Not a soap opera. This is the first season where its obvious the writers stopped paying attention to the source material. Sure the many of the same plot points are there, but, just like Vikings, they have forgotten who this story is about, and the history that is trying to be covered.
The book emphasizes many historical truths. Battles are fought with shield walls, not haphazard running, not on horseback and bows and arrows alone would never win you anything. Roman walls are strong, and once behind them, fortresses can be held. It takes time to travel the country even on horseback.
This series has lost its way, because it breaks all the rules. Like Game of Thrones, everyone appears to be able to just teleport wherever whenever. Everyone just runs into everyone no matter how silly, and like they did with Tyrion, they have made Uhtred stupid for some reason. Also, he is a lord, he doesn't get ambushed because he travels with 50 men, not just his two buddies. Somehow, a small party of Danes does in 5 minutes what multiple great dane armies couldn't do throughout seasons 1 through 3. Total crap.