Here is a quick summary of the show from the History Channel:
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.
You may remember Australian Travis Fimmel from his time on A&E's The Beast, a Chicago cop show also starring Patrick Swayze (who died before a second season was possible). At that time I wrote how Fimmel reminded me of a young Brad Pitt. As a result, I have high hopes for his part in this new series. I am also interested in seeing the acting chops of Sweden's Gustaf Skarsgard, brother of Alexander Skarsgard (True Blood). If he is anything like his brother then we have quite a set of actors on our hands.
In an interview with ManJr, Fimmel describes his character Ragnar:
Well Ragnar is based on a historical character. He is very adventurous and he is one of the first people to sail west and discover England and do what Vikings do when they discover places. Say good hey to the ladies and beat up people...He is so curious. He thinks he is a direct descendant from a god named Odin, who was a god of slain warriors and curiosity. Legends say that the god Odin killed himself just to see what death felt like. Ragnar has that same curiosity about stuff. Nothing is good enough for him. He wants to know what is out there. It is not just for the raping and pillaging stuff. He wants to learn about people and the gods they worship, what the look like, and their customs. He is just a curious person and his curiosity doesn’t end.
The nine episodes of season one were shot in rustic Ireland. From the few scenes I have watched, the setting and production values are terrific. And I look forward to seeing the viking longboat in action. We shall see if it all holds together as another great TV epic.
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