rollo seems to have finally met his match. Your character has been quite disgusted with him, but I was wondering if her feelings will change when he does turn his back on the Vikings or does she think that he has other motives other than trying to win her over?

I definitely think he will have to work – I mean, always inside her there will be that, “Does he really mean it? Will he turn on me?” It’s not even to trust the [blood]. So I think that always will be, but I think he will have to, depending on his actions and how hard he works and how much he proves, I think she’ll, you know. You sometimes you try to fight it but you just allow the benefit I think.

It kind of sounds like that. We’re going to see your character become a little more vulnerable than we’ve ever seen her in season four.

Yes. Well, she’s going to put the guards down a little bit. Or, well, it’s just that you will get to see her – as you just think about it in season three you mainly see her in public or rarely see her in an intimate space or somewhere where people aren’t looking, so you will get to definitely see her surrendering.

I know you were talking earlier about strong female characters and one of the many positives of the show is how strong all the women are. In the past three seasons most of the strong female characters are the Vikings and they’re really strong physically and are fighting and things like that. But Gisla has been very different. Your character fight as we've seen the other women, but she’s really strong mentally, she’s intelligent and she uses her intelligence and her will in ways that we really haven’t seen on the show lately. In ways she's reminiscent of Siggy with her use of her intelligence. Can you talk about her intelligence and how she’ll use that going forward.

Yes, I definitely think she’s – yes, you said it brilliantly. I think she is as strong as the Vikings but in a completely different way. I think that’s what Michael tried to represent with the difference of culture of the Vikings culture and of the French culture and actually she I think a lot of the times she just – I think the main thing with Vikings is they are as they come. I think the French have – what he [tries to is] there’s much more layers, there’s much more I think agendas and look over your shoulder. And I think she just adores how straightforward Rollo is, or they are, and I think she is just careful that he – she just teach him the different rules. Yes, the rules are sort of different I think in France and I think she just got used to that, and is very witty and she just knows how to take people. Like she just even with her dad and him and stuff, she just knows how to work around it.

Is she going to help Rollo maybe learn how to play the court a little bit?

Well, let’s [Laughter] just say that behind a strong man is always a stronger woman. He can lead because she can play the card. [Laughter]

Yes and definitely Rollo needs some smoothing out. He’s the hammer and he needs – he’s not always really good. He’s the blunt instrument. [Laughter]

Well, yes, but I just think in every – opposites attract and I think that’s what’s so brilliant when you’re opposite someone that’s so different than you. I think if you’re both open to just learning, you can both take from each other and just sort of meet in the middle. Yes.

What has your experience been like working on Vikings, just the whole experience of it and what do you like about it and what have you learned from it?

I mean, it’s been an amazing experience. It’s been so good to be just able – I think you only get to do this on the TV shows, to just have the same character go through so much different emotional journeys. So that’s been amazing, and as a character, to go from a girl to a woman and to just explore the different aspects of her and like not in public spaces and to just see how she would be behind closed doors.

What I’ve learned is I mean working, it’s just I’ve learned is it’s just very quick how you work for TV. So, it’s been the best training and just to have amazing costumes and those sets and Ireland is the most – I mean, I’ve never been to Ireland before and I had the most amazing time there and everyone works so hard and they’re on it, so it’s really been lovely. Really, really been lovely.

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VIKINGS season 4 is officially in full throttle. Next week’s episode shows no signs of slowing down; so grab your shields and get ready to raid!

“Kill the Queen” – Thursday, February 25 at 10 p.m.

As Ragnar and Floki remain at odds in Kattegat, Rollo makes great efforts in Paris to win over his new bride, Princess Gisla. Bjorn’s survival skills are put to the test in the wilderness, while King Ecbert sets the task for his son Aethelwulf to rescue Queen Kwenthrith from opposing forces in Mercia.

CLIPS & PROMOS FROM VIKINGS SEASON 4 EPISODE 2: Airs Thursday, February 25 at 10/9c on HISTORY

ROLLO’S MAKEOVER

RAGNAR V. FLOKI

PROMO: SEASON 4, EPISODE 2 SNEAK PEAK

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Gear up your shields and axes – the season 4 premiere of History’s VIKINGS is about to return to the small screen!

“A Good Treason” – Season Premiere: Thursday, February 18 AT 10PM ET/PT

Entry to Valhalla eludes Ragnar but as he lies in his sick bed in Kattegat events unfold beyond his control. Bjorn orders the arrest of Floki for Athelstan’s murder while in Paris, Rollo betrays the last of his Viking supporters to strengthen his position in the French Court. Meanwhile, in Hedeby, Kalf announces joint Earldom with Lagertha, but is power-sharing Kalf’s true intention and is Lagertha actually willing to share what once was hers?

CLIPS & PROMOS FROM VIKINGS EPISODE ONE: Airs Thursday, February 18 at 10/9c on HISTORY

ROLLO & GISLA’S WEDDING NIGHT

BROTHER AGAINST BROTHER TEASER

LAGERTHA TRAILER

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The Vikings came, and found Paris a much bigger obstacle than they have ever encountered. As the season closes, the Vikings have come to terms with Paris, and are the brink of losing their King. Ragnar is dying from his injuries, on one of his terms to tend the siege was a baptism to reunite him with his dear friend Athelstan when he leaves this world.

The French ride to see the Vikings. They have brought all the treasure as they had promised. They have met their obligation, and hope that the Vikings will meet theirs as well and leave promptly. Rollo is not pleased with this at all, but many of the others seem pretty pleased with the outcome.

Rollo goes to see his brother, he tells him that they have brought the payment. The treasure makes no difference to Ragnar, he is dying. He holds Athelstan's cross, content in the knowledge that he will see Athelstan again.

Floki walks with Rollo for a moment, he warned the others that the priest was poisoning Ragnar, and now Rollo has a heavy heart. Lagertha does not believe in her heart that Ragnar wants to be a christian. Rollo was baptized too, but he was protected from the Christian magic by their Gods, Ragnar is not so lucky because of Athelstan.

Kalf hopes that the Christian rumors are true, believing that no Christian King will ever rule their world. Its an insult to their Gods and people. Assassination plots are dreamt of.

Inside the walls of Paris, the mass is held. The Emperor is a little too pleased with himself. All go to their knees expect him at the final invocation. The commander heads to speak with Princess Gisla, but she refuses him. Another maiden does with to prove her gratitude, but the Count is called away. The Emperor sees their victory as a great one, but Princess Gisla does not feel it is so. They paid the Vikings to leave. The Emperor thinks that they will be better prepared next time.

Many celebrate into the night. Floki seeks out Helga, but she doesn't want him to touch her. She cannot forgive him for what she knows.

Bjorn sits with his dying father. Ragnar tells him that there will come a time when he is responsible for their people. He is king for now. He tells Bjorn that when the time comes he needs to lead with his head not his heart. He has a task for him.

Rollo looks to Paris in the distance, remembering the words of the seer.

The celebrations have ceased, and most lie sleeping, including Ragnar. Lagertha peeks at him, but does not disturb him.

The Count entertains the maiden in his bed chambers. Her husband won't miss her for the night. She thinks the princess is boring, and wishes to entertain him. He leads her downstairs, to his little torture chamber. That's not the sort of entertainment she was thinking of. He asks her to submit to being chained up and whipped, she can even choose her whip. The woman doesn't back down. She looks at the whipping instruments as he tells her she can call a halt at any time. She gets into shackle position, ready to keep his interest. He asks her to tell him to strike, and she does. He lands a heavy blow to her back.

Floki is building when Helga finds him early in the morning. Ragnar asked him to build him one final thing.

The French look out over their walls. It's been nearly a month since they paid the Vikings, and yet they have not left yet, and they want to know why.

The French ask the Vikings directly to see why the Vikings have not left. Bjorn tells them honestly, Ragnar is too sick and dying, he cannot travel. The Count wants to see for himself, and Bjorn takes him, while his men await outside. Inside of the tent, Bjorn tells him that if Ragnar dies he asks for a proper Christian burial. Should Ragnar die, the Count will allow him to be brought to the Cathedral by unarmed men, and a mass will be said for his soul. Ragnar shakes and sputters. He grabs his son's hand, as the Traveler and the count leave them.

Night falls, and there is singing. Bjorn sits outside of Ragnar's death tent. From their walls, the French keep watch. Ragnar's time has come, and Bjorn closes the door to his death boat. He leaves the tent, and all come to hear the news of Ragnar's passing. Ragnar's boat is lifted to its display, as Bjorn tells the group that they may go say their final words to him.

Lagertha goes to see her former husband says. She never thought that the Gods had this in store for him. If he has gone to heaven, they will never see each other again. She believes though that Odin will make his way to Heaven and take him to Valhalla where he belongs. With after everything, she hopes that they will be able to once again fight, drink and love one another.

Rollo admits to his brother that he was always jealous of him. He's sorry he's dead, but it happens to all of them sooner or later. He finds it funny that the Gods took him first, he always thought the Gods favored Ragnar, even Ragnar thought that, but it seems they were both mistaken.

Floki comes next. He made the boat that took Ragnar to fame, and the boat that will take him to Heaven. He tells him to give his regards to Athelstan. He feels like Ragnar betrayed his heritage, everything and everyone, especially him. He loved Ragnar more than anyone, more than that priest, but Ragnar never appreciated Floki. Floki hates Ragnar, and loves him with all his heart, even as he tears him away from himself.

The Vikings chant and sing as they carry their beloved King to Paris. Just as the French promise, they open the gates to receive Ragnar. His pallbearers are allowed into the city, as the other continue their ceremony outside of the walls. The gates close behind Ragnar's ship as it is lead towards the cathedral. The French cross themselves, and sing their mass for the fallen King. It's both solemn and beautiful. Behind the procession, the people follow into the cathedral. Ragnar's death boat is brought before the Emperor and Princess Gisla, the mass begins. As the priest sprinkles holy water on it, Ragnar wakes, and throws the boat open, scaring everyone inside. Ragnar holds the Emperor at knife point. Well that was one hell of a Trojan horse. Ragnar kills the bishop. Princess Gisla goes on the attack, and Ragnar grabs her. The Count cautions everyone from stopping him, for fear that he will kill the Princess. The Emperor faints. Ragnar takes the Princess through the streets with his pallbearers, back towards the gates. The Vikings cut the ropes to the bridge to stop the French from stopping him. He opens the gates, and his horde is on the other side. Ragnar lets the Princess go, but she's confused. He pushes her towards her guards, and she finally runs. Bjorn motions the attack forward. Ragnar returns to his son. It was prophicized that the living could not conquer Paris, but that the dead could. Ragnar collapses to his knees before his son. Lagertha and the others walk forward, and head into Paris.

The French try to muster a defense, but the Vikings are inside.

The city is falling, and the people are huddled inside of the cathedral. Princess Gisla returns. The Commanding Count thought that the Vikings would leave after they got what they wanted, but they didn't want treasure. The Emperor is in shock, his cathedral has been defiled. Princess Gisla tells him to get up, the heathen are gone.

Lagertha is not pleased that Bjorn kept the truth of Ragnar's nondeath from them. She feels that he does not trust them. Bjorn was only doing what his father told him to do. They're headed back home, but intend to come back in the spring, and they need to leave a presence there. Floki offers to stay, but Rollo tells him no, that he has no reason to stay. Bjorn wants to know his reason to stay. Bjorn makes the decision that Rollo and his chosen will stay while the rest return home.

From the shore, Rollo watches his brother, and his family leave him far behind. Ragnar gives his brother a final look from the boat, as he's rowed out.

The Emperor dines with his daughter, glad that they're able to enjoy their fine foods again. He knows that the Vikings have left for now, but they will return in the spring. Princess Gisla thinks that one of his brothers would come to their aid. The Emperor admits that he has begged and pleaded for aid, but none has come, none will come. He sends his servers away. He will not be the Emperor who let Paris become ruin. Princess Gisla asks him if he will give them more money in disgust. He plans to give them something more precious to him, her. Princess Gisla is displeased, she thinks that this is the work of the count, since she refused him. She would do almost anything for her city, but not this. The Emperor has already sent an envoy, and the Princess is even more distraught that she was not asked first. As the Emperor, he had to make a hard decision, and she must obey it.

Rollo is given the terms of the treaty. He will become very rich and very important, and he will get the Princess as a wife. Rollo asks what he must do in return. Rollo would have to defend Paris against his brother in return.

Rollo heads in to meet with the Emperor. He takes in the opulence as everyone openly stares at him. His men fan out around him, and the Emperor welcomes him warmly. Princess Gisla, not so much. She tells him that she will not marry him, that he has no soul, and he is worse than the beasts of the field. He disgusts her. Rollo likes her spirit. He tries his tongue at French, and is happy at his effort.

The Vikings continue their long voyage home. While most sleep, Floki cannot. Ragnar calls to him, and he hurries, like an eager puppy. Floki searches Ragnar's face. Ragnar knows the truth now. Floki killed Athelstan.

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Hard to believe that the season finale of VIKINGS Season 3 is upon us! HISTORY’s hit drama series premieres episode 310 titled “The Dead” on Thursday, April 24. Below there are new photos, and two promos. We've seen a lot of death and action season, and the finale looks to be just as intense. 

“The Dead” – Thursday, April 24 (Season Finale)

Rollo’s destiny is recognized and Bjorn steps up as a leader. With one last chance to take Paris, Ragnar and his Vikings troops take a daring chance.

Need a catch-up?

And the final spot from season 3 of Vikings.

Morgane Polanski as Princess Gisla

Princess Gisla (MORGANE POLANSKI) and Emperor Charles (LOTHAIRE BLUTEAU)

Rollo (CLIVE STANDEN)

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The Parisians managed to keep the Vikings from getting into the city, but Ragnar was able to look upon the city. Rollo vowed that they would not make the same mistakes, and Ragnar was bound and determined to conquer it.

Blood falls on the ground, as Ragnar urinates. That's never a good sign. His men eat their meager rations, their a little down after their recent defeat. He heads to see Floki. He tells him that Bjorn is better, but Floki isn't. He doesn't understand why they failed, he did everything he could to ensure success. The others will try again in the evening.

Under the cover of night the shield maidens take to the water. The French stand guard, high on their walls. While the women swim in. It's dark and monotonous, and their taken by silent surprise with Lagertha leading the way. On silent feet they never see her approach as she slits their throats. And even when they finally come into the light, they're no match for her sword. The alarm is rung, and one maiden gets doused in oil. Lagertha pulls back out of the oil's path.

Princess Gisla passes out daggers to the ladies, warning them that the vikings are inside, and praying that the women are not captured.

The soldiers come at Lagertha and the others, firing arrows. The ladies have no place to run. Lagertha lights the oil, making smoke arise, which Ragna can see from the banks. On the other side, of the burning doors, the viking horde awaits. Lagertha opens the gates to them, and in they pour. The captain of the guard is ready for them though. He unleashes his roller of doom. A giant spiked roller heads straight for the viking army. Floki sees it first and retreats. The running commences, but a few cannot outrun the contraption, becoming skewered by the thing. It reaches its end, with the people still attached. Before the Parisians can pull it back, Rollo climbs over and blocks it from redeployment. The Vikings makes their way back towards them. The captain realizes what is going on with disgust. A knight comes to collect the princess, its no longer safe.

Ragnar pukes on the beach, having visions.

Lagertha enters the fight, slashing her enemies, Rollo cuts down any who cross his path.

The Emperor is apprised of the Vikings approach. The Captain wants him to come and walk among the soldiers, to give them hope and strength. He pleas with him, but the Emperor will not. He is a coward. The Captain tells him that his grandfather would have put on his armor and come. The Emperor points out that he is not like his grandfather, Charlemagne.

Lagertha pauses in her strikes to make sure that Kalf is with her. He is, and together they move forward. The Vikings close the gap between themselves and Paris.

The commander rallies his men, taking all who are left to battle, hoping that it is not too late. The death toll is huge with the Vikings trying to make it out of the tunnel. Floki calls to Rollo. They cannot get through, and Rollo calls for a retreat. He gets out as the bridge is being drawn up, but not everyone is so lucky. One Viking gets caught on the wrong side of the bridge, but his hostage saves him telling the Captain that he is a earl.

On the bank, Ragnar sees a familiar face come to greet him with an outstretched hand. Athelstan. He reaches out for the hand, and is struck across the palm. He lies in a pool of blood. Disappearing back with his God. Ragnar asks him not to abandon him, with Odin standing in the distance.

The wanderer is brought forward to the Emperor, as well as the Viking hostage. He speaks the language, and asks for mercy, he belongs to no country, only the world. He tells him that his prisoner is Earl Sigfried. The commander asks who the great warrior was, who stopped the spiked machine alone. He has never seen a man so brutal and powerful. The wanderer tells him that he speaks of Rollo, the brother of the King, a great warrior who fights like a crazed bear. The commander thinks that the man will be of good use to them. Princess Gisla asks of the Earl. The Commander thinks he can be bartered for, but she wants his head.

King Ecbert asked to see Judith, and she came. He asks of his grandsons, of Alfred. All are well. He tells her that his son is returning home, the mission in Mercia was successful. They're thankful, but it poses an issue. Ecbert tells her that there are some things that need to be said, and some that need to be understood. He has promised to protect her or her sons against anyone who may offer them injury. They both know what Athelswulf is capable of. His protection he freely offers, but he needs compensation. Judith is unclear.

A young man is brought before Queen Aslaug. A missionary has been in the marketplace denouncing their gods. She asks if it is true. It is. He calls them devils, says that they are deaf, dumb and blind. Alsaug sees what he is saying, but thinks that their gods are greater. He denounces her Gods in the meeting hall before all of Kattegat. She asks if he wants to test his faith, and see which is mightier. He will.

Aslaug begins her test. From the fires a piece of metal is taken and placed in the missonary's hands. He walks it over to her with no effect, letting it drop to her feet, his skin unmarred. But that was just a dream. In reality, when the rod is placed in his hands it burns, melting off the skin of his hands. He falls well before her feet screaming in pain.

Earl Sigfried is walked through the streets. He is brought before the princess and the Emperor for beheading. He does not mind dying, but he wants someone to hold his hair out of the way so that he can have a clean beheading. The wanderer translates. Sigfried lays his head upon the cutting block, a guard holds his hair. When the order is given to cut, he pulls back, and the guard's hand is severed off. Sigfried has a good laugh, and the wanderer has to hid his own laugh. Princess Gisla is not happy.

Judith comes back to see King Ecbert, all dressed in white. He muses over what might have been, and has been. Judith asks if the reward is what she thinks it is. He continues to talk in riddles to her, about passages not taken to the door. They're sometimes always here in the moment. Judith tells him that they're not always here, but they are now, she's not stupid. Ecbert finds theirs to be a strange God, and asks that she be his mistress. She accepts if he will protect her child.

Earl Sigfried's head sits upon a pike, he lost it in the end anyways. Princess Gisla walks the streets of her city, looking at the wounded, the sick and the young. There are many. The Commander tells her and the Emperor that many have succumbed to a mysterious sickness, but they're running out of fresh food, and are facing starvation. They may have repelled the pagans for now, but they have sustained many losses. He suggests that they reach a compromise. Princess Gisla pipes up, she thinks that this is a bad choice. They should give the Pagans no chance, they will be judged on their actions on judgment day. The Emperor will weigh both options to see what God would have him choose.

In the Viking camp, Ragnar is getting worse. He is sick.

Ecbert toasts his son, giving thank to God for his success and safety. Aethelwulf confesses that Queen Kwenthrith tried to ply him with her womanly wiles, but he refused her. King Ecbert congratulates his son on his high morals, and that his wife is likely happy as well. Judith is not a hypocrite, and would not voice it. Aethelwulf does not blame her for her relations with Athelstan, knowing that it was God's work, but there is something he needs to ask his father. He asks if he was prepared to let Kwenthrith secretly kill him as the price for Mercia. Ecbert tells him that he was not, and he's shocked by the accusation. No Saxon King has ever been able to hand over his kingdom successfully without violence to his son, and Ecbert plans to do just that to his son, not only the kingdom of Wessex, but also of England. Aethelwulf raises a toast to his loving father, as Judith eyeballs her unsuspecting husband.

The Vikings prepare to receive the french visitors. Their hostage has been returned, and is brought to Ragnar. He tells them that the French have come to negotiate, to end the siege. Rollo thinks that they can take the city, but Bjorn seems open to the ideal. The meeting will take place outside of the city walls, with no weapons. Bjorn tells the soldier that he will have his answer tomorrow, but Rollo takes back the wanderer. Lagertha does not want to make deals, but Bjorn points out that they have lost a great number of men, and winter is coming. Rollo sees their negotiating as weakness, they would not offer terms if they did not think that they could get into the city. Kalf guesses that they are running out of food, and another that they should let the people starve. Bjorn is quick to note that would make the people hate them more. They begin to bicker amongst themselves. Ragnar finally rises. He did not become Earl because he wanted to be one, but because of other people's actions. Also he did not become king because of ambition but because he had no choice, but because of other people's actions, but none the less he is King. He asks his son what a King does, and Bjorn answers that he rules. As king he has the last say. Everyone has had their own ideas to get into the city, and they have all failed. Ragnar falls into a coughing fit, spitting up blood everywhere. The discussion is over, they will meet the franks. He takes the traveler with him.

Aslaug nestles with her children in her keep. She takes Ivar cuddling him to bed. One of her guards asks what they should do with the Christian. Without a second thought she orders him to death.

Rollo comes to Lagertha, Kalf and the others. Ragnar has left to the meeting without them.

At the meeting, the French ask how much treasure Ragnar wants, to stop the siege on Paris. They communicate through the traveler. Ragnar stares at them. The commander throws out a number, suggesting that he take the offer since reinforcements are coming. Ragnar knows that there is no one coming. Ragnar seeks something more, something personal and precious to him. He wants to be baptized. The commander does not understand. Ragnar knows that he is dying, and when he dies, he wants to reunited with Athelstan who is in heaven. The bishop tells him that he will go to hell, not heaven. Ragnar drops his staff and gets nearly chest to chest with the bishop, stroking his cheek. That is not his decision to make. The Commander will make arrangements for the ceremony. Ragnar points out that they have a man of god, and a lake of water. He will do it and do it now. The bishop heads into the water, and begins the ceremony. The Vikings ride up as Ragnar is being baptized. Floki is utterly disgusted. Lagertha is upset by what she sees, but Ragnar is born again.

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Hard to believe that there are only two episodes left of VIKINGS Season 3! HISTORY’s hit drama series premieres episode 309 titled “Breaking Point” on Thursday, The Vikings have begun their attack on Paris, and with Ragnar finally beholding the city with his own eyes, he's not about to let up until that gleaming city is his. With only two episodes left, will there be time to take the city, or will Ragnar gamble his people's lives for nothing.

“Breaking Point” – Thursday, April 16 at 10 p.m.

The Vikings go all out for a second assault on Paris. Recognizing the desperate state of affairs for his city, Emperor Charles must make a difficult decision.  In Wessex, Judith is compelled to make a difficult decision of her own.

PROMO

PHOTOS

CLIP

VIKINGS ATTACK PARIS

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The people of Paris are scared, and they should be. Ragnar likes to get his way, and the Gods like to give it to him.

Floki does what he does best. He overlooks his creations, prepared to do what he needs to do. Ragnar watches too, as his people prepare for battle. He holds with him Athelstan's cross. The ships are mounted, supplies placed. Rollo's berserkers jacked. Bjorn leads his group, and everyone is off to take Paris by land and sea. Kalf and Lagertha prepare over land. The people of Paris rush into their fortress, but the gates are closed before they all make it inside.

In the gates the soldiers are prepared to do whatever needs to be done to stop them. They're ordered not to waste any bolts. They fire some warning shots at the group, and Lagertha brings the people to a halt.

The ships drawn closer.

Inside the keep, the soldiers prepare for war. Princess Gisla rushes to see the Viking horde approach by water.

Lagertha's people prepare their attack, bringing in c cover, and battering ram. Archers prepare, and the shield wall is raised as they wait for her signal.

Floki looks around, they're in place. He blows his horn.

Inside they know that the Vikings have arrived.

Lagertha moves her people forward. A few are taken down by arrows, many inside are also lost, but the battering ram moves forward.

Floki laughs gleefully as they draw nearer.

The gate is braced against the vikings battering.

The war ships have arrived. The archers take aim, but they take down few as they approach. The berserkers are ready, and headed in with Rollo in command. Ragnar, Bjorn and Floki head into battle. Where some fall, others pick up their shields and continue on.

The rams make no more progress, and Kalf calls a halt. He calls in the tools, and the larger spears come out.

It havoc as the archers pick off the men climbing the ladders. Floki tells them that the Gods are on their side, and yet, more and more fall.

Inside the walls, the Emperor sits on his throne in fear. Princess Gisla is shown a sacred banner, so sacred him and all his order would die for. She smiles, it will be the same for all of Paris. She brings it forward to priest in the catherdral, telling him to bless it to save all of Paris.

The walls are being breached, and the front gates pierced. The Captain of the guard rushes to see the walls, as the Vikings spill over. The French are no match for the ferocity of the Viking Horde. Princess Gisla rallies the men to battle, bringing her sacred banner, and having it raised. She tells them to be relentless to fight to the death. She's lit a fire in them, and the Vikings are beaten back.

The Spears pierce through the front gates, and the horses are brought in. They do their best to protect the horses, as many fall to arrows. The ropes are brought out next, and many more fall to get them delivered, but they are delivered. Between man power and horse power they work to bring down the gates.

Bjorn, Rollo, and Floki continue to send men up to their deaths, and there are many deaths. The dead are piling up. Floki begins to see the err of his plan. One scaffolding is covered in oil, and set on fire. Many die burning to death. Floki hides in an adjacent scaffolding cowering in fear, and Ragnar is not pleased at all to see his cowardice and failure.

Lagertha and Kalf's men finally pull the door open, and as they prepare to slaughter the French inside, they find nothing more than an empty corridor. That's never a good sign. The men are all amped up though and they surge ahead, passing up their leaders. They get to the end of the hall, and Kalf tries to stop Lagertha. When she won't stop, he knocks her out, and drags her out, right before the arrows start flying. Many of the other soldier's aren't so lucky, dying in the trap.

Ragnar watches his people burn. He sees his brother still coaxing people up the scaffolding to their death. Rollo sees Princess Gisla, like a beacon and he heads up himself. Bjorn sends more up, before going up himself. Ragnar sees his son, and rushes towards him. One fellow Viking gets shot on the way up, grabbing hold of Bjorn. Bjorn's grip begins to slip, and Bjorn rids himself of the baggage before continuing his ascent. Ragnar starts his own.

From his hiding spot Floki sees who's responsible for this failure, not him, but Athelstan. Even in death, he blames the priest. A wolf stands by the western door, they will all die, and he thinks that it is his fault that they will all die. Rollo makes it up the scaffolding, slashing everything in sight. Bjorn and Ragnar make it to the top as well, clearing out enemies in their path. Princess Gisla gets a good look at the beast Rollo. They make eye contact, right before his ladder is pushed. He bashes the heads of many, but they still manage to push the ladder back, and Rollo into the water. He goes under.

Ragnar fights his way towards Princess Gisla, when he gets a glimpse of the beauty of Paris on the other side of the wall. The French manage to push Ragnar over the edge. He bounces along the scaffolding and lands on the bodies of the dead. Ragnar is bloodied and beaten up, but he gets back up. He sees his son among the bodies, Bjorn has two bolts in his back, but he's not dead yet.

Floki sits in the burning scaffolding, having a little crisis. He has done everything he can to please the gods, he has made so many sacrifices and yet it is not enough. Floki raises his knife to his throat. The platform above gives way, and a man on fire falls through.

The Emperor comes to look on the fallen vikings in the gate trap, no longer cowering behind his metal mask. He no longer thinks that they're so frightening, they look almost human.

Mass is conducted for the people, and they applaud their Emperor's arrival. Princess Gisla returns with the sacred banner in her arms. She gives it back to the men of the cloth. She congratulates the Emperor on his victory, and the mass continues. Gisla is a little too smug.

There are numerous wounds to be mended. The Vikings have lost many. Helga tends those that she can. Ragnar drags his son back and everyone moves out of his way.

Above Kattegat, Poruun looks down over the village one last time before leaving.

Princess Aslaug finds the crying baby.

Lagertha rushes to her son's side, but there is no prognosis for him yet. She asks Ragnar what happened and he tells her that Bjorn was proving that you don't need a title to be a leader. Rollo rushes to his nephew's side. He thinks Ragnar should not have allowed him to climb the ladder. Bjorn was being a man, and Ragnar thinks that they should let him be one. Rollo saw how close they came, and next time they cannot make the same mistakes.

Floki stands with his body immersed in the water. Helga comes out to see what he is doing. Floki has come prepared to face the others. She wants to know why. He thinks that the gods have come to punish him. Everything he did, has done was for the Gods. Helga tells him that it is not all about him. She's unsure how she is suppose to live with what she knows. Floki doesn't want her to be angry with him. He's selfish, only thinking of himself. Floki denies it, frantic. He thinks about everyone in Mitgard. Helga leaves as Floki begs her to come back, but she doesn't heed his desperate cries.

Lagertha cleans up as Kalf comes to check on her. She's alive. He takes the cloth from her hand, and helps wash her. He knows that she wants to hate him, but can't. She's not sure she can't. He tells her that all he knows is that he desires her, wants to be with her. He kisses her, and she returns it for a moment, but is unsure she can believe him. She asks what if she accepts what he has to say, decides to be with him, but she will never forgive him for usurping her earldom, and one day she promises to kill him. If he can accept that condition, then they can be together. She kisses him, moves to undress him, but lets him decide if he can accept her offer. He can definitely accept her offer.

Bjorn wakes up to Ragnar peeing blood. Bjorn teases that he should have never called him that, Ironside, as if the gods are protecting him. The fact that he's still living should be proof enough. He lived through the battle. Bjorn only did what his instincts told him to do, he asks the next step. Before he makes any decisions he needs to speak to an old friend.

Ragnar heads out into the open, and calls to his old friend, hoping that he is not talking to himself. He wonders if he went too far with Floki, if Floki really thought he would let him lead without an agenda. Ragnar thinks that if he were Floki he should worry less about the Gods and more about the fury of man. Ragnar coughs up blood, never a good sign. He lies back on the ground. He wishes Athelstan were there, Paris is everything he told him it would be, and he is bound and more determined than ever to conquer it.

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Hope you have recovered from last week’s major shock! Saying goodbye is never easy, thank goodness there's still a few episodes to console you.

HISTORY’s hit drama series VIKINGS premieres episode 307 titled “Paris” on Thursday, April 2 at 10 p.m. 

  

“Paris” – Thursday, April 2 at 10 p.m.

The appearance of the Viking fleet causes panic among the population of Paris. The defence of Paris is in the hands of its Commander, Count Odo, who is confident that the city is prepared for the attack. The Emperor Charles, urged by his daughter Gisla, announces in Court he will remain in the city.  The Vikings establish camp downriver from the city and plan their attack. 

PROMO

https://youtu.be/jaofl9j7O10

CLIPS

COUNT ODO, EMPEROR CHARLES, PRINCESS GISLA

BATTLE PLANS

PHOTOS

Emperor Charles (played by Lothaire Bluteau)

Emperor Charles of France, played by Lothaire Bluteau

Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick) and Kalf (Ben Robson)

Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick), Erlendur, (Edvin Endre), and Kalf (Ben Robson) 

Lagertha (played by Katheryn Winnick), Erlendur, (Edvin Endre), and Kalf (Ben Robson)

Princess Gisla (Morgane Polanski)

Princess Gisla (Morgane Polanski)

Princess Gisla (Morgane Polanski)

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