S4E20
The Reckoning
⚠ Spoiler alert This recap gives away what happens in this episode.
Episode Summary & Review
Summary
Prince Aethelwulf finds himself subject to the Vikings’ battle master plan; Ecbert remains behind with a plan of his own.
Our Take
The battle sequences here actually deliver, with Aethelwulf getting humiliated in a way that’s satisfying to watch even if his tactical blunders strain believability. Ecbert scheming from the sidelines is the real draw, and Linus Roache plays the smugness perfectly. Some of the Viking victory feels too easy, but the pacing keeps you from dwelling on it.