'Vikings' Season 6 preview: Be ready to weep, as tears are promised and prophecies fulfilled when History's show wraps up
From farmers to conquerors to rulers to kings, Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel) and his family has come a long way since season 1 of 'Vikings,' and even after the protagonist's death in season 4, the legacy continued into season 5. Now with season 6 slated to premiere this year, the story of Ragnar and his sons will wrap up for good and there's so much to look forward to especially after the death-dealing showdown between Ragnar's eldest son and his youngest - Bjorn Ironside (Alexander Ludwig) vs. Ivar the Boneless (Alex Høgh Andersen).
The transition of History Channel's flagship show from Ragnar Lothbrok's story to that of his sons was rather smooth and gradual, the protagonist's sudden departure did not adversely affect the viewers. In fact, it only proved that the deep-set characters have so much more to share. But Michael Hirst is done narrating the story of Ragnar and his sons.
In Hirst's recent interview he said; "I always knew where I wanted the show to go and more or less where it would end if I was given the opportunity. What I was trying to do was write the saga of Ragnar Lothbrok and his sons. After six seasons and 89 episodes, that’s what I felt — finally — I’d done." He added that he had said all he needed to say about Ragnar and his sons, concluding he has "no reason to want to continue it beyond that."
Norsemen lick your wounds now. But never forget. The war is not over ⚔️ Season VI of #VIkings coming to @HISTORY soon, #ShieldGeeks pic.twitter.com/i2nHvh3tIS
— #Vikings (@HistoryVikings) January 31, 2019
Now that fans know that the upcoming installation will be the final one here's all you can expect from Vikings season 6.
The good news is that like season 5, season 6 will be 20 episodes long divided into two parts. "There are 20 new episodes to come. We visit three new worlds in those episodes, we go through great tragedies and great heroism, and if you have tears to weep be prepared to weep them as you watch Season 6. I’m very proud of the show. I did what I wanted to do, that’s the truth," Hirst told Variety.
Among the new worlds mentioned, Rus and China are pretty much guaranteed since Hirst said in an old interview; "I’m writing season six now and they’re in the Silk Road. They’re trading with the Russians, going to China, they’re all around the Mediterranean. And it’s actually what happened."
But fans are speculating that Ubbe will head to North America, thanks to a leaked picture of the shooting, where actor Jordan Smith is seen filming with a bald eagle. "It appears that Ubbe will eventually reach North America. Bald Eagles can only be found in the United States and Canada. I’m really hoping that we’ll see some Viking vs Native American action," a Reddit user wrote.
Another major expectation when it comes to 'Vikings' are the unforeseen deaths. It is granted that the Seer's pending prophecies will come to fulfillment in the final installation, so we may have to say goodbye to some of our major and beloved characters including Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick).
But as the trailer showed, the leading shieldmaiden will be there for the first half of the season and the actress herself has directed some of the season's episodes. Besides death, we will meet a couple of new characters including Oleg the Prophet, played by Danila Kozlovsky.
Season 6's airdate hasn't been announced yet but many anticipate that it's going to debut sooner than expected since Katheryn Winnick posted an Instagram story of her binging on season 6 with her name under the "Director" credit.