The Vikings Are Here!

I'd been seeing billboards all over Los Angeles, but they were tagged History Channel. I figured that "Vikings" was a documentary series on violent Scandinavians that was getting a big marketing push. After Hatfields & McCoys, how could I be so silly? History Channel has been venturing into original programming and this latest endeavor is pretty spectacular if you ask me. And I've only seen two episodes!

Michael Hirst, the co-regent of period drama alongside Andrew Davies, is the mastermind behind this historical drama. If you liked his other series "The Tudors" and Starz's "Camelot", "Vikings" is in the same vein. The nine part series (hopefully season one of many) follows the ambitious farmer/warrior Ragnar Lothbrok as he journeys towards greatness. But...you know, viking greatness which among other things includes killing, stealing and kidnapping. Hey, if it makes for great drama, I'm in!

"Vikings" definitely does make for great drama. From the captivating opening credits, through the action and into the tender family moments, the storytelling is stellar. After only the first two episodes (ok, after 20 mins) I am completely enthralled and already disappointed that there are only nine episodes to look forward to.

Ok, down to the nuts and bolts. What else besides an exciting story makes this series worth watching?

The opening credits are stunning. See, I've already mentioned them twice. Gorgeous images accompanied by the hauntingly beautiful song "If I Had a Heart" by Fever Ray. No surprise as to the quality if you look back at the intros to "The Tudors" and "Camelot". Hirst obviously appreciates the value that masterfully made titles add to a series. Director Rama Allen created a memorable sequence that has quickly become one of my favorites.  Watch the Vikings Intro

Sublimely shot by veteran cinematographer John S. Bartley (ASC), it makes me actually want to visit this seemingly savage and harsh place. Although, the story takes place in the Nordic region, the series is shot in Ireland. Apparently, the go to place for period and fantasy genre productions these days.

The production design, art direction, costumes, make-up and ESPECIALLY the hair is amazing. Who knew that there was a dude out there that could pull off a mohawk/mullet braid?

Speaking of...once again Hirst went to casting directors extraordinaire Frank & Nuala Moiselle. For their Norse hero, they found Travis Fimmel, a relatively unknown Australian actor. I don't know if it's accurate, but I love his viking accent. I have a feeling that this role will take him places. He really embodies this warrior who madly loves his wife, is a good father and is destined to be a leader. That is, if he's strong enough to go head to head with the Earl of his tribe played by the brilliant Gabriel Byrne. I've always liked him, but after watching "In Treatment", I would watch that man read a newspaper. I can't wait to see what he does with a villain.

I don't really know anything about this time period or these people. Obviously, this is television series and they will take creative liberties. If you want complete accuracy, go watch a documentary. Sometimes history needs a little doctoring to be entertaining enough to keep you coming back every week. I love it when I'm inspired to do some research of my own to see if what I'm watching really happened. To find out the other side's story. To put it into context. Historical dramas engage me, particularly when they are so beautifully produced.

Check out this cool infographic on History.com about Viking Gods & Mythology

So the lesson for today? Watch "Vikings" on History Channel (formerly that Nazi documentary channel) Sundays at 10pm. You'll thank me later.

Only 2 episodes have been broadcast, but you can watch the first three on History.com or on Hulu.com.

Happy Viewing!

Oh, How I Love the Dire Wolf

I was maybe ten minutes into the second episode of "Game of Thrones" when I thought, it scares me how much I love this show already. I suppose that's a good sign. It was picked up after only one episode aired. So HBO agrees with me. Here are a few of the things I love about it....

*The relationship between Ned and his bastard son Jon Snow. How many soldiers bring their bastards home, raise them with their legitimate children and show them such love?

*The relationship Jon Snow and his younger siblings. It's such a pure brotherly love and children don't see legitimacy or not.

*The relationship between the King and Ned. The King has great respect for Ned and doesn't treat him as a lowly subject, but as an equal that just doesn't have a crown.

*Tyrion's insights into his family and the world for that matter. His dwarf-ness has given him a great perspective and he uses it.

*Despite the fact that Daenarys was pretty much sold to a barbarian by her brother, she's already learning how to take some power back. It may come little at a time, but I have hope that she'll figure out how

*The fantastical element that hasn't really show itself yet, but it's there.

Are you watching? Tell me what you like about HBO's new hit?

"Game of Thrones" Wins Me Over

Tonight was the premiere of yet another epic period series by HBO, "Game of Thrones". If anyone's going to attempt it, it should be a channel with wads of money. So thank you HBO. I've never read the series of novels the show is based on, A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin, but I hear they are quite enthralling. There is a very large cast spanning several noble families all vying for the Iron Throne. Despite repeated googling, I figure out what time period it takes place in. My best guess is early A.D. If you know, please leave in the comments as it drives me bonkers not knowing the details.

The main family is The Stark House, led by Sean Bean as Eddard "Ned" Stark. He's got a loving wife, five children and a gorgeous, curly haired bastard son. We also meet the current King, Baratheon played by Mark Addy. I like him better in A Knight's Tale than in that horrible sitcom he did. He's married to a woman who's doing naughty things with her hot twin brother...ick while their dwarf younger bro is working his way through the local brothel. We learn that Stark's sister was once married to Baratheon and now to keep the families joined, they must form a marriage through their children. Off in another, much warmer place, we meet the pale creepy, also incestuous Targaryen siblings. They've been exiled and are forming a marriage with a barbarian king who possesses an army to get their crown back. Pepper in some loyal servants and friends and you've got the international cast of "Game of Throne".

The violence is a plenty. If you have a weak stomach, I suggest you find something else to watch on Sunday nights. Whatever time period this is, it's one where rulers dispense their own justice and those believing their mission is noble, will hack off limbs to prove it. Not only do our characters have each other to fear, but the mysterious and deadly White Walkers that lurk in the woods during snowfall.

I'm definitely interested. There's potential and the cast is great. Wasn't too happy with the opening titles though. As creative as they tried to be, I couldn't read the thin font and the names moved too quickly. High hopes are to be had for scandal, violence and political intrigue. If you're a fan of historical fiction, fantasy or ancient royalty, check it out.

Sundays at 9pm on HBO

Stay Tuned.....