"Mercenary" for VIKINGS

Article originally published as VIKINGS Review Season 3 Episode 1 Mercenary on Seat42F.

The History channel’s VIKINGS returns for a third season tonight, and boy does it start off on a high note! Ragnar’s (Travis Fimmel) people are anxious to get back to England, and as spring approaches, their King sets sail for the more civilized land. Upon arrival, King Ecbert (Linus Roache) does give them the farmland promised, but he also has a favor to ask, and his eye is on one of the savages.

The season premiere, titled “Mercenary,” really highlights the differences between the English and the Vikings. The English naturally think they are better than the non-Christians, assuming that since the Vikings don’t pray to the same savior, they are unevolved. We can see at a dinner held that these Englishmen consider themselves above the others, and feel they are manipulating them to their advantage. The Vikings, for their part, have their own gods and beliefs, as we see when Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick) consults The Seer (John Kavanagh) at the start of the hour, and think the English ways are stuffy and ridiculous. The warriors feel they know better, and are only willing to help the English in as much as it suits them.

This is obviously heading for a serious split, but that doesn’t come in “Mercenary.” Instead, Ecbert’s people are united with Ragnar’s in helping Princess Kwenthrith (Amy Bailey) win back her crown. Thus, Ecbert’s English benefit from the Vikings’ tactics when the large battle late in the episode comes to a head, the Vikings showing a different stripe than either group of English, who operate by tradition and ceremony, expect.

The battle is probably my favorite part of “Mercenary.” It’s intriguing to examine the differences in the people and the personal drama going on, but sometimes bloody sword battles are most welcome. After a slow burn through much of the episode, it feels earned when the forces finally engage.

There is an interesting moment at the end where Ragnar’s face turns unexpectedly. If you haven’t watched the episode yet, you’ll see what I mean when you get to it. It makes me wonder how happy he is. He clearly isn’t well-suited to be King; he likes the power, but not necessarily the responsibility or airs. But there’s a bit where he might finally see himself as the English do, he always being particularly empathetic towards others, and it begs the question, how much will Ragnar change? In the past, he’s only been willing to go so far, but as VIKINGS pushes on, that could shift, for better or for worse.

Ragnar isn’t the only restless one in “Mercenary.” Athelstan (George Blagden) might not be satisfied with his position. He gets quite chummy with Ecbert, and while he expresses continued loyalty to Ragnar, his interests are starting to seem divided. It makes sense for him to want to go back to his people, especially when he’s made to feel needed and accepted by the king.

And there are others feeling off. Floki (Gustaf Skarsgard) is much displeased to be with wife (Maude Hirst) and child at home, feeling things are too peaceful and happy, thus luring him into getting too comfortable. Bjorn (Alexander Ludwig) isn’t too pleased that his woman of choice, Porunn (Gaia Weiss), takes after his mother, not content to stay at home, instead riding into battle alongside him. Aslaug (Alyssa Sutherland) doesn’t look too happy to see Ragnar sailing off with his ex, Lagertha, as she stays behind with a crippled child that is a source of discord in their marriage.

Aslaug needn’t worry, as Lagertha stays behind when Ragnar goes to war, and seems to have a new love interest in King Ecbert. Ecbert likely doesn’t understand the shield maiden, no matter what he thinks, and I don’t see any lasting union between them. But it’s a fun little side story, and it likely will be enough to distract her as a turncoat, Kalf (Ben Robson, Dracula: The Dark Price), prepares to betray her.

“Mercenary” has a lot going on, and while there are slow parts, especially early in the hour, overall this installment holds up to the quality storytelling one expects from Vikings. It may not be historically accurate, not surprising, given how few formal records were kept of these people, but it is entertaining. The world of the show is ever-changing and expanding, and that only draws viewers deeper into the action.

Vikings airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET on History.

"Prayer" for VIKINGS

Article first published TV Review: 'Vikings' - 'The Lord's Prayer' on Blogcritics.

History’s Vikings tied up its second season recently with “The Lord’s Prayer.” Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel) is finally home, surrounded by his loved ones, the raiding and wars taking a pause. However, it’s in his own village, the place where he feels most safe and comfortable, in which the most deadly danger may lie. His ally, King Horik (Donal Logue) has grown jealous of Ragnar’s expanding power, and working with a couple of those closest to Ragnar, decides to remove a potential rival for good.

King Horik’s turn is disappointing, but not unexpected. Horik is always weary of those who threaten his position, and Ragnar, a lowly earl, is respected and listened to more than Horik. Horik has become the junior partner in their arrangement, and that’s not a position Horik wants to be in. Viking society is brutal and bloody, a structure built on strength, and Horik does what any viking king would in his position – he tries to murder Ragnar and all his heirs (to prevent anyone seeking revenge or rallying people around a martyr in the future).

Unfortunately for Horik, he underestimates Ragnar, and it’s Horik and his family who end up slaughtered. Horik should know better, having spent extended amounts of time with Ragnar. While Horik doesn’t understand Ragnar very well, he has seen what Ragnar can accomplish, and what happens to those who don’t grant Ragnar the respect he has earned. It is understandable that Horik makes this fatal mistake, but it’s also one that, in retrospect, he should have been prepared for.

The one character that has been feeling inconsistent to me lately is Floki (Gustaf Skarsgård). Floki is a most loyal friend to Ragnar in season one, but in the second year, he inexplicably pulls away, cozying up to Horik instead. As I watched “The Lord’s Prayer,” I was already writing the review paragraph in my head arguing that Floki’s turn could be explainable, but without his motivations explored, feels weak. And then, Vikings reveals that Floki has never shifted loyalties, simply acting as a spy for Ragnar, which explains why Ragnar has not moved to save or severe his ties to Floki.

This does succeed at truly surprising, as does the fake death of Torstein (Jefferson Hall) and the loyalty of Siggy (Jessalyn Gilsig). Siggy will sway whichever way the wind blows, or so I surmised, so she either knows about Ragnar’s plans to stop Horik, or she has more moral fiber than I give her credit for, staying true to her people rather than taking Horik’s bribe. Either way,  I appreciate the writing and plot structure Vikings delivers in its finale, as well as keeping the tale at home, among the major players, rather than abroad.

One of the best scenes in this adrelaine-charged episode is when Ragnar quietly prays with Athelstan (George Blagden). Ragnar’s curiosity for all things outside of his frame of reference is one of his greatest assets, and his friendship with Athelstan, a foreigner himself, is touching. Seeing the two of them together here, after Athelstan finally returns to the fold, is a moving moment.

It also must be said that the strange dynamic between Ragnar, his current wife, Aslaug (Alyssa Sutherland), and his ex-wife, now an earl herself, Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick), is somehow working. Lagertha is right to go away initially, not being the type of share her man quietly. But after some bad experiences in the outside world, she returns to the man who is (mostly) good to her. She may not share Ragnar’s bed any longer, but is as important to him as ever. I’ll bet there will be some more development for her next season, and it could go any number of different ways.

One thing that may be lacking in season two is the death of a main character. Vikings is a very action-intensive show, and people are frequently killed. Season one is full of that, including when Ragnar unseats his predecessor. Season two dances around it, with Torstein’s fake and Rollo’s (Clive Standen) grievous injuries, but never goes there. In a series of this nature, it feels inauthentic that all of the major parts should continue year after year, and if no one perishes in season three (Siggy and Rollo probably being the most expendable at this point), the danger of the series may start to bleed away.

Still, for a show that teaches loose history loosely, Vikings continues to deliver as a compelling, interesting, informative adventure week after week. I am surprised that History Channel’s first foray into scripted programming is doing so well, but I admit really getting into this show, even forgetting about the uneven accents in most installments. I look forward not only to the further telling of Ragnar’s story, but also the next project History launches.

Vikings has been renewed and will return in 2015.

Invaded By VIKINGS

Article first published as Blu-ray Review: 'Vikings - The Complete First Season' on Blogcritics.

The History Channel is not known for doing scripted fare, having barely aired any, so it was with hesitance I checked out its first drama series, Vikings, last spring. The show, which follows real-life legend Ragnar Lodbrok (Travis Fimmel, The Beast) and his family and friends, exaggerated for both effect and because the Vikings didn’t keep good records, so the actual events are somewhat disputed, is quite good. It has action and violence, sure, but also character development, questions of morality in a different time and place, and some really surprising twists. The Complete First Season was recently released on Blu-ray and DVD.


Ragnar himself is a hero, loyal to his friends, but with a bit of a selfish, caddish quality to him, disobeying the orders of his leader Earl Haraldson (Gabriel Byrne, In Treatment). The Earl would like Ragnar to continue to sail west, as their people have done for awhile now, but Ragnar complains that the west has been stripped barren and would like to go east, into the unknown. Ragnar secretly commissions his eccentric pal Floki (Gustaf Skarsgard, Evil) to build a boat, gathers some followers, and heads east, anyway.

There are repercussions for Ragnar’s actions; he isn’t allowed to just go ahead and defy Earl Haraldson. Yet, Ragnar is also right, the kingdoms of England are ripe for looting, which we see when Ragnar lands in King Aelle’s (Ivan Kaye, The Borgias) territory. And so, an epic showdown is set for the two great men, Ragnar and Haraldson, which comes to a head even before the end of the season.

Vikings is very fast-paced. Besides the struggles with Haraldson and the battles with Aelle, we are also introduced to King Horik (Donal Logue), who rules over the various Earls, and Ragnar travels to the land of another Earl, as well as his people’s religious temples. This, in only nine episodes.

All of this travel means lots of settings, which makes the show feel very big. The landscapes, filmed in Ireland, are absolutely gorgeous and timeless, with the buildings detailed and perfectly fitting into the wilderness. Add to this elaborate costumes and Vikings is a visually amazing production.

Which is why I recommend going for the Blu-ray version. In the dark, rainy scenes, or the murky halls lit only by fire, you’re going to want that extra crispness to really see what’s going on. Plus, it allows you to be impressed with all of the work that went into fully realizing this world. Sound is not as vital, with the soundtrack appropriate, but not itself usually stand-out. However, it’s well mixed, and hearing dialogue amidst the cacophony of other noises is not difficult.

There is also a lot of personal and family exploration. Ragnar is married to a warrior named (Katheryn Winnick, Bones), with whom he squabbles, but loves deeply. They have two children, Bjorn (Nathan O’Toole, The Borgias) and Gyda (Ruby O’Leary), the latter of which is a gentle soul, and the former wants to take after his parents. Ragnar also has a brother, Rollo (Clive Standen, Camelot), who sticks by his sibling, but also may not be entirely satisfied in a subservient role. Further complicating matters, Rollo is in love with Earl Haraldson’s wife, Siggy (Jessalyn Gilsig, Glee).

Perhaps the most interesting part in the show is that of Athelstan (George Blagden). A priest Ragnar captures on a raid, Athelstan becomes part of Ragnar’s family as a slave who begins to question his own faith. Athelstan is the window into this strange world; will he be able to make a life among the savages?

The acting isn’t bad. At times it gets a little flat and cheesy, and there is never a consistent accent for the Vikings themselves, even sometimes among the same character. Yet, for the most part, I found it a thoroughly enjoyable, engrossing world. Vikings isn’t a completely realistic take on things, anyway, with supernatural elements, mostly involving The Seer (John Kavanagh, The Tudors), and this allows a little leeway in the believability of the players, too.

The three-disc set has the sort of special features you might expect for a series television Blu-ray. There are deleted scenes and commentaries on some of the episodes, of course. Every episode offers an extended version, but don’t seem to be much longer than the aired versions. There are also a few featurettes. My favorite is “Birth of the Vikings,”  a 20-minute look at the making of the show. It includes interviews with many of the key people in the production, and a discussion on how the show came together.

Vikings: The Complete First Season is available now.

Vikings has arrived

Article first published as VIKINGS Review on Seat42F.

Grade: 92%

History Channel enters the foray of original series with VIKINGS, premiering this Sunday, March 3rd at 10 p.m. ET. Set in Scandinavia during medieval times, around 800 A.D., the show follows real-life Viking, and subject of myth and lore, Ragnar Lodbrok (Travis Fimmel, The Beast), as he challenges what he considers an unfit ruler and expands the reach of his people.

The show opens at the end of a great battle, with Ragnar and his brother, Rollo (Clive Standen, Camelot), surveying the bodies on the battlefield. I do think it’s a little unrealistic when a thrown spear easily impales one would-be escapee. However, this scenes does a good job setting a tone of the series, and showcasing its hero in a great light.

In fact, this first episode is a lot of setup. Ragnar sits in council with his fellow Vikings, argues with his lord, consults a seer, visits a shipbuilder, and has sex with his wife, all to demonstrate what type of person he is, presenting various facets of his life. A good pilot introduces us to the protagonist, and over the course of the hour, viewers will get a real measure of what kind of man Ragnar is, a smart, ambitious, brave one, and what he has set his sights on.

Which is not to say that the episode is boring; quite the opposite. It may be a setup, but it’s also well made, and extremely interesting. The world the Vikings inhabit, as well as their morals and values, are quite a bit different than those of modern society. We are given a crash course, seeing the power struggles and their version of justice in action. Yet, there is movement enough in the plot to stay interesting.

Lest anyone worry these strange people will feel unrelatable to modern audiences, Ragnar’s family is given central standing, too. His wife, Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick, Bones) is a fierce shield maiden, unafraid to show her husband affection, fend off two would-be rapists, and use a loom. But when she overrules Ragnar and makes their son, Bjorn (Nathan O’Toole, The Borgias), go to bed, even though Bjorn has just been made a man at the tender age of twelve by their people, it demonstrates that as much as things change, they also stay the same.

I am not familiar with Viking culture, so I cannot say how historically accurate VIKINGS is, but it certainly looks good. Filmed in Ireland, the sweeping scenery is impressive, and the buildings, costumes, and tools used look like they are from an earlier time period. It’s a little like Game of Thrones, and while maybe not at the same level of quality, not to mention comprising a much smaller cast, it’s similar enough that it’s likely to pick up some of the same audience, as long as they can be made aware that it’s airing.

Ragnar himself is the stuff of conflicting legend, and because of that, we can only guess at where the story is going. Sure, he and Rollo will sail east on a ship built for them by the odd and brilliant Floki (Gustaf Skarsgard, Evil), off to raid England and other new lands. And the current lord, Earl Haraldson (Gabriel Byrne, In Treatment), will clash with our hero, proving to be a dangerous foe. But will see Ragnar eventually become king? Will we see his sons grow up to be warriors in their own right? Will we see his eventual death? Until more episodes air, it’ll be difficult to judge what kind of pacing the series’ writers intend to go for in these first nine episodes, let alone over the span of years, should the series prove to be a success.

VIKINGS not only looks good, but it’s also well written. As stated, the pilot really gives us a feel for the time period, locale, and the primary characters, but I also feel that even the supporting players give off a sense of completeness, rounding out the world, making it seem authentic. Haraldson may be evil, but we see his sweet wife, Siggy (Jessalyn Gilsig, Glee), and a flashback to the death of his sons, and realize that there’s a story behind every action and motivation. The acting excellently conveys this mission, and I am already eager to watch the next installment.

My only real complaint is about the accents affected by the various characters. The episode begins with subtitles, with is cool, but I’m glad they fade away relatively quickly. However, each performer has a different take on what a Viking’s English should sound like, and even among each individual, looked at separately, that take does not seem to be consistent throughout the episode. Ah, well. Nothing can be perfect, and accents aren’t so important, especially when the thing wouldn’t have unfolded in English in the real world, anyway.

I have to be honest, I was skeptical to hear History Channel was dipping its toe into historical fiction. But if this is an example of what they have in store, teaching us about a culture and lesser-known hero in such a high quality way, I hope VIKINGS is only the first of many such tales.