Vinland Saga 1x22 Reaction
and for the 7th time this season i say this is the best episode
Comments (22)
Really been looking forward to seeing this reaction. What a great episode. Nothing Askeladd says here excuses the horrible things he’s done of course, but that’s just it. He *knows* that. It’s why he hates himself. He has no illusions about who he is or what he has done. He is really no better than his own father or all the other Danes he hates so much. After all, he’s just a Viking. But it’s that acknowledgment and understanding coming from Askeladd that makes him so interesting. Thorfinn, in contrast, hasn’t thought about his own actions and what they have helped to cause at all. He can’t let himself. So he’s become very stagnant, to the point where his obsession with killing Askeladd doesn’t even help him improve his fighting abilities anymore.
The show is phenomenal from episode one but it really is astonishing how packed the last third or so of season 1 is with all time great episodes. I stopped trying to pick a favorite around this point lol. Every turn in the story and bit of character development just feels so perfect that it's actually deeply satisfying to me despite how emotionally devastating it all is.
Askeladd is my favorite character and I don’t care that he’s bad, he’s good imo but not in a way I can defend him. lol I’m tired of denying his greatness he literally has the best character arc and story this season. 10/10 maybe. Sorry I have no shame in simping for Askeladd.
Product of the times though. Thorkell definitely has a higher kill count. I think people don’t like how calculating and personal he is versus Thorkells way of an unbiased killing machine you meet on the battlefield
When Bjorn said he wanted to be Askeladd’s friend and Askeladd actually seemed to be saddened by it and said you are my only friend. To me it felt like one of the few genuine moments from Askeladd. Even if he didn’t mean it or if he did he still very clearly seemed to have a strong relationship with Bjorn compared to the rest of the group. I also think it shows in that he was just full of nothing afterwards or maybe anger idk, but he felt different afterwards when he looked at Thorfinn he looked quite terrifying if you rewatch that scene. Also something Askeladd didn’t need to do at all because why bother is actually picking up Bjorn’s corpse and probably burying it somewhere. We saw him pick Bjorn up so we can assume he did that. I mean there are plenty of more examples and my point is with bringing some up that while Askeladd 100% is a bad man who has done horrible things (at least by looking from our standards today) he is more grey as a character imo. This is because he has sparks of humanity in him and emotion for things. We know he despises slavery because of his mother as well. I see him as someone I just can’t hate even tho I should because of how complex he is as a character but hey maybe that’s just me. Sry for the long comment I just randomly felt I wanted to share how I saw this entire episode regarding Askeladd and the fact that he took the time to bury Bjorn. Basically why I think Askeladd is the greatest. lol If anyone else disagrees with something above I’d love to hear your thoughts.
I'm sure he's not everyone's favorite, because ultimately "favorite" is dependant on your emotional response, which is different for each person, but I don't think you'd really find anyone disagreeing with you. Of course, his actions are even worse when judged by modern standards, but the thing is that even within the moral code the show itself establishes, hell even within Askeladd's OWN moral code, his actions are horrible and irredeemable. But there's no doubting the humanity and nuance buried under all his horribleness, and this creates intrigue, which makes just about every line and action from Askeladd incredibly insightful. So at the very least, I'd say he's the most nuanced, complex character, and the most interesting one to watch. Plus, he's very charming and clever, and can be pretty funny at times as well. So on both a deep character level and a pure entertainment level, he's all I could ask for from a character.
I'm new to the channel... is there ever double drops?? No worries if there isn't. People always get mad when I ask. Love the reactions and honestly one of the best reviewers and discussions. Thank you so much
nah, no double drops for them. they dont do those unfortunately. they drop twice a week though, just not altogether or double drop
What a gorgeous episode. Askeladd gets his backstory (which parallels Thorfinn’s) and Thorfinn finally realizes the depth of what he’s been doing. It’s such a perfect transition into the absolutely perfect episodes that are 23 and 24. If I could describe this whole franchise with one word it would be “beautiful”. It’s insane how a story that has a man throwing entire tree trunks and sniping people with a spear can still manage to feel so real and grounded when it needs to be.
Unbelievable that y’ll almost done with season 1. Season 2 started great. Fist episode is a chef’s kiss. Although I recommend avoiding the opening just for the first episode if you guys want to have a experience closer to manga readers. You can watch the opening for the rest of the episodes, is just that the first episode has a key detail that the opening reveals.
"I'm just a viking" gives me chills everytime.
watch the dub for this episode specifically.. the dialogue hits better
In a show with so many complex and well written characters, thorfinn is so simple and one dimensional. But somehow it truly works for story. Yes it is frustrating at times to see thorfinn like this but as lola said little empathy truly makes frustration disappear. Although to me Askeladd gave vibe that he's not mad at thorfinn, he is just feeling disappointed that son of Thors became this. Although Askeladd played an active role in bringing Thorfinn to this place(for both better and worse)
I really like what you said about Thorfinn, he's grown physically but mentally he hasn't moved from that moment watching his father die! Ooft In saying that, I don't think he understands yet who Thors was as a person. All he knows is he was a great warrior and honorable man. He doesn't understand the meaning behind "no one has any enemies, a true warrior needs no sword" So maybe deep down but definitely on the surface he doesn't realize he's going against Thors wishes
God I need this reaction lol. Been watching that Dahmer Netflix series this past week and my mind is in shambles lol
Correction: there are going to be 24 episodes in season 2
The Best Episode Part 3 Part 2
Askeladd gave Thorfinn a reality check
I think you'll be saying it another 2 times this season
This one's my personal favorite.
Ohhh I literally couldn’t wait for this episode !
Placing money down they go into shock after the next two episodes