This, my friends, is what we call "filler." 

While Vikings Season 5 Episode 3 did set the stage for things to come, it wasn't one of the most exciting installments. 

Sure, there was still a big battle, but when they happen every week, even they can get boring. 

The main development to take from it though, of course, is Hvitserk deciding to stay with Ivar instead of going with Ubbe. 

Ubbe is going to see that as a HUGE betrayal, and now the brothers are divided, which is not what Ragnar wanted for his sons. 

Ivar wasn't wrong when he said they shouldn't negotiate, but his ambition and desire to be the sole leader of the Great Heathen Army is tearing his family apart. Ubbe isn't much better, as he's just as unwilling to compromise.

Poor Hvitserk is constantly stuck in the middle. 

The Saxons lost the battle, but they have not yet lost the war. I would beware trying to negotiate with them.

Ivar

• Permalink: The Saxons lost the battle, but they have not yet lost the war. I would beware trying to...

I don't know what will result from Hvitserk siding with Ivar while Ubbe sails home, but I am willing to bet there will be some major ramifications. A civil war may be coming. 

Now THAT could be pretty darn exciting. 

Perhaps we will see Ubbe and Bjorn versus Ivar and Hvitserk? It would destroy everything the Vikings have been working so hard for, but it would be a lot of fun for viewers to witness. 

Who would win that scenario? 

I'm assuming Lagertha would throw herself into the mix on the side of Bjorn as well, and we know she's not a force to be reckoned with either. 

If it happens, there's going to be a lot of Viking blood spilled. 

As for that big battle and the results of Ubbe's failed attempt at negotiations, we can see that Bishop Heahmund is not exactly an order taker. He straight up ignored the wishes of his prince and went to town on Ubbe and Hvitserk all on his own. 

Will he face ramifications for that? 

He's an interesting character so far, and I'm looking forward to learning more about him. We've only gotten a taste of his capabilities. He will be a formidable foe for Ivar. 

Speaking of Ivar, he's almost starting to turn into a movie villain. 

With that hood over his head and that evil look in his eyes, was anyone else reminded of Anakin Skywalker from Revenge of the Sith? 

Ivar is about to go complete Darth Vader, guys. 

He looked like he was completely losing his mind just sitting there laughing, his face covered in blood, while a whole battle commenced around him. If he were going for an insanity plea in a trial, I would believe it. 

I don't really know what to make of Floki's storyline. 

He looks like he's losing his mind, which, honestly, he probably is due to starvation and dehydration. We haven't seen him find food yet and he's hallucinating pretty bad. 

It sure looks like it's all in his head, or at least it did until his hand somehow magically healed. What are we supposed to make of that?

Obviously, he's not actually in the land of the Gods like he thinks (I still maintain that he's in Iceland), but what the heck? Maybe he just hallucinated that his hand is healed, too. 

Hopefully, something more develops with him soon, because so far these little snippets of him wandering around like a lunatic are not really doing it for me. 

King Harald has now brought the kidnapped Astrid home to his kingdom. At first, she looked like she was getting pretty comfortable with the idea of being his queen, that is until he attempted to kiss her and she punched him in the face (go Astrid!).

Honestly, I have no idea what is going through her head right now. 

She could just be playing along, biding her time until she can come up with an escape plan, or perhaps she's waiting to be rescued by Lagertha. 

Or, there's a real possibility of Stockholm Syndrome taking place. 

Maybe she is enticed by the idea of someday being the queen of Norway, but for now, I want to believe she is still on Lagertha's side. From her current position, she could spy on him and bring back intel once she does escape or is rescued. 

What do you guys think? Will Astrid betray Lagertha, or will she stay true to her word that she'll never marry Harald? 

Are you guys excited by the possibility of a Vikings civil war?

Hit the comments with your thoughts!

Don't forget, you can always watch Vikings online anytime!

Stacy Glanzman was a staff writer for TV Fanatic. She retired in March, 2019.