Quality Entertainment?

What the Viking and I have been enjoying watching: Terry Jones' Medieval Lives, on the History Channel. A funny, literate, sceptical, mythbusting estates satire. I found myself shouting 'Thank you!' quite often during the episode on damsels. The next episode is supposed to be on alchemists. I can't wait.

What we found highly vexing: Secrets of the Viking Warriors, on the National Geographic channel. A breathlessly narrated, overwrought, condescending take on the success of the Norsemen. No one should be surprised to learn that the secrets of their success boiled down to their principal weapons of fear, surprise, nice furry uniforms and an almost fanatical devotion to Odin.

How the National Geographic Society redeemed itself for us this month: Star Search

What we anticipate with some trepidation: The Barbarians, also to be on the History Channel. The trailers are making it look at lot like Secrets of the Viking Warriors will come out looking like a balanced account. Eep.

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