Ep 1. Brother's War

The episode "Brother's War" is the season two premiere of the historical drama series Vikings, which follows the legendary Viking warrior and ruler Ragnar Lothbrok, portrayed by Travis Fimmel, as he leads his people on raids and battles to expand their territory and influence.

The episode picks up shortly after the events of the season one finale, with Ragnar returning home to Kattegat after a successful raid on England, accompanied by his wife Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick), brother Rollo (Clive Standen), and best friend Floki (Gustaf Skarsgård). However, their homecoming is not a peaceful one, as they find themselves caught in a power struggle between two of Ragnar's former allies: his co-leader in the raid, Jarl Borg (Thorbjørn Harr), and his old friend and mentor, King Horik (Donal Logue).

As the episode title suggests, the conflict at the heart of the story is a "brother's war" between Ragnar and Rollo. Rollo is jealous of his brother's growing influence and success, and sees an opportunity to prove his own worth by siding with Jarl Borg against Ragnar and Horik. The tension between the two brothers is palpable throughout the episode, as they exchange heated words and glares, and Rollo begins to make moves behind the scenes to undermine Ragnar's leadership.

Meanwhile, Jarl Borg arrives in Kattegat with a fleet of ships and a troupe of warriors, demanding a share of the spoils from the recent raid. Ragnar initially tries to smooth things over with his former ally, but it quickly becomes clear that Jarl Borg has other plans. He challenges Ragnar to a duel to the death, with the winner taking all the spoils and the loser forfeiting his life. Ragnar, never one to back down from a fight, accepts the challenge, and the two face off in an intense and brutal battle.

Throughout the episode, there are also several subplots and character arcs that add depth and complexity to the story. Lagertha, still reeling from the loss of her unborn child, must confront her own mortality when she is attacked by a stranger in the night. Floki, meanwhile, struggles with the guilt and grief of his recent actions, and seeks solace in his faith and his relationship with Ragnar.

Overall, "Brother's War" is a gripping and action-packed episode that sets the stage for the season to come. The conflict between Ragnar and his rivals is heightened by the personal animosity between him and his own brother, and the stakes are raised even further by the high-risk gamble of the duel. The strong performances from the cast, especially Fimmel and Standen, help to anchor the episode and keep the audience invested in the characters' fates. Fans of the series will be eager to follow the rest of Ragnar's journey as he navigates the treacherous waters of Viking politics and warfare.