Is it just me, or is Game of Thrones pretty boring this season? I know it's just 3 episodes in and there's still plenty of time for action to go down, but so far it's hardly held my attention. I've watched the past two seasons in marathon style and I'm beginning to think that part of why I liked the show so much was because it's meant to be watched this way. On a week to week basis the episodes move too slowly for me.

But I am watching a show similar to Game of Thrones that has excellent pacing and has surprised me immensely by how great it is.

I probably shouldn't be so surprised. This is the third really great History Channel series I've gotten into (Hatfields & McCoys and The Bible series were both exquisitely done). Not only is the cinematography stellar, but the casting couldn't be more on point. Travis Fimmel in particular portrays Ragnar Lodbrok perfectly.

I've been a fan of his for a while now, but more because my favorite author (Sherrilyn Kenyon) pictured him as one of my favorite characters in her Dark-Hunter series. I'd seen him in a few things before, but really didn't think much of his acting. To say he's improved a bit for Vikings would be an understatement. I can't imagine another person in his role doing a better job.

And the plot line is constant, never weighed down with unnecessary sex scenes that do nothing to add to the story itself (which is rather common in Game of Thrones, though it's yet to happen this season luckily) or secondary plot lines that make the overall story more like a soap opera. I find myself both confused and amused by how much I'm rooting for these ruthless Vikings over the Christians (when I am in fact a Christian), but that's how well these characters have sold themselves.

If you're not watching Vikings yet, I urge you to check it out. If you're a fan of Game of Thrones, you might just find this more entertaining. 😉