Vikings is yet another epic example of what the shrinking Big Four broadcast networks just aren't doing anymore. It's now left to others to mount captivating, money-on-the-screen trips to other times and places.
Despite such occasional awkwardness, Vikings is an entertaining educated guess about what went on during an intriguing but underexplored moment in history.
For all of Vikings' historical value, the show is never lacking action, adventure, romance, intrigue, and suspense, making it an extraordinarily enjoyable watch.
It's rare that a work of fiction has us hoping that barbarians will resume robbing and killing innocent people, but our motivation isn't sympathy with the series' heroes. It's boredom.
