Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

As a television series goes on, it can run the risk of stagnation, of jumping the shark, or of repetitiveness. Thankfully Michael Hirst and his fellow writers know the secret to sustaining a good show: with each new season you must deepen the characters, enlarge the world, and raise the stakes. "Vikings" continues in this strain, which builds on the developments of the first two seasons whilst also forging into brand new territory. Having discovered lands to the west, Ragnar Lothbrok and his people are eager to explore and raid, but also settle in the country they soon learn is England. Naturally it's easier said than done. Yet when we first see Ragnar at the start of season three, he's higher than he's ever been - figuratively and literally. Having defeated the kings and jarls that would have betrayed him and killed his family, Ragnar now sits with his eldest son on a clifftop overlooking his home. There they make plans to return to England - not on a raid, as has previously been the case, but to claim the land promised them by King Ecbert and start a new life as farmers. England, of course, has other plans. In exchange for his help, Ecbert wants Ragnar and his warriors to assist his ally Princess Kwenthrith of Mercia to defeat her uncle and brother and reclaim her throne. Life as a mercenary is not what Ragnar wants, but most of his men - including his son Bjorn - are eager for the battlefield. The appeal of "Vikings" is encapsulated in the complexity of its lead character: Ragnar Lothbrok as played by Travis Fimmel. Though he's a fierce warrior, he's also a family man; though he's a great king, he's also a farmer at heart. He's not driven by bloodlust or greed or ambition, but by potent curiosity of the world around him. In this he has a kindred spirit in King Ecbert, though when it comes to their cunning Ragnar may have finally met his match. Already there is a subtle tug-of-war between the two men for the loyalties of Lagertha and Athelstan, the two people most dear to Ragnor: his ex-wife and the young monk who now serves as Ragnar's friend and translator. Lagertha is sent with the other settlers to claim their new farmland, and Athelstan goes with her, still struggling with his crisis of faith. That leaves Ragnar and his men - his brother Rollo, wild Floki, loyal Torstein - to accompany Princess Kwenthrith into battle. It's shaping up to be a great season, and the first episode alone features two of this show's trademark strengths: first, a fight sequence that's worthy of the big screen in its scope, and a few surprises that reveal characters to be more than just one-dimensional good guys or bad guys: Princess Kwenthrith, so far characterized as bloodthirsty and ruthless, has an unexpected reaction to battle, while King Ecbert, always so totally in control of himself, is now besotted with Lagertha. Political intrigue, historical accuracy (or as accurate an attempt as we're ever likely to get) and great performances from a fantastic cast - this is why I tune in to "Vikings", and I'm happy to report the show is still on an upward trajectory.