After the worldwide acclaim of History Channel’s Vikings last year, I wondered if series creator Michael Hirst and the production crew would ride into its sophomore season (premiering February 27) coasting on the success of the first one. I’m happy to report the wait has been worth it: Vikings has taken it to the next level!

The promos and images released to date have hinted strongly at the meticulous vision and direction for the upcoming season of Vikings. As I moved from one screener episode to the next — reaching the mid-season point — I found myself dying to know what would happen next. As an enthusiast of action-packed shows, I must say this —what a strong start for season two!

Key highlights:

• Thoughtful scripting continues to be a constant but as the storylines become more complex, every scene shows how carefully crafted it is for maximum storytelling effect.
• The cinematography continues to enrich the show with new and stunning landscapes.
• If you enjoyed the raids last season, get ready to see more combat techniques. If this is your cup of tea, episode 202 will be a real treat!
• Now that the actors have settled into their roles, it’s evident how comfortable the cast feels about their roles allowing for character development to move forward.
• The entire ensemble delivers strong performances but Travis Fimmel’s characterization of Ragnar makes it look as if the responsibility of carrying the weight of the show as a leading man is an effortless task.
• Storylines move fast! We quickly learn what happens to the land dispute between Jarl Borg (Thorbjørn Harr) and King Horik (Donald Logue) that Ragnar was mediating, as well as the consequences of Ragnar’s encounter with Aslaug (Alyssa Sutherland).
• I enjoyed the realistic reminders of the violence and fragility of life during the era referenced.
• Oh and what a teaser the Seer (John Kavanagh) continues to be!

What I’m excited about:

• New enemies are quickly introduced.
• Efficient dialogue and scene management with plotlines advancing quickly.
• Hoping the show continues to center on main characters who aren’t either all goodie-goodie or complete villains.
• Linus Roache (King Ecberth) and Alexander Ludwig (Ragnar’s son, Bjorn) as cast members! They’ll be interesting additions to the storylines.
• Increased camera time for season one’s supporting characters. For example, we learn so much more about Athelstan (George Blagden), Aslaug, and Bjorn.
• Fans should pay attention to the episode titles as they reveal what is at the heart of each installment.
• Ragnar continues to benefit from his ability to influence others. At times, this is facilitated by his charisma and other times, by his ability to be creative.
• More boat scenes, raids, and battles!

I didn’t see anything I disliked or concerned me, although I was able to guess where some of the storylines were heading; specifically because I feel the plotlines are carefully concocted. The show, however, sparks my interest as to its historical accuracy and in terms of referencing both Vikings and Anglo-Saxons.

In case you missed them, please check out our Comic Con interviews with the cast including Katheryn Winnick and series creator Hirst to learn noteworthy hints about what to expect during Season 2.

Not only did Hirst create Vikings, he also wrote the series. He is one of the premiere historical storytellers in the industry today, having written the Academy-Award winning film Elizabeth; the Emmy® and Golden Globe nominated series The Tudors, and was the writer/creator of the TV mini-series, Camelot. Hirst also served as executive producer, along with Morgan O’Sullivan of World 2000 (The Count of Monte Cristo; The Tudors), John Weber of Take 5 Productions (The Tudors; The Borgias), Sherry Marsh, Alan Gasmer, James Flynn (The Tudors; The Borgias), and Sheila Hockin (The Tudors; The Borgias). Dirk Hoogstra and Julian P. Hobbs are the executives in charge of production for the History Channel.

Over its nine-episode first season, Vikings became the #1 new cable series of 2013, averaging 4.3 million total viewers. The series is scheduled to return on Thursday, February 27, 2014 at 10/9c, only on HISTORY.

For more on the show, visit http://www.history.com/shows/vikings.

To keep up with the latest news on Vikings, follow the show on Twitter @HistoryVikings using hashtag #Vikings, as well as some of the cast members—@gblagden, @KatherynWinnick, and @CliveStanden.

Like Vikings on Facebook.

All photos © 2013-14 HISTORY®, an affiliate of A&E Television Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved.