But this series is doing quite well. Its biggest problem is that it doesn't have the overpowering dramatic characters that 'Vikings' enjoyed with Travis Fimmel and Linus Roache being particularly good. However, as good entertainment, I am enjoying it.
There are lots of strands to the current series. Harald Hardrada (the most compelling character for me, Leo Suter in his first decent role). He's Christian, and aspires to be King of Norway. There's Frida, a pagan, charismatic character, fighter, and thinker. Leif Erikson, who we know from history, and King Canute, King of England. The plot follows the destinies of all these people with varying degrees of success. I think in Season Two, Harald Hardrada and Leif Erikson come off best with their business in Constantinople; they have lots of adventures.
The CGI is a bit messy at times, and it is pretty gory. We still think the Vikings were a violent group of people and the fact that they became Christians late by Western standards was due more to geography than anything else. I think the acting is a bit uneven as well, but I still think this is a better than average series and as the competition for the throne of Norway hots up, I think Season Three might be even better.
There are lots of strands to the current series. Harald Hardrada (the most compelling character for me, Leo Suter in his first decent role). He's Christian, and aspires to be King of Norway. There's Frida, a pagan, charismatic character, fighter, and thinker. Leif Erikson, who we know from history, and King Canute, King of England. The plot follows the destinies of all these people with varying degrees of success. I think in Season Two, Harald Hardrada and Leif Erikson come off best with their business in Constantinople; they have lots of adventures.
The CGI is a bit messy at times, and it is pretty gory. We still think the Vikings were a violent group of people and the fact that they became Christians late by Western standards was due more to geography than anything else. I think the acting is a bit uneven as well, but I still think this is a better than average series and as the competition for the throne of Norway hots up, I think Season Three might be even better.