Vikings season 2

A while back, I watched the first season of Vikings and had some mixed things to say about it. Namely the confusing morals of protagonist Ragnar and the continuous jumps in time as the series moved forward. It also took me a while to get through the first series but something kept bringing me back, and it went so far as to bring me back for season two.

Kicking off with a battle between Ragnar and his traitor brother, this series has a real burst of energy that kept going all the way through to the end. Vikings already had a strong fanbase so this isn't another 'You've got to see the first season and then you'll like it' show, so what's new and why do I like it so much now?

Not knowing a great deal behind what I understand is a Canadian production, the series seems to have enjoyed a rise in its budget with stronger action sequences, a rough voyage to England during a sea storm and an improved screenplay.

Now set sometime after the events of the first season, Ragnar along with son Bjorn (Alexander Ludwig) who has grown up, finds conflict as he continues to invade England but also from his own people. Allying with King Horik ensured he had an army behind him but also leaves him with a king to obey, even when their interests are far apart.

Without spoilers, this season really fleshed out Ragnar as a real character and Travis Fimmel brings charisma and gravitas in equal balance. His character has certainly grown and it is interesting to watch him develop as a result of the events around him. Other cast members including Clive Standen, Katheryn Winnick, Gustaf Skarsgård, George Blagden, Donal Logue and Linus Roache all impress and benefit from a stronger screenplay.

While the acting and screenplay have certainly improved, a show called Vikings would be a disappointment were it not to include plenty of battles and pillaging. Choosing not to go all out on the red stuff every time, the show manages keep the action fresh and exciting, while including a few plot twists along the way. Combined with new characters and locations, this season has certainly been hard to fault.

Having thought season one left something to be desired while not at all terrible, it's great to see that the show has improved and I look forward to seeing what comes next for Ragnar.