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The world of the Vikings is brought to life through the journey of Ragnar Lothbrok, the first Viking to emerge from Norse legend and onto the pages of history – a man on the edge of myth.
I must admit first of all that I had not seen “Vikings” before. I had heard of it from some of my friends, who are into the whole Live Action Role Play (LARPing,) that it is a must see. I, myself, was in the cast of Scarborough Faire Renaissance Festival for three years so the historical drama genre is much to my liking. For those who want history, this is much more drama than history. It’s a story of family power struggles set in the time of vikngs rule.
Starting Thursday, Feb. 18th 10/9c, “Vikings” returns for its fourth season. It is quite obviously a popular show as The History Channel upped its episode request by 25% this season with a total of 20 episodes. Beginning Feb. 18th, a new episode will air every Thursday for ten weeks with the remaining episodes to air later in the year.
I watched the season premiere without binge-watching any of the first three seasons because I just wanted to see the show for what the show was worth. And it is worth it. Michael Hirst’s script was such that even without the history of three seasons of character development, I knew who these people were and got a glimpse of their place in the intrigue of the story. Hirst is the creator, executive producer and sole writer for this series. It is his story to do with as he likes. Not having to pander to other people’s visions of what should happen or what might make for ‘good TV’ has kept this story true and seeing that THC ordered more shows for this season, it works.
For those who don’t know or need a refresher, season three culminated with the extraordinary battle in Paris, where Ragnar (Travis Fimmel) seized victory from the jaws of defeat – but still returns to Kattegat dangerously ill. Thoughts of his death galvanize the forces who seek to succeed him as king, including his wife Queen Aslaug (Alyssa Sutherland) and his oldest son, Bjorn (Alexander Ludwig). Meanwhile, Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick) continues power struggles with her calculating, former second in command, Kalf (Ben Robson); Rollo (Clive Standen) betrays his Vikings heritage by remaining in Frankia and Floki (Gustaf Skarsgård) is seized for his brutal actions to the Christian priest Athelstan.
“Vikings” is beautifully shot in multiple locations in Europe and Canada. PJ Dillon and Owen McPolin use arial photography, Steadicam and close-up shots to exquisitely bring the people and landscape to life. There is a definite change in the look and feel when they’re on the sound stage but it really is not that distracting.
Overall, I feel that all these characters are real and very definitely could have existed in the time depicted. The standout of the cast for me is Alyssa Sutherland as Queen Aslaug. The queen is conniving and maybe a bit evil. She plays the subtleties of an outwardly noble but inwardly malicious person to perfection. There is a decidedly anachronistic quality to the costumes but not to the extent of “this looks like something you’d see at a low rent fantasy faire.”
The only drawback to the show that I find is that it is most assuredly PG-13 material. The violence level and certain dastardly deeds need not be seen by anyone younger than junior high school age. There is no graphic nudity nor love scenes such as in shows like “Black Sails” but still, this is material not recommended for young viewers.
“Vikings” returns Thursday, February 18th at 10/9c on HISTORY
