"Vikings" creator Michael Hirst recently opened up on what fans can expect when the hit History channel series returns this fall. In a recent interview, Hirst revealed that viewers will get to see more of Ragnar (Travis Fimmel) and Rollo (Clive Standen) when Season 4 episode 11 airs.
Speaking to TV Insider, the showrunner shared that they originally treated the first half of "Vikings" Season 4 as a standalone arc. Hirst explained that they did not receive the order for 20 episodes from the network until later on. Much like in earlier seasons, the writers were expecting to wrap up the season with just 10 episodes. Hirst, however, explained that they wrote the story, thinking that they had to deliver something "significant" by the end of episode 10.
Hirst shared that the first half of "Vikings" season 4 was meant to focus on the ongoing battle between brothers Ragnar and Rollo. He pointed out that while Rollo was nothing like his brother, some of the viewers, including himself, cannot help but root for him in the end.
"When he's crowded as Caesar, it's like somehow, that's a good thing. He's earned that," he said.
Although the next half of "Vikings" Season 4 will most likely focus on Ragnar and his sons, Hirst hinted that fans will still get to see Rollo again. He pointed out that Standen's character was just too precious to lose. The showrunner explained that while the defeat in Paris marked quite a pivotal moment for the brothers that does not mean that it will be the end for Ragnar and Rollo.
Hirst, however, admitted that "Vikings" is not meant to focus on Ragnar's story alone. While Hirst had been very proud of how the character's story progressed over time, he explained that it was time for the viewers to get to know the sons a bit better.
"We're being intrigued by the sons, and we're being prepared for the fact that the sons are going to become the inheritors of Ragnar's kingdom and Ragnar's character. All of the sons have some parts of Ragnar's character inside them," he said.
Tune in for more "Vikings" Season 4 episode 11 spoilers and updates.