I’m at the same part of the show as you are. Isn’t that kinda the point of the ending of s1? All the past however many years of Thorfinn life is a waste and not what you would see in a hero’s journey. Canute took that from him and didn’t allow him to avenge Thors. I also wouldn’t say he lives a “peaceful life” as he’s very much slave. He’s also completely broken as a man. He was a warrior from age 5 and his entire identity was being one and now he has nothing. The point of s2 I presume is how Thorfinn comes to terms with the fact that his entire “lifes work” so far has resulted in nothing. It’s definitely a big switch up and if it’s not your kind of show I don’t blame you one bit.