Is King Ragnar Lothbrok about to be dethroned in History’s “Vikings”?
In “Promised,” debuting at 10/9c March 17 on History, Danish King Harald Finehair and his brother, Halfdan the Black, begin to make trouble in the Kattegat community.
Alexander Ludwig, who plays Ragnar’s son, Bjorn, told me during a recent interview that Harald (Peter Franzen) and Halfdan (Jasper Paakkonen) are definitely a threat to Ragnar and Bjorn.
“They’re two of my favorite new characters on the show,” Ludwig said. “They’re just such a great addition. They really bring the Viking ethic—their ruthlessness—back that I never want our show to lose.”
Related: Alexander Ludwig on Bjorn’s future and the bear fight
King Harald doesn’t secretly plot against Ragnar. As you can see in the video teaser above, the Danes question Floki (Gustaf Skarsgard) about why he’s on the outs with Ragnar. Helga (Maude Hirst) is fearful such talk will further damage Floki’s standing, even though Queen Aslaug (Alyssa Sutherland) has asked Floki to teach her son the true Viking ways.
Harald is very honest about what he wants, Ludwig said, to rule all the Vikings near and far.
“He basically tells Ragnar, ‘This is what I want, just so you know,’ ” he added. “That’s a great storyline, to have somebody like that; it’s very exciting.”
The new episode also promises to reveal one of Ragnar’s darkest secrets, which he will share with the slave he has freed, Yidu (Dianne Doan).
Related: Dianne Doan woos a Viking king
Plots and betrayals are running rampant in “Promised.” In Paris, Count Odo (Owen Roe) is challenged by someone he trusted. Ans in Wessex, King Ecbert (Linus Roache) agrees to support Queen Kwenthrith in Mercia
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 (Amy Bailey) in Mercia, but can she trust him?
Meanwhile in Hedeby, Kalf (Ben Robson) and Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick) further solidify their relationship. But can Kalf be trusted?
Related: Ben Robson’s calculating Kalf
Tune in at 10/9c March 17 on History.