The first time we met Kalf, he was a close ally to Lagertha.
They had a teasing, trusting chemistry.
On this weeks episode ofVikings, Kalf finally popped the question.
Credit: Bernard Walsh/History
Much had changed in the interim.
Kalf betrayed and usurped Lagertha and then saved her life in Paris.
They became lovers, and then co-Earls a regime-sharing system that led Kalf to betray his fellow usurpers.
Jonathan Hession/History
(Kalfwasstill trying to kill Lagerthas son.
We talked to actor Ben Robson about what led Kalf to this moment.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Did Kalfs death surprise you?
Bernard Walsh/History
BEN ROBSON:Kalfs destiny was very much defined by his actions.
When he did usurp Lagertha, there were consequences.
I think [Vikingscreator Michael Hirst] wrote an incredible arc for Kalf.
He was subservient and loyal to Lagerta.
I think he underestimated the betrayal of what he did.
He felt that they found a level playing ground to carry on forward with.
What is Kalf feeling as Lagertha stabs him?
You could read his dying expression in so many ways.
A whole range of emotion!
The beginning of that day, in his mind, hes marrying the girl that hes totally besotted with.
He proved himself to be a man by being an equal in Paris and saving her life.
People now respect him for being Earl Kalf, rather than being subservient to Lagertha.
He just wanted to be known as man.
He came from a poorer background than the others.
This is everything he wanted in his life.
And hes gonna marry the woman hes been in love with since forever.
All the way through it, he wants to enjoy every last breath of her.
Everything else is not important at that point.
He just wants to look at her and take her in.
Or rather, do you think, as he dies,hefeels hes going to Valhalla?
At that point, he wanted to die on a battlefield with the whole Viking kingdom behind him.
Having a huge death, which would be glorified.
I think Paris changes him, to a certain extent.
It makes him realize how much Lagertha meant to him.
Which would mean he was recognized by the gods.
So, I definitely think hes in Valhalla.
