Vikingane (2016–) TV Series review, story and analysis

History of Construction and Production Challenges

Vikingane, also known as Norsemen, is a Norwegian comedy television series that premiered in 2016. The series was created by Jon Iver Helgaker and Jonas Torgersen. It was produced by Viafilm and aired on NRK1 in Norway.

The construction of Vikingane began with the idea of creating a comedy series set in the Viking Age, a departure from the typical serious and dramatic portrayals of Vikings in popular culture. The year of construction, 2016, marked a period when historical dramas and comedies were gaining traction on television.

The series faced the challenge of balancing historical accuracy with comedic elements, ensuring that it remained entertaining while also respectful of the Viking Age setting. The creators aimed to inject humor into the often gritty and violent world of the Vikings, offering a fresh and irreverent take on the genre.

Additionally, Vikingane had to contend with the logistical challenges of filming on location in Norway, including adverse weather conditions and remote filming locations. Despite these obstacles, the production team worked diligently to bring the world of the Vikings to life with authenticity and humor.

The Cast and Their Roles

Vikingane features a talented ensemble cast, with each actor bringing their own comedic flair to their respective roles.

• Kåre Conradi stars as Orm, the bumbling and inept chieftain of the Viking village of Norheim.
• Nils Jørgen Kaalstad portrays Arvid, Orm’s ambitious and scheming brother who constantly vies for power.
• Jon Øigarden appears as Jarl Varg, Norheim’s rival chieftain who is determined to conquer and plunder the village.
• Marian Saastad Ottesen plays Frøya, Orm’s long-suffering wife who often finds herself at odds with her husband’s foolish antics.
• Silje Torp Færavaag portrays Liv, a fierce and independent shieldmaiden who defies gender norms and fights alongside the men of Norheim.

Each member of the cast delivers hilarious performances that bring their characters to life with wit and charm, making Vikingane a delightfully entertaining comedy series.

The General Concept of the Series

Vikingane is a comedy series that takes place in the fictional Viking village of Norheim during the Viking Age. The series offers a humorous and irreverent take on Viking culture, exploring the absurdities of life in a small Norse community through the lens of modern comedy.

At its core, Vikingane is a satire that pokes fun at the conventions of historical dramas while also paying homage to the rich history and mythology of the Vikings. The series blends slapstick humor with witty dialogue and clever wordplay, creating a unique and entertaining viewing experience.

Through its comedic storytelling, Vikingane tackles themes such as power struggles, gender dynamics, and the clash of cultures, offering a lighthearted commentary on the human condition that transcends time and place.

The Full Story of the Series

Vikingane unfolds across multiple seasons, each following the misadventures of the villagers of Norheim as they navigate the challenges of Viking life. The series begins with the arrival of Rufus, a Roman slave who is captured and enslaved by the Vikings.

As the series progresses, viewers are introduced to a colorful cast of characters, each with their own quirks and eccentricities. From Orm’s misguided attempts at leadership to Arvid’s schemes for power, the villagers of Norheim find themselves embroiled in a series of hilarious and often absurd predicaments.

Throughout its run, Vikingane explores a wide range of comedic scenarios, from raucous feasts and epic battles to petty rivalries and romantic entanglements. The series revels in its irreverent humor, poking fun at historical tropes and clichés while also celebrating the spirit of adventure and camaraderie that defined Viking culture.

In the final seasons, Vikingane reaches a hilarious conclusion as the villagers of Norheim face their greatest challenges yet. From Jarl Varg’s attempts to conquer the village to Orm’s schemes for self-preservation, the series delivers a satisfying and uproarious finale that leaves viewers laughing until the very end.

Criticism and Analysis of the Series

Vikingane has received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, earning praise for its clever humor, witty writing, and talented cast.

One of the standout aspects of Vikingane is its ability to blend historical accuracy with modern comedy, offering a fresh and irreverent take on Viking culture. The series strikes a balance between satire and homage, poking fun at the conventions of historical dramas while also celebrating the rich history and mythology of the Vikings.

Additionally, Vikingane has been praised for its strong performances, particularly by lead actor Kåre Conradi, who brings a bumbling charm to his role as Orm. The series features a talented ensemble cast who deliver hilarious performances that keep viewers entertained from start to finish.

However, some critics have noted that Vikingane can be uneven in its pacing and tone, with certain episodes veering into slapstick territory while others delve into darker themes. Additionally, while the series offers a humorous portrayal of Viking culture, some viewers may find its comedic sensibilities to be an acquired taste.

Overall, Vikingane stands out as a unique and entertaining comedy series that offers a fresh and irreverent take on Viking culture. With its clever humor, witty writing, and talented cast, the series has captivated audiences and earned praise for its inventive storytelling and hilarious characters.

Critical Reception and Position Among Similar Series

Vikingane has received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, with many praising its clever humor, witty writing, and talented cast. The series has been lauded for its ability to blend historical accuracy with modern comedy, offering a fresh and irreverent take on Viking culture.

In terms of its position among similar series, Vikingane stands out as a standout addition to the genre of historical comedies. While there have been numerous other comedy series set in historical periods, Vikingane distinguishes itself with its clever humor, witty writing, and irreverent take on Viking culture.

Overall, Vikingane has solidified its place as a unique and entertaining comedy series that offers a fresh and irreverent take on Viking culture. With its clever humor, witty writing, and talented cast, the series has captivated audiences and earned praise for its inventive storytelling and hilarious characters.

Five Series Similar to Vikingane

1. Blackadder: Created by Richard Curtis and Rowan Atkinson, Blackadder is a British historical sitcom that follows the misadventures of the members of the Blackadder family throughout various periods of British history. Like Vikingane, it offers a humorous and irreverent take on historical events and figures.
2. Monty Python’s Flying Circus: Created by Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin, Monty Python’s Flying Circus is a British sketch comedy series that offers a surreal and absurdist take on history, politics, and society. Like Vikingane, it revels in its irreverent humor and clever wordplay.
3. Horrible Histories: Based on the book series of the same name by Terry Deary, Horrible Histories is a British children’s sketch comedy series that offers a humorous and educational look at historical events and figures. Like Vikingane, it blends humor with historical accuracy to create an entertaining and informative viewing experience.
4. Black Sails: Created by Jonathan E. Steinberg and Robert Levine, Black Sails is a historical adventure series that serves as a prequel to Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel “Treasure Island.” Like Vikingane, it offers a gritty and realistic portrayal of life in a historical setting, albeit with a more dramatic and action-packed tone.
5. Galavant: Created by Dan Fogelman, Galavant is a musical comedy series that parodies the medieval fantasy genre. Like Vikingane, it offers a humorous and irreverent take on historical tropes and clichés, with a focus on witty dialogue, clever wordplay, and catchy musical numbers.