The most unique and interesting character is killed off. The story follows a bastard child that cycles between rage and disgrace. He is either hell-bent on revenge or on the run. The story is remarkably dull for a world set in wartime. The fights are forgettable. In the end, he doesn't even follow through with his plan, but not for a lack of trying. It's amazing what receives high ratings these days. Animation was subpar. Character development is incoherent. Thorfinn was an unruly beast that needed to be put down. He'd lunge at you for mentioning his late father or the ideal warrior. They all should have followed Thors into Valhalla.
B-b-but what about Askeladd? What about him? He should've been a episodic side story, but they drag it to eight hours.