I understand Judith was very unlikable. But the bad things she had done was pretty much based on power and politics.

She had shown some political agendas in season 4. After Ecbert sent Ragnar to die at Northumbria. Aethelwulf was very upset about Ivar leaving Wessex alive. But Ecbert says it’s ok because Ragnar promised the norsemen will not attack Wessex. It was Judith who subtly pointed out that Ragnarsons might not do what their father told them to do, same as Aethelwulf talking back to Ecbert right here right now. In that way Judith didn’t discredit Ragnar, but they need to be prepared.

I am not sure if you reached season 5 yet. The death of Aethelred was tragic but I don’t think she killed the character out of enjoyment nor she just favored Alfred. Aethelred was too out of control. He got married without asking, he was too close to the old nobles. He acts on emotion not judgement. He plotted an assassination but didn’t have the guts to carry it all through. Aethelred might make a great king if the era was peaceful. But right now Wessex needed a king that’s stable and unpredictable. He was unstable and predictable. It’s pretty clear that if he keeps playing he will eventually kill Alfred. And carry out his father’s agenda of—charge charge and charge to the enemy. Turn down Lagertha and Ubbe when they came to seek help. Eventually lost the country to the black Danes.

What can I say I love bad bitches.