Search - Vikings: Season One on DVD

Samuel K. (Solvanda)
Reviewed on 12/1/2018...

Researching Viking lore and sagas was one of my interests as a youth. I'd been through several of Magnus Magnusson's books. And when I saw that the History Channel was producing a series based on their history, I have to admit, I wondered how absolutely candid the scripting would be in portraying the culture. And, I think, upon viewing that the writers arrived at a good balance in what to show the audience. If one knows the reported history, one might have been worried this series would be rated X. What we've got here though, is a top notch series, which might be the best thing on television at the moment. "Vikings" is a show which puts the story and creativity above budget and risk, the sort of thing you don't see much anymore, and you can tell it really is a labor of love for all involved. That being said, there are mass amounts of blood and fighting here, and scenes regarding Viking religion which might make some quite faint.

My wife is Norwegian, and I have to say, this series has got me thinking about the culture and reflecting on things. One thing you'll see as the series Vikings progresses is that these folk always seem to be at each others throats. It just doesn't let up. They may be conquering the world, but at the same time are at risk of committing themselves to extinction. My wife's relatives are like this, family feuds going on for decades. Of course, they aren't slaughtering one another nowadays and the weapons are different, but after watching this series, I'm wondering how deeply ingrained in the culture this sort of thing is.

If you know the history, you'll know that there are multiple inaccuracies in Vikings. I'm okay with that though. The show remains an excellent teaching tool along the way, as well as entertaining to boot. In fact, the episodes are absolutely addicting, and you'll be looking forward to each successive episode like a sip of fine whiskey.

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