Vikings on the history channel

Trish B · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 1119 Location: Mid-Atlantic, USA

Anyone catch episode 1 of Vikings on the History Channel? It aired Sunday night, IIRC. Looks like the only big name attached is Gabriel Byrne who plays the chieftain (or whatever the Vikings called them) who rules with an iron fist. But the "hero" (?) of the piece is Ragnar who is challenging this leader's rule. It is set in the year 793 when Viking raids where pretty much restricted to the Balkans, Russia and other places just about as poor as the Vikings were at the time. Ragnar is pushing to raid in the west where he has heard there are riches to be found - and as we all know from history, he will turn out to be right!!! Very gritty and, of course, violent (though not as bloody as Spartacus which, for me, is like blood and guts porn).
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Later that night, still 1789!
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dallase · Joined: 08 Jan 2012 Posts: 25 Location: Arizona

I enjoyed The Vikings. Like you, I think Spartacus is a little too gory for me.

The Vikings has a touch of paranormal with Ragnar's visions. Loved how his wife was able to take care of herself. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.

Trish B · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 1119 Location: Mid-Atlantic, USA

Seems lots of people enjoyed Vikings, as 8.3 million watched making it the highest rated cable debut so far according to TV-by-the-numbers.com

I am ambivalent about Ragnar as hero since in upcoming episodes we will see him and his men mercilessly murdering unarmed priests, monks and women and children. Though I know this is the way it was, it still makes me worry about Ragnar being seen as heroic by some.
_________________
Later that night, still 1789!
~"Start the Revolution Without Me!"

dallase · Joined: 08 Jan 2012 Posts: 25 Location: Arizona

Funny, I've been more attuned to his wife. I like how she is being portrayed as a strong, honorable, loving, person; not just as a wife and mother. I enjoyed her being able to defend herself both physically (the two attackers) and mentally (Ragnar's brother). I'm certainly looking forward to the rest of the series.

dallase · Joined: 08 Jan 2012 Posts: 25 Location: Arizona

And obviously I should read my previous comments before posting basically the same thing again! LOL

I guess, that's my opinion and I'm sticking to it!!

jaime · Joined: 23 Sep 2011 Posts: 360

I watch the show and like it. I watched the second episode last night and liked it even better than the pilot. Lagertha is a terrific female character and she and Ragnar - very charismatic performance by Travis Fimmel - have a great marriage.

I was intrigued to learn that some of these characters, like Ragnar, Lagertha and Rollo are actually based on real historical people. The real Rollo was the great-great-grandfather of William the Conqueror.

So I am looking forward to what develops - should be interesting to see the young monk go through culture shock as captive and slave of the Vikings.

xina · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 6630 Location: minneapolis

I am enjoying this series. And in that, I am very glad I did not live in this time. Smile

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Trish B · Joined: 22 Mar 2007 Posts: 1119 Location: Mid-Atlantic, USA

I really like this series too and am constantly impressed with the wily, very smart Ragnar! You just can't ever count him out. He watches, observes, is constantly learning all he can about his adversaries. I wonder about the former earl's wife, Siggy and her desire to "serve" Lagertha. Is she sincere or is she trying for revenge? The fact that Lagetha lost her baby makes me wonder. And I think Rollo may just be the death of Ragnar in the future. He's loyal to Ragnar, but he's also jealous of him . . .
_________________
Later that night, still 1789!
~"Start the Revolution Without Me!"