Michael Hirst's historical drama Vikings is simultaneously entertaining and educational, with its blend of real Viking lore and fictionalized elements.
Despite its lack of fantasy elements that similar shows like Game of Thrones utilize, Vikings captivates with its wondrous mythology and adventurous spirit that invokes the imagination. Much of the show's intrigue stems from the unique nature of Vikings culture, personified by a slew of memorable characters.
Given the scope of this complex drama, the cast of characters is naturally vast and varied. This means there are some who tended to be underutilized or killed off too soon. At the same time, there have been some prominent figures who, to many fans, may have worn out their welcome or were misused with too much screentime.
10 Too Much: Ubbe
As is the case with most listed here, this isn't a knock to Ubbe as a character, nor the dynamic performance of his actor, Jordan Patrick Smith. Rather, it's mostly a matter of his place in the narrative of Vikings at large.
Other than his baptism as a Christian and a few other key moments, there isn't much that differentiates Ubbe or makes him an authentically interesting figure in this story. His "warrior with a soft spot" demeanor and big brother role tends to be matched, if not surpassed, by Bjorn, and his tenancy to bounce from one alliance to another is a bit jarring.
9 Needed More: Harbard
Given the mythological and mysterious nature of this man, it's safe to say that the show could have benefited by shedding more light on Harbard.
Just what is the story behind this unknown person, who was seemingly able to heal the infant Ivar with naught but his presence and touch? Those privy to Viking lore know of Harbard's significance and symbolism to Odin - who takes on the guise as a wandering wizard-like being. Given that Vikings is a show rooted in history rather than fantasy, though, it would have been interesting to learn more about this odd character.
8 Too Much: Aslaug
Like Ubbe, Aslaug tends to be overshadowed by figure who's fairly similar - or at least plays a similar role as the Lothbrok/Kattegat matriarch, Lagertha.
Early on at least, she plays a prominent part in the Vikings story, being Ragnar's second wife and mother to most of his sons. As time passes though, one can't help but feel as if she hit an identity crisis, especially when Lagertha reenters the local picture. There's a rather awkward standoff between Aslaug and Ragnar's first wife that's never quite resolved - at least until the shocking assassination at Lagertha's hands.
From that point, her role in the story seems to be naught but a source of vengeance for Ivar.
7 Needed More: Sigurd
Much like Harbard, there's an element of Viking lore and legend when it comes to Sigurd "Snake-in-the-Eye." Even as a toddler, it's hinted that this child of Aslaug and Ragnar is unique or will play a significant role. After all, Aslaug prophesized he'd be born with the image of the serpent-dragon Fafnir in his eye - which manages to come true!
This makes it all the more disappointing that Sigurd's part in this story is a brief one, with few major scenes. It's even more unfortunate to see him abruptly meet his end at the axe of an unhinged Ivar before even reaching adulthood.
6 Too Much: Hvitserk
While he's a pretty likable character, Hvitserk is another person that seems to have something of an identity crisis on the show. From his flirtation with Buddhism from playing second fiddle much of the show, he rings as a peculiar character somewhat lacking purpose and depth.
For much of the series, he seems to be merely "along for the ride." Initially, he tags along with Rollo, Bjorn, and company to the Mediterranean. He then aids his brothers on their battles of vengeance and conquest, before basically serving as Ivar's right-hand man.
5 Needed More: Astrid
Speaking of supporting roles, Astrid serves as a helpful ally of Lagertha for much of her time on-screen. Unfortunately, she isn't seen doing much else, until being taken captive and forced into marriage by a power-hungry Harald. Given her strength as a character and a warrior - it's a shame Astrid's fairly short stint on Vikings amounts to little more than a supportive or subservient character.
With her intelligence, loyalty, and fighting prowess, she could have been a key player in some entertaining Vikings stories.
4 Too Much: Ivar
This troubled son of Ragar is perhaps too good at his role as a menacing villain - as his sociopathic, sinister ways can be a bit overdone for some viewers. While many of Vikings' characters reside in a morally grey area and come with ample depth, Ivar's constant rage and bloodlust can grow a tad repetitive. This really becomes apparent after a whopping 50 episodes; many of which Ivar the Boneless plays a large role.
It certainly makes for some exciting and intense battle scenes, though he tends to feel out of place in some of the more emotional, low-key scenes.
3 Needed More: Yarl Borg
The early seasons of Vikings emphasize the happenings and conflicts overseas - namely the English kingdoms and later Francia. As this plays out, one can't help but be nostalgic for the more traditional Viking skirmishes between local tribes, particularly the land conflict with Yarl Borg.
This classic Viking figure made for a good villain and counterpart to Ragnar in the early goings, with his warrior spirit and his tough demeanor. Yet, he appears in just a handful of episodes before being ended in the show's second season.
2 Too Much: Floki
There's much to appreciate about this vital Viking figure, boat-builder, and loyal friend to Ragnar. And certainly, a quirky "comic relief" character is a welcome counterbalance to the stern nature of most others in the show. Yet, since the peculiar Floki plays a pretty large role in over 60 episodes, his more irritating traits tend to come to the forefront as time goes on...
On top of this, his stint in Iceland has been criticized by some fans as feeling rather dull and insignificant - at least in this fictionalized version of Vikings.
1 Needed More: Athelstan
Not only does Floki somewhat overstay his welcome, but he also manages to end one of the more inspiring and characters on the show, Athelstan. Being another supportive friend to Ragnar, Floki clearly felt threatened by what he deemed to be a rival. Unfortunately, this meant the end of this character even before the trip to Paris.
As a rare benign Christian figure in the show - and one with ties to both the Vikings and mainland Europe - Athelstan certainly could have added more to this dynamic tale. This is especially the case given his significance as future-king Alfred's father.
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