The Vikings are back! There has been much anticipation for Season 3 since it was announced last year, Vikings is a show that has surprised everyone in popularity and technical quality, it’s often compared to the likes of Game of Thrones. In the same way we produce weekly reviews for popular shows like Parks and Recreation and The Walking Dead, The Indiependent will be following the Vikings on their raids just like you, here is our full spoiler review of the Season 3 premiere: Mercenary.
“Power is only given to those who lower themselves to pick it up.” Ragnar Lothbrok
So much has been promised for Season 3, there have been hints of a death of a main character, as well as the historical raid on Paris. But in this episode writer Michael Hirst establishes where the characters are now, while planting seeds for future relationship dynamics set to come. Interestingly at the start of the episode we see how the Viking men are depicted as children, excited to leave their families and leave for England, this shed a lot of light on Queen Asluag’s position, Ragnar doesn’t love her anymore, he barely enjoys her company – but she is the mother of his children. Throughout we also see how Björn’s relationship with Thorunn has developed, she could be pregnant and Björn’s still coming to terms with her being a shield maiden. We see how this makes him lose focus during battle at the end of the episode. We are introduced to a new character; ‘Kalf’, who at first we believe is loyal to Lagartha, but actually has his own agenda and combined with the help of Einar – wants to kill Lagartha and become Earl. Teasing a side conflict on her land, Lagartha has no one protecting her, could she be betrayed and killed? We are also reminded of what makes Ragnar different from most Vikings, it’s his acceptance of other cultures and religions, his fascination of them and his willingness to explore, his close friendship with Athelstan represents this. There also a relationships slowly brewing between Ragnar and the Princess, and Athelstan and Judith. We don’t know much about the future of these plots, but that’s what makes this show so great. It’s natural transition into situations and plots that just make complete sense.
The season premiere mostly reminded us of what the series is all about, with stunning cinematic shots and intimately filmed battle sequences that ponder on personal dilemmas. While still teasing us with the scale and epicness to come with relationships and historical events in the rest of the season.
Words by Eddie Michael