This episode marks the highest production value presented on Vikings series. It's packed with series of polished scorch marks and flesh scars. Cinematography is nothing short of splendid as it moves back and forth from the walls and beyond. Caliber of action is different from usual medium size skirmishes displayed before, the siege of Paris delivers grit and wit from both participating parties.
As soon as the episode starts the Vikings storm the so called impregnable city. Clash of steel and wood is portrayed with visual vigor. Though it seems hectic, it never loses focus on what transpires on the battlefield. The use of several parties is great since it anoints each major character with respective spotlight. They all have clear purpose as they find out the solid wall of Paris is league taller from settlements they have previously raided.
Choreography ensures that everything moves at steady pace, the color palate is glossy though the carnage escalates by the minute. It gives more clarity when combined with amazing camera work. The closest comparison would be Game of Thrones' sieges, and even against such caliber Vikings doesn't falter. There are many several sequences that let the camera pans through the wall, slides in parallel with the siege weapons and even uses bird eye view that overlook both sides. These fast pace scenes are executed flawlessly.
Characters also develop with the ordeal, this is not the Vikings' first dance, but their will is tested in the baptism by fire and blood. Everyone gives a valiant performance. One minor hiccup is Princess Gisla. She is meant to be the authority figure and she just doesn't exhibit that kind of royal presence. As the series moves towards the end, the Parisian might rise to prominence, but the quality of the mainstay cast will be sufficient to carry the series till the end.
As soon as the episode starts the Vikings storm the so called impregnable city. Clash of steel and wood is portrayed with visual vigor. Though it seems hectic, it never loses focus on what transpires on the battlefield. The use of several parties is great since it anoints each major character with respective spotlight. They all have clear purpose as they find out the solid wall of Paris is league taller from settlements they have previously raided.
Choreography ensures that everything moves at steady pace, the color palate is glossy though the carnage escalates by the minute. It gives more clarity when combined with amazing camera work. The closest comparison would be Game of Thrones' sieges, and even against such caliber Vikings doesn't falter. There are many several sequences that let the camera pans through the wall, slides in parallel with the siege weapons and even uses bird eye view that overlook both sides. These fast pace scenes are executed flawlessly.
Characters also develop with the ordeal, this is not the Vikings' first dance, but their will is tested in the baptism by fire and blood. Everyone gives a valiant performance. One minor hiccup is Princess Gisla. She is meant to be the authority figure and she just doesn't exhibit that kind of royal presence. As the series moves towards the end, the Parisian might rise to prominence, but the quality of the mainstay cast will be sufficient to carry the series till the end.