Vikings
Roaring out of the gate is the History Channel's Vikings, a look at life in early Medieval Scandinavia.
Taking poetic license with history and Norse mythology, Michael Hirst chronicles the life and times of Ragnar Lodbrok, a famous figure from Norse mythology. Travis Fimmel portrays Ragnar as a pagan Renaissance Man and a savage pre-Columbian explorer. Fimmel shines in the lead and portrays Viking ruthlessness and cunning in a trademark smirk. Katheryn Winnick stars as Lagertha, a legendary Norse shieldmaiden and the wife and equal of Ragnar. Clive Standen portrays Ragnar's brother, Rollo, and delivers a stunning performance as he wrestles with temptation in the shadow of his more-famous brother. Gustaf Skarsgard depicts Floki, the eccentric but fiercely loyal friend of the protagonist. Gabriel Byrne and Donal Logue offer nuanced obstacles to Ragnar's success. But the incredibly talented George Blagden provides a familiar filter to the audience as captured Christian monk Athelstan, who is equally intrigued and horrified by the alien Viking culture.
This first season is a 10-episode order, and Hirst takes us on an epic journey through beautiful but deadly early Scandinavia, populated by a fierce but devoutly religious people. A people where food, sex, and plunder are at the top of their hierarchy of needs. Where death in battle or through sacrifice is a surefire ticket to eternity in a banquet hall of warriors. The pace is surprisingly quick, and large time jumps will sometimes jar and disorient the viewer, but the temporal shifts make sense in the context of the source material.
Where Campion's Top of the Lake offers unbridled feminism on display, Vikings is the mirror image as masculinity is celebrated and rewarded. Hirst's production is a simple but epic tale of the dawn of the Viking Age, and one man's perspective of looking west when all others are looking east. Because this show is broadcast on the History Channel, this is not the typical high fantasy/period piece skinfest that is found on the premium channels. The violence and nudity is subdued, but no less subtle.
Lots of good shows available in 2013, but Vikings ranks up there with the best of them. While not the multi-layered character studies that are on display in shows like The Fall and Broadchurch, Vikings offers a fun ride that will leave you begging for "one more episode." You will like these characters, even if you don't understand them.
This is WYSIWYG television, with just the right amount of seasoning. By Odin, find some time to enjoy a raucous take on Norse mythology.
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What did you think? Please, no spoilers.
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