Amazon Prime Vikings Season 1 Review: An Adrenaline-Soaked, Action-Packed Juggernaut

Sleek, energising and an adrenaline-soaked juggernaut of a show; VIKINGS has the makings to impress from the offset.

Amazon Instant Video have come up trumps with the TV series which has been aired on the History Channel in the UK.  Many may make comparisons to GAME OF THRONES and it is easy to see why, but this show does have a different formula – and it works.

VIKINGS is a more streamlined, one-dimensional affair than the HBO drama, as it deals mostly with one family, rather than the multi-faceted stories and places that populate the world of GAME OF THRONES. The show is equally as good: intriguing plots, epic battles, bloodshed and plot twists at every turn – all elements that are likely to attract fans of George RR Martin‘s epic HBO series.

From the very first episode of the opening season, VIKINGS sets off with gruesome action. We are introduced to the key characters and are given a brief lesson into Viking village politics, their religion, challenges and ambitions. We are also introduced to our hero Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel) and his family. An ambitious farmer who wishes to travel East to discover if there are any lands full of riches, rather than travel West and return with very little.  

The entertainment kicks off with Ragnar leading a famous raid on a serpent warship; the man responsible in the series for the start of the Viking’s discovery of Eastern lands and the United Kingdom. How true this is to Viking history is uncertain, but it attempts to blend European history with its fictional storytelling.

The raid is grim, grisly and gruesome and very few are left alive at the monastery they attack. The drama plays fast and violently as innocent monks are slaughtered – all but one – who returns back to Scandinavia with Ragnar as his slave.  

With success comes popularity and with popularity comes power, much to the annoyance of the current Earl who wishes to hamper the rise of the new hero and his family and by any means necessary. As backstabbing commences and secret plots accumulate mixed with deeply-held pagan spiritual beliefs fuelled by religion and/or drugs, the storyline becomes gripping and binge-watching the series starts to emanate. 

The events in the series happen thick and fast, with each episode throwing in a new twist, as the raiders’ world continues to expands thanks to Ragnar’s exploits and cunningness.

Aside from the brilliant script, the cast also impress. They’re convincing in their demeanour and costumes, all looking appropriately weathered and strong. The male cast members are realistic in stature – tough like fighters and powerful. Ex-Calvin Klein model Travis Fimmel looks virtually unrecognisable in his role as Ragnor Lothbrook and effortlessly skulks around with the right balance of madness and sentiment in his eyes. He is a man of very little words, but all of them are surprisingly wise and poignant. On occasion, Fimmel is very much reminiscent of Brad Pitt in TROY, his twinkly blues and large frame easily catch the attention of the audience and he embraces his role so well. 

Katheryn Winnick is equally impressive as Ragnar’s wife and shield-maiden Lagertha, who is able to withstand enemies during Ragnor’s exploits and is an accomplished fighter in her own right. They have a close relationship with Clive Standen who plays Ragnar’s sibling Rollo who would like to get a little bit too close to his sister-in-law… Aside from harbouring secret feelings of love for his brother’s wife, he also battles his inner demons of jealousy, as he is forced to live in his brother’s shadow. Despite his reckless and brutal behaviour, it’s hard not to be drawn into his character’s interesting story arc and feel moments of empathy for the character even though he does not always deserve such sentiments.

One of the other standout characters from the series is the flamboyant and somewhat mystic Floki played by Gustaf Skarsgård who, aside from his almost magic-like qualities, is an impish boat builder. He distrusts Ragnor’s brother Rollo and his leader’s monk slave Athelstan (George Blagden) who serves as the audience’s eyes and ears as he ends up deep in viking culture, whilst trying to desperately retain his Christian beliefs.

Without a doubt, VIKINGS is impressive and definitely one of the best TV shows you will get to watch at the moment on Amazon Prime Instant Video. All credit to the creator and series writer Michael Hirst. However, the series really should come with the following warning: binge-viewing very likely, prepare to be glued to your screen for hours. After expecting to watch maybe one or two episodes at a time, be prepared to lose hours of your day, as you are sucked into the world of Vikings, battles and betrayal. Great acting, great plot and great impressive landscapes. I am already prepared to lose the whole of tomorrow for Season two.  

So what have you made of it? Leave your thoughts below.