Enter the next generation.Netflixrecently released its new historical drama,Vikings: Valhalla. It’s the much anticipated sequel toVikings, the acclaimed History Channel series depicting the early explorations and conquests of the iconic Northmen. Rather than continuing with the same set of characters,Valhallapicks up 100 years later.
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Fans are naturally curious to see how different it is. Which historical figures will it bring to life? How much of their sagas will be shown? More importantly, how does this new entry measure up to the original show? The short answer is that it fares pretty well.
7New Faces
Obviously, the 100-year time jump yieldsa batch of new characters. Thankfully, they carry the baton like old pros. Most of the characters here are well-drawn with clear motivations. What’s more is these motivations are strong enough to keep audiences interested.
Of course, the new cast also helps with such engagement. The show comes with a host of charismatic actors who make their roles their own. Not only are they right at home in a medieval setting, butthey bring much-needed humanity to a harsh time. There’s nothing like some new blood to revitalize a series.
6An Evolved Setting
The world ofValhallafeels like the same one asVikings. It’s just advanced several decades thanks to the innovations and resulting discoveries. Places only glimpsed in the previous series, such as Africa, are now well-known landswhich the Northmen have explored and traded with. The jarl of Kattegat comes from these foreign relations.
For people as well-traveled as the Vikings, it’s only natural to blend into other cultures, and vice versa. That extends to their beliefs. Not all Norsemen here worship the Norse gods;many of them have converted to Christianity. In the old days, religious differences clearly separated the Vikings from everyone else. Now, that distinction has been turned on its head, thereby making the setting more complex and authentic.
5Peak Production Values
Though they mostly subsist on cheap comedies and low-budget dramas, Netflixcan put out products comparable to blockbuster films. Just look atThe Witcher,Lost in Space, andThe Last Kingdom. Thankfully, they reaffirm that here.
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Due to an accomplished team, the production values are as impressive as they ever were. The sets, costumes, and makeup are shocking in their detail, and the number of extras onscreen sells the scale of the Viking invasion. These elements blend seamlessly (with a sprinkle of CGI) to deliver spectacular and creative battle sequences worthy of Skaldic songs. This is even more admirable considering how contained the originalVikingslooked in its first season. By contrast,Valhallahits the ground running.
4Great For Newcomers
Since this is sequel series, one might assumeValhallais unfriendly to newbies. The world can admittedly look overwhelming from a distance. Numerous factions and storylines emerge right out of the gate, and much of it is based on pre-established conflicts. The show should be a mess to the uninitiated, but the writers avoid that thanks to its two leads.
Viewers are guided into things by siblingsLeif and Freydis. As outsiders, they provide a convenient audience proxy. Newcomers learn about the world as they do. What’s more is that you’re glad to step into their shoes. These two Greenlanders are active, emotionally engaging heroes with meaningful contributions to the narrative. Thus, as they become more invested in Viking events, so does the audience.
3Complex Portrayal Of Religion
Like the last show, the dichotomy between Christianity andthe Norse godsis a prominent part of the conflict here. Also like the last show,Valhallagives credence to both beliefs. Each one has devout followers, and many of them are suspicious or downright hostile toward those on the other side. Such dogmatic behavior is a problem for both parties.
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It would have been easy to portray either paganism or Christianity as the truly villainous force, but that would have been narrow-minded and unrealistic. People have different doctrines the world over, and every religion has those willing to force their views on others. In addition, some people simply aren’t sure where their loyalties lie. Acknowledging this in the show is key to itsbelievability and potency. Because audiences buy this faith-based conflict, the story and themes are more affecting.
2A New Voice
The originalVikingswas written in its entirety by Michael Hirst ofElizabethandThe Tudorsfame; Jeb Stuart (and a writer’s room) takes over forValhalla. Viewers can definitely notice the difference. The supernatural imagery is largely absent, and the dialogue is more surface-level thanHirst’s cerebral (sometimes minimalist) scripts. Nevertheless, the series is still compelling in its own right.
Stuart is a veteran of the industry, having written scripts for successful films likeDie HardandThe Fugitive. The most relevant work, thought, is his most recent: fellow Netflix seriesThe Liberator. He knows how to write a historical action drama about a somber hero being swept off to war. Suffice it to say, the franchise is in safe hands.
1The Plot Paces Itself
When first proposed,Valhallapromised to delve intonumerous Viking events left untouched, such as Leif Erikson’s journey to America and William the Conqueror’s Norman invasion of England. This might have worried some fans who feared the writers would cram too much into the first season. Thankfully, that’s not the case. Stuart and company know exactly how much to dole out to viewers at a time.
Most of Season 1’s narrative unfolds in England as the Vikings seek revenge for a past betrayal and establish a new leadership. In addition, problems arise back in Norway as religious zealots threaten a mass, bloody cleansing. Sticking to these two locales allows the story and its ensuing character drama to breathe. This lays a stronger foundation upon which later events can build, ensuring that audiences care about them that much more.
