Entertainment Extra

2 TV ENCORE By Meagan Sylvester TV Media T he historically accurate world in "Vikings" is a pop-culture thirst for the Dark Ages in all its primitive guts and glory. With a touch of romance and familial rift to strengthen the humility of these ancient nomadic characters, "Vikings" sets itself apart from the rest. As the critically acclaimed series prepares to set sail on its third season, it's clear the Canadian-Irish production has developed a style of its own by scrapping the "adult only" con- tent that appears popular on some of its rival dramas. With 10 Norseman ships and roughly 6,000 extras now on set, season 3 of the hit historical drama "Vikings" premieres Thursday, Feb. 19, on History. For many fans, season 2 marked the end of a bloody era as Ragnar (Travis Fimmel, "The Baytown Outlaws," 2012, "The Beast") rose above his humble ranks by defeating King Horik (Donal Logue, "Gotham") in a final showdown, thus becoming king of his people (despite a few problems on the home front). But with great power comes great responsibility, and the new king is tasked with leading his people to the shores of Wessex, where the English have promised fertile agri- cultural land, but it's too soon to tell whether the proposed treaty will be honored. This season, however, Ragnar's imperial ambition leads the Vikings beyond the isle of mod- ern-day England and into the Graybeals Carpet 2 x 3" Pear Tree Gallery 3 x 2" Harrison- Metzger 2 x 2" On the Cover heart of western Europe. In what will be "the first raid of Paris," Ragnar and his band of Norseman will work together to infiltrate the mythical city of Paris, an urban center unlike any the Vikings have seen before. "When we get to France, peo- ple are not going to expect what [the Vikings] find because the Francs — or the people who lived there at the time — were very Eastern," said show creator Michael Hirst of what's to come in season 3, at Comic-Con in July last year. "The Roman Empire had spread its influence down to France, so there's African influ- ence and Egyptian influence. The court in Paris will be unlike any- thing you've ever seen." And while Hirst said he initially anticipated captivating viewers who crave those testosterone- induced battle scenes every week, he is surprised by the number of people who are drawn to the cul- tural and spiritual aspects of the show. In fact, Hirst says there has been a shift in historical interest among viewers, making the show both possible and popular in today's vast vault of television. "When the fans start talking about [the show], they talk more about the gods and the spiritual side than the battles and the vio- lence," Hirst said of the show's rising popularity among both men and women. "I thought when I wrote it we might get a History channel male-skewed audience, and I've wondered whether they would go for this other intellectu- al side. But you know, they love it." Hirst credits the recent inter- est in paganism and other forms of spirituality to major Viking exhibitions in London, England, and the writer — who works closely with historians and other consultants for accuracy — said this kind of fan-based excitement has reinforced his desire to por- tray the Vikings as they truly were: a democratic and advanced civilization. "I want the show to challenge a lot of the stereotypes and social cliches about the Vikings. Their attitudes towards women, for example, were much more enlightened than the Saxons and the Francs, and they were more democratic," Hirst said of this continued theme in the upcoming season. "I wanted to show that they were interesting, subtle and, in many ways, profound people." The show will also introduce a contrast of new characters, including Harbard, played by Canadian actor Kevin Durand ("Real Steel," 2011, "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," 2009). While Harbard is described as a lowly wanderer who turns up unexpect- edly when Ragnar and the others are away, this new character has a profound effect on Queen Aslaug (Alyssa Sutherland, "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit," "The Devil Wears Prada," 2006), What to expect in season 3 of the hit drama 'Vikings' as well as Siggy (Jessalyn Gilsig, "Glee") and Helga (Maude Hirst, "The Tudors"), all of whom share the same dream. Fimmel will continue to lead the cast, along with Katheryn Winnick ("Love and Other Drugs," 2010) as Lagertha, an Earl and fierce shield maiden, and Clive Standen ("Atlantis," "Camelot") as Rollo, Ragnar's impulsive brother. But the personal and sometimes brotherly dynamics in the next season are expected to undergo some major changes, Winnick said at the same Comic- Con convention last year. Winnick said, beside fellow castmate Alexander Ludwig ("The Hunger Games," 2012), who plays her son Bjorn. "It's really hard for a past lover or husband to see his ex-wife come into power in her own right. ... But do they still have that love for each other? Do they still have that chemistry? Maybe." These are just some of the questions posed at the beginning of season 3, but viewers will have to tune in to find out what hap- pens next in this Iron Age series of ocean navigators and explor- ers. Be sure to catch the season 3 premiere of "Vikings" when it airs Thursday, Feb. 19, on History. Clive Standen and Travis Fimmel as seen in "Vikings" D&J Liquors 3 x 2" Animal Shop 2 x 2" All handmade, all beautiful and all made right here at the Pear Tree Gallery Custom Framing for all your priceless treasures Pear Tree Gallery Corner of 4th & Market ~ Downtown Logansport 574-737-8374 MADE FRESH DAILY MAROCCO-RANS FUNERAL CHAPEL 119 E. Market St. | Logansport, IN • 574.753.6282 www.ransfuneralhomes.com Offering compassionate services during your most diffi cult time of need. • Funeral & Cremation Services • • Preplanning Options • Monument Sales • Carpet Remnants Room Size Starting At 5th & BROADWAY • DOWNTOWN LOGANSPORT • (574)722-2215 Large Selection of Color, Texture and Sizes $ 59 We have an extensive selection of fi ne wines and champagne to toast your love on Valentine's Day Uncork Some Romance D&J Liquors D&J Liquors 3 Convenient locations for all your party needs! EAST - 3800 E. Market | WEST - U.S. 24 West | DOWNTOWN - 509 North St. Oliver Softs & Barefoot Wines $5.99 750 ml. The Animal Shop Full Grooming Service & Boarding Kennel Rub A Dub Dub Me In The Tub 574-753-8556 5940 N. St. Rd 25, Logansport • Vacation or weekend get away? • ONLY boarding kennel open on Sunday • Convenient drop off & pick up • Grooming service available • Full Shampoo • Full Brush out • Ear Cleaning • Nails

• Cover