Norsemen

(series)
  • Norway Vikingane
Norway, (2016–2020), 9 h 8 min (Length: 29–34 min)

Composer:

Johannes Ringen

Cast:

Kåre Conradi, Nils Jørgen Kaalstad, Jon Øigarden, Bjørn Myrene, Silje Torp, Trond Fausa Aurvåg, Øystein Martinsen, Henrik Mestad, Marian Saastad Ottesen (more)
(more professions)

Seasons(3) / Episodes(18)

Plots(1)

A comedy series built on the contrast between accurate period scenery and modern language spoken by ancient Norsemen. Their relations, social hierarchy, and looting are discussed in a way that indeed does not correspond with the style that we all know from history textbooks. What it takes to be the village chieftain admired by all women, to gain imperishable honour and glory as well as privilege to lead warriors on a quest for prey? In this series, it may not be just a result of social status carefully constructed over the years. Sometimes a little is enough and rules once followed by all are creatively evaded and the order of things changed. The luck and honours fall simply into the lap of the person who does not have what it takes to be the leader. Women are forced to bow down before those who should not be glorified. However, they are more than capable of dealing with the situation in their own way. (Academia Film Olomouc)

(more)

Reviews of this series by the user Necrotongue (8)

Season 1 (2016) (S01) 

English The first season didn’t turn out bad at all. I was pleased by the occasional Monty Python-esque moments, too bad that the writers served just a diet version. It's lacking the right kind of enthusiasm, which is one of the reasons why my rating isn’t higher. Another reason is the character of the annoying Roman actor and versatile artist, Rufus, who didn’t appeal to me at all. Who I think is perfect, on the other hand, is the voluntary slave Kark, who is great in every scene. I hope he will be as good in Season 2. ()

The Homecoming (2016) (S01E01) 

English In the opening scene of the first episode, I couldn't help but think of Monty Python's Flying Circus, the grumbling slave clearly referenced it. Similarly, the final resolution of the retirement question or holmgang also made an impression on me. I didn't give it a full star rating because I expected the creators to shake up my defenses in a more powerful way. ()

The Escape (2016) (S01E02) 

English In the second episode, the Norwegian creators continued with what they successfully started last time. This time, they focused more on relationships between men and women, and they did well. The afternoon with poetry and honey wine was excellent. The Vikings had to be truly brave; I definitely wouldn't mess with a guy who can split a pig in half with one swing of his sword. ()

The Funeral (2016) (S01E03) 

English The third meeting with the Vikings has been the weakest for me so far. The character Rufus didn't really appeal to me, not only does he lack a sense of subtle Scandinavian humor, but he also involves culture. The episode was too settled for my taste. Yes, there was a funeral ceremony, but I still expected more daring. ()

The Raid (2016) (S01E04) 

English What would a series about Vikings be without a plundering raid on foreign shores? So, the creators sent their loyal Norheim warriors overseas and they did well. The raid under Orm's command was a delight, and if it weren't for that annoying Roman, the final impression could have been even better. Although the construction of the amphitheater according to the 1:1 scale plan was great, that's for sure. One sentence that speaks for it all: "The sea gives and the sea takes." ()

The Siege (2016) (S01E05) 

English The fifth episode, along with the third one, ranked among the weaker ones for me. I have a suspicion that Roman Rufus is mainly to blame for it. The creators obviously wrote him as a humorous character, but this guy really gets on my nerves. The final attack on Norheim and Orm, who encountered a fate worse than death, saved the situation a bit, but Rufus... 3*+. ()

The Duel (2016) (S01E06) 

English The finale improved my mood after the previous, rather hesitant episode. In this case, I had a great time practically the whole time, Rufus was sufficiently sidelined, and public humiliation proved to be a dangerously double-edged weapon. The conclusion truly worked out for the creators. ()

Season 2 (2017) (S02) 

English I feel almost the same way about the second season as the first one. Yet again, the creators were constantly balancing on the edge between humor and awkwardness, and I’m pleased to say that humor was mostly winning. Although I’m an atheist, I thank God that the annoying Roman did not get as much screen time as before. On the other hand, I'm delighted that Kark could fully express his unique worldview. I was worried that the second season would be worse than the first one. Fortunately, it wasn’t, so I can look forward to Season 3 and to how the creators will manage to bring Freja back to the game. ()