The amazing thing about rewatching Vikings is Gabriel Byrne's Haraldson is a pure evil villain in season one. Yet after watching the entire run and rewatching him in that context of the world and all the other bastards he plays completely differently
Byrne gives us a faded lord, a once hero who has been beaten down by the conspiracies and failings of his people. He has lost his spirit, and that is his failing.
He predicts those who would plot against him, he moves against cheats and liars with restraint compared to...
He predicts those who would plot against him, he moves against cheats and liars with restraint compared to...
...the later lords. He makes a strategic marriage for his daughter to profit his people. But, for all that he rules with fear and does nothing to inspire or cheer his people. He is resigned, a threat, and not loved because of it.
His failing is being right.
His failing is being right.
Later lords all have their failings at leaders, even the favourites Bjorn Ironside and Lagatha. Bjorn is a hero, not a statesman. Lagatha was bent on revenge and failed to rally the love of the people right after changing regime.
So yeah, I highly recommend rewatching the earlier episodes and seeing the fantastic performances IN context of the fleshed out dark ages.
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