I don’t know how many of our readers watch the History Channel’s Vikings, an historical drama about… well, about Vikings. Viking political intrigue. Viking raids. A Viking shieldmaiden who’s better than everyone else (not that I’m biased). It’s now five episodes into its first season, and there’s still plenty of time for newbies to catch up before its just-announced second season (Kermit flail!) starts.
If anyone has any “But why doesn’t the History Channel doesn’t do any history shows anymore?!?!?!” comments to make, please get them out of your system now.
Said the History Channel’s Dirk Hoogstra following the show’s renewal: “Vikings is a win win for us. As our first scripted series, Vikings has paid off in a big way with critical acclaim, strong ratings and a passionate, loyal fan base.” I count myself among that loyal fanbase, and I couldn’t be more pleased that my favorite Sunday night show (yes, I like it better than Game of Thrones. Just a little bit, but still. I’ve got it bad.) is getting a season two.
There are three major groups I think should give Vikings a shot:
1) Game of Thrones fans. Vikings is like a smaller-scale Thrones minus the fantasy elements. By which I mean it has the political maneuvering, the strong characters, the violence… but without dragons or decades-long winters or ice zombies. Granted, Vikings is on a much smaller scale than Thrones, but I kind of like focusing one or two locations and groups of characters without bopping around to half-a-dozen, hoping that my favorites will get some screen time.
2) Fans of kick-ass lady characters. I have sold my soul to Lagertha, the show’s female lead. She’s the main character’s wife and mother of his children. She also fights alongside him in battle and beats dudes up when they try to mess with her. A shieldmaiden of Rohan Scandinavia, she’s like a hardcore, more violent Eowyn. Just look at her. She exudes awesome.
3) History fans. No explanation needed.
The show’s second season will have ten episodes to the first season’s nine. All the episodes to have aired so far are available on the History Channel’s website, free and legal. In the past episodes have gone up the day after their TV airdate, so Vikings doesn’t even have to mess with your Game of Thrones viewing.
WATCH. IT.
(via: Deadline)
Are you following The Mary Sue on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest, & Google +?
