Vikings Season 2 Review

As I mentioned in my season 1 review Vikings is a fascinating and binge-worthy show. What made it great was that it not only provided an interesting window into the Viking age, but it also featured characters that you could root for in some way. In season 1 I felt that Ragnar might be a little different, he was in it for the exploration and discovery and adventure more than just the killing. His tension with the Earl also made him relatable as he was the underdog. And the relationships between the characters made it enjoyable as well. Unfortunately, many of these elements were not present in season 2 so I found that while I still wanted to watch it, I didn't enjoy it nearly as much as season 1. It was, overall, a weaker season in my opinion.

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD

First of all, the relationship between Ragnar and Lagertha, which had been very important in season 1, deteriorated quite fast. At the end of season 1 when Lagertha was left alone to deal with the sickness and everything they began to hint at the disconnect between them and I think if they had kept developing that split slowly I would have bought it more and I wouldn't have hated Ragnar so much for what he did. But no, not only did he betray her in the end of season 1, he's now ready to sacrifice his relationship with her - and his teenage son! - so he can have this new relationship with the woman who may potentially give him more sons. What? It bugged me. Lagertha's reaction was great, though, I love that she didn't take it and just up and left. 

But the season kept deteriorating into what seemed like aimlessness. The constant back and forth between Ragnar, King Horik and Jarl Borg was very stupid, especially since it was completely obvious that Horik was a moron and he kept getting them into more trouble and there was no logical reason for Ragnar continuing to follow him. It got old very fast and then it just wouldn't end. Lagertha's arc was pretty much the only interesting thing this season, to be honest. 

There was a whole bunch of stuff happening in England and way too many scenes with King Ecbert and and princess Kwentwerth that seemed completely pointless and uninteresting. They just failed to make me care about anything happening in England and then continued going back there over and over to fill time. 

When the season finally ended it was a little bit satisfying to see the foolishness with King Horik come to an end, but overall it was definitely much less enjoyable than season 1. Luckily the show finds its stride again by the end of season 3. And if you binge-watch like I did it may not be too painful to get there. I would definitely recommend hanging on even if you, like me, got sick of this season.

Read my season 3 review.