Vikings

Epic. A bit of a reflection on the trend set by seasons one, two and three and how the series finally ended its journey (not entirely positively), but still very high in quality. The comparisons to GoT are warranted, although Vikings is a bit different in some details: it’s more religious and, in particular, longer in terms of time span. Whereas in GoT it's years (more or less the same as the years of the actors playing the main characters), here it's decades, which translates into even broader possibilities for the writers to create bigger twists and turns. But they exploit it only partially. After a key turning point (the protagonist), the quality of the individual episodes goes down a bit despite all the efforts. Even so, it is quite certain that Vikings will be remembered for a long time and very likely, as in GoT, everyone found their favourite character they couldn't get enough of. Although the fan base here will be a bit thinner compared to the competing spectacle. (18/01/2021)

The good stuff of Game of Thrones mixed with a blend of two different worlds, cultures and religions. It doesn't have the impressive visuals of GoT, nor the refined characters (at least for now), but it's more authentic, or barbaric and raw if you will, and that's the charm. So far, apart from some minor hiccups, an impressive start. (01/12/2019)

Raw, dark, gritty, and already in the first episode,some of the characters are very interestingly sketched with unique traits. So far it's less ambitious than Game of Thrones, but it's true that the beginning is actually very similar. Plus for the strong female characters who lose none of their inner fragility and ability to form a household. (24/11/2019)

A well-executed motif of discovering a new world that has some parallels to 1492, only less lavish and artistically ambitious than Ridley Scott's film. (24/11/2019)

A slightly rushed return visit to England and the first bland battle, which, although very cruel, is considerably clumsily shot, reminiscent in places of a B-movie and considerably cheesier series. That said, the atmosphere is still solid and there’s no lack of great characters. (24/11/2019)

A hell of a thrilling episode. A great battle on a beach, though the ladies’ battle at home is even better. Everything culminates in an impressive scene of a trial. The manipulation of the villain Byrne and his wife is strongly reminiscent of the Lannisters from Game of Thrones – the inspiration is palpable. (25/11/2019)

Passionate or excellent strategist (?) Rollo, an excellent house robbery, with a fabulous Ragnar, that almost resulted in one of the greatest series twists ever. It’s beginning to be fun. (28/11/2019)

An interesting plot shift that culminates in a long-awaited personal duel in the style of GoT. It doesn't have the fatality and grandeur of Kings Landing – in a grimy Viking village it's more like a poor relation of sorts in the form of a street brawl, but there's an interesting and consistent clash of two different religions and cultures, which gets its due importance. So far, so good. (28/11/2019)

The impressively embodied protagonist rules her homeland with style and smarts while her husband conquers England. Understandably there’s plenty of fighting, and though it lacks the high-budget feel of other episodes, it's honest and at times very clever filmmaking. (28/11/2019)

A bit too much religion. There is a lack of any sense of sound judgement, which does not correspond with the emotional development of the characters so far. Major crap. (28/11/2019)

An average episode with two charismatic supporting characters. Otherwise, though, pretty much a squandered finale. (01/12/2019)

More elaborate in plot, richer in characters, more sweeping and spectacular. It doesn't even matter that it's lacking the moment of surprise from the first season. (05/12/2019)

An emotional whirlwind at the end of the first episode. Big dilemmas and family disruption in a way we are not used to, for example, in the similarly tuned GoT. So sensation accomplished, even without any vehement sword swinging. (01/12/2019)

A very bold time jump where the viewer can't stop rolling their eyes at what the filmmakers allow themselves to do. Impressive. No less impressive are the storms at sea, or the decently staged battle in the newly discovered territory of England with the king, who will certainly be fun to watch in the future. (02/12/2019)

And that’s how it is. The King of Wessex is causing quite a stir and his interaction with Ragnar will no doubt be a highlight in future episodes. Thank goodness for Lagertha, she’s probably the best character in the saga so far. (02/12/2019)

The highlight comes at the very end of this episode and it's not an action scene, quite the opposite. Fimmel, as Ragnar, can not only swing a shield and an axe, but he can also be strong in emotional situations. (02/12/2019)

Very action packed. A good battle, but it doesn't move the plot along significantly, so it's more of a pretentiously filmed romp, but the developments around the Priest are interesting and more crucial. And Lagertha is still reigning over the women. (02/12/2019)

Siggy is a copy of Cersei Lannister and the Priest wins the sympathy of the King of England. Of course, the final passage with Borg is the highlight. (04/12/2019)

The old alliance is obviously not getting rusty and they know that in England as well as in Scandinavia. Old friendships are renewed and future intrigues are initiated. In the end, it all culminates in an artful-looking execution. (04/12/2019)

What a borefest. A medieval comedy in which only the likeable nymphomaniac princess stands out. (05/12/2019)