The Real Reason George Blagden Left Vikings

Sometimes on a TV series, an abrupt character departure signals acrimony behind the scenes. This was not the case on Vikings, however. Creator Michael Hirst, who also penned the teleplay for "Born Again," is apparently loath to keep characters around after their arcs have reached a natural and satisfying conclusion.

Blagden recalled to EW the moment Hirst notified him that Athelstan's journey would be coming to an end at some point during season 3. "I remember the moment, actually! I was driving up to my mum and dad's house in Yorkshire," the actor explained. "I got an email whilst in the car from Michael Hirst. It's not often that you get an email from Michael in between seasons. I pulled over and thought, 'This is probably quite important, I should read it.'

"Lo and behold, it was a five-page email. [laughs] He explained his desire to kill Athelstan in season 3. He was very passionate in writing for television about not overextending character arcs. The worst thing you can do for a character is make it try and exist past the point where it needs to. He felt it was the moment, this midpoint in season 3. I totally agreed with everything he said in his lovely email. How he's progressed through the start of season 3 with Athelstan, it feels like a perfect moment."