It has become clear that audiences in North America and Europe are hooked on historical era shows that are full of action, romance and character-rich plots. One such show is the action and adventure epic Vikings. Vikings is the tale of Ragnar Lodbrok, the man who leads the early Vikings across the sea to raid England. Ragnar is a figure out of Norse legends, as are several of the characters depicted in the show. Additionally, Vikings is clearly influenced by Game of Thrones and its depictions of medieval life and intrigue among the powerful. Despite its mythical source and the influence of a work of fantasy, the show is very much a work of realism. There are no dragons or wizards, just the drama of a harsh way of life and the action that follows a group of people committed to raiding and battle.
The cast
Travis Fimmel plays Ragnar, and he is able to convincingly demonstrate the charisma and cunning of a bold, would-be leader. Ragnar is often at odds with the man who leads his village, Earl Haraldson (Gabriel Byrne). Ragnar advocates sailing (and raiding, naturally) far and wide to increase the wealth of the community, not to mention his own wealth. The Earl is content with his lot in life and views the attempts to change their methods as a threat. He is the wealthiest and most powerful man in their village, after all.
Byrne, by far the most notable name in the cast, does not bring as much life to his role as the rest of the cast does, though this may be the fault of scripts that leave him playing a cautious (but vicious) man in a world of brash warriors. The cast also includes Katheryn Winnick as Ragnar’s wife, Lagertha, who is also willing and able to wield a sword. Winnick does a convincing job of playing a strong woman married to a strong man. The standout performer may be Gustaf Skarsgard (son of Stellan Skarsgard) playing Floki, Ragnar’s friend and the designer of longships that can carry the Vikings further than they have gone before.
Floki is the major character who best embodies one of Vikings’ strongest qualities: the way it portrays these ancient Norse people as being similar to us at times, yet almost alien to us at others. The characters believe in and make offerings to Norse gods like Odin and Thor. They also strongly believe that if they die in battle, they will be taken to Valhalla to spend eternity feasting and fighting alongside their gods and heroes. This belief very much informs their willingness to fight and battle. The show highlights this when Ragnar captures the Christian monk, Athelstan (George Blagden). The two experience a bit of culture shock as they learn about their respective views on the world, violence, and sex.
Visually, Vikings offers quite a few treats. It is filmed mainly in Ireland and mostly outdoors, and the locations often have a stark beauty. There are battles quite regularly, some between large groups and some between individuals. These are generally well done, especially on a television budget. Scenes of sailing are less frequent but even more appealing aesthetically.
Vikings is available on many networks such as Rogers on Demand and offers quite a bit to recommend it. It may not have the depth of character or the intricate plotting of the most prestigious cable dramas, but it offers a fascinating look at a different time and culture along with the kind of action you would expect from a show called Vikings.
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