10 Amazing TV Episodes (That Doomed Great Shows)

Vikings is another superb historical drama that's burdened by the same problems as Black Sails - real history. The existence of Ragnar Lothbrook has been in question for centuries, his exploits were part of a larger tale, The Viking Sagas. Ragnar's exploits were nothing more than a cracking piece of storytelling and the reason for the show's focus on that character.

When the finale of season four depicted the inevitable spectacle of Ragnar's death at the hands of King Ælla of Northumbria, what more is there left to tell? Travis Fimmel was spot on as the cunning titular warrior, his impressive focus not just upon his own successes but on his name's enduring legacy.

Ragnar realises that only his death will generate the necessary amount of revenge-fuelled energy required for his sons to conquer and settle the small island once and for all.

Ragnar is savagely beaten and practically blind in one eye before he is dumped in a pit full of snakes (though where they get any poisonous ones from in Northumbria is another mystery), as told in the sagas of old. As Ragnar sang his merry way to Valhalla, audiences were left thinking where next for the show?

Despite the fascinating exploits of Ivar in the history books, the endless childish machinations of Ivar and the rest of Ragnar's weedy sons are no match for the enjoyment of watching Ragnar and his supremely cunning best friend Floki manipulate every situation to their advantage, and our entertainment.