Travis Fimmel
Gabriel Byrne
Gustaf Skarsgard
Katheryn Winnick
Clive Standen
Jessalyn Gilsig
George Blagden

Created by:
Michael Hirst

2013-
Action, Drama, History
History
TV-14

“Vikings” is an obvious competitor to “Game of Thrones”; at least, it wants to be. It’s “Game of Thrones” lite. While “Game of Thrones” is circuitous, dense, and broad, “Vikings” is straightforward and simple. Actually, each could adopt the best attributes of the other to improve. If I could blend the acting and dialogue of “Game of Thrones” with the clearer plot line of “Vikings,” I would be very happy. “Game of Thrones” just doesn’t warrant its complexity; that complexity causes it to stall when it should soar. “Vikings” needs to execute a little better; simplicity requires that.

So, “Vikings” could be more precise in its presentation. But I expect less from this show, because they don’t aspire to the same heights as “Game of Thrones.” “Vikings” features writing and acting that are passable. (Some actors do better than others.) During the first season, Gabriel Byrne is a standout as Earl Haraldson; he grounds the show. However, Travis Fimmel (the show’s lead, who portrays Ragnar Lothbrok) is consistently off-voice, which weakens the strength of his role as a shadow leader and holds the show back from being a fully committed representation of its story. He does look the part, though.

Actually, everything in “Vikings” looks the part, and that helps to keep your attention, somewhat, through the exposition of the first episode and most of the second episode. We’re introduced to the Viking world (Norse seafarers in the Eastern Baltic and Scandinavia) of 793 A.D., including its rules, society, and beliefs. Much of this is stereotypical; they’re brutal with each other and especially with outsiders during their raids. However, there are glimpses of the unexpected, especially regarding the role of wives and even slaves; I emphasize “glimpses.”

Toward the end of the second episode, “Vikings” finds something, though. After the Vikings’ first raid of England, the story finds its focus. I hope that this continues. (I’ve seen the first three episodes so far.)

I don’t need a lot of complexity here; this show wouldn’t be able to support that. Instead, I just need to watch them progress from moment to moment as they discover and raid the lands to the West and as their power structure is tested by the Earl and Ragnar. That should give them more than enough material, while not overwhelming their momentum. I wish that “Game of Thrones” would figure that out, as well.

Verdict: OK to Somewhat Good

About: (Source: vikings)

The HISTORY® original series Vikings transports us to the brutal and mysterious world of Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel), a Viking warrior and farmer who yearns to explore—and raid—the distant shores across the ocean. His ambition puts him at odds with local chieftain Earl Haraldson (Gabriel Byrne), who insists on sending his raiders to the impoverished east rather than the uncharted west. When Ragnar teams up with his boat builder friend Floki (Gustaf Skarsgard) to craft a new generation of intrepid ships capable of conquering the rough northern seas, the stage is set for conflict.

But for all its warfare and bloodshed, Vikings is also a story of family and brotherhood, capturing the love and affection between Ragnar and his wife, Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick), a respected warrior in her own right. It is the tale of Ragnar’s brother Rollo (Clive Standen), a fierce fighter who simmers with jealously; of Earl Haraldson’s wife Siggy (Jessalyn Gilsig), a dutiful beauty who may be less than loyal; and of the monk Athelstan (George Blagden), whose Christian morals clash with the Vikings’ pagan society. As ambition and innovation rattle a civilization, these characters will be put to the test—and their way of life will never be the same again.

Vikings was created and written by Michael Hirst (Elizabeth, The Tudors).