IN recent times, there’s been an insatiable appetite for TV shows that fall into the period (Mr Selfridge, Downton Abbey) or fantasy genres (Legend of the Seeker).
At the forefront of the latter, though, is Game of Thrones. It’s one of those well-written series you either love or loathe. And the superfluous violence and sex scenes have become crucial components of the series.
This brings us to Vikings, which falls into a similar stable. It’s a series anchored by mythology and set in early medieval Scandinavia, and it is a showcase of the brutality of war and the culture of the time.
The series is centred on Ragnar Lothbrok and his family and soldiers. Of course, every hero needs to have enemies and allies. And there are plenty of those in the story.
Three seasons in, it’s safe to say this show has become a hit with viewers.
This time around, however, they will be surprised to see the rise of Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick), Ragnar’s first wife, like never before.
Series creator Michael Hirst told HitFix: “I knew from the start that I wanted at least one strong female character. That was very important in a show called Vikings, that everyone would just expect it was about men killing each other. But I had read that women could rule and that they fought in the shield wall. And Katheryn, being a black belt in tae kwon do, you know, the physicality of the role didn’t frighten her at all. And she brought that to the role.”
In an interview with Collider. Com, Winnick revealed her look for this season: “When I first started the season, I was talking to the head of department and wanted to create a hairstyle for Lagertha that’s unique. I feel like Lagertha, even though she’s advanced in her sexuality in the sense that she’s very liberal, has a very strong moral core. She will always do the right thing for herself. You’ll see more of that this season.”
On her character’s powerful position, she admitted: “If you force it, you are not going to get it. But if you earn their (the lads’) respect… you understand the whole character better. And she actually comes into power in her own right.”
It’s another gripping season on the cards and, this time around, she doesn’t resent Aslaug (Ragnar’s second wife) as much.
As for where things stand with Ragnar, Hirst said: “He’s wondering about the nature of kingship and power. It’s never been a show about who gets to be king, who gets the power, it’s much more about what power actually means.”
An interesting conundrum in a world where battles are more regular than random.
• Vikings airs on M-Net Edge (DStv channel 102) on Thursdays at 8pm.