Watch Ragnarok

Ragnarok, a Norwegian-language television series, explores the mythical Norse apocalypse of the same name. It premiered on Netflix in January 2020 and immediately captured audiences with its twist on the traditional coming-of-age narrative. The show follows the story of a teenage boy named Magne, who moves from Oslo to the small fictional town of Edda with his family. Initially, Magne is just another misunderstood high school student trying to fit in, but things quickly take a supernatural turn.

The portrayal of Edda is one of the show's biggest strengths. It's a tiny town surrounded by breathtaking mountains and deep fjords, providing a beautiful but isolated landscape that begs for its share of folklore and legend. It is, therefore, no surprise that the town is steeped in mythology, where folklore and reality interweave. As Magne starts to settle into his new home, he realizes there is something peculiar about Edda. He starts experiencing visions of what appears to be a devastating storm. The locals dismiss it as postcard perfect scenery, while others seem to harbor their secrets.

Magne discovers that he is no ordinary teenager and appears to have some unexplained powers. These manifestations are the beginning of his journey to understand his true nature and embracing his role as a savior. He is the embodiment of the mighty Norse god of thunder, Thor, emerging to protect the townsfolk from a rising threat that endangers humanity while trying to be just another high-school student.

The villains of this story are a group of wealthy businessmen, The Jutuls, reputed to have Scandinavian gods for ancestors. They are an influential family that practically owns the town, yet they appear to be hiding a sinister past and dark intentions. The Jutuls claim that they are responsible for creating the flourishing town, with the townsmen giving them all the credit. Still, with time, their ulterior motive comes to light, putting the townsfolk in danger. Ragnarok uses the battle between gods and monsters to create the backdrop for a broader story about class struggle and climate change.

The tale of Ragnarok has always been one of mythological proportions, but this show can make those stories relatable. It manages to blend modern-day issues, such as climate change, adolescence, and political corruption, and it’s a compelling twist on the classic superhero trope. The characters are remarkably complex yet fascinating, with individual backstories that slowly unravel as the show progresses.

Magne is the embodiment of Thor, and his transformation is the main plot point of the story. He is troubled by anxiety and ADHD and initially takes time to adapt to a strange new environment, making him the underdog. His character develops over time as he gains confidence in his extraordinary powers while adapting to high school's challenges. He meets Gry, his love interest, who is fierce and outspoken in fighting the Jutuls and their influence on Edda. She is not afraid to voice her opinion and has no qualms about taking down the powerful family. It's worth mentioning that Gry is a welcome addition to the strong-willed female characters the show boasts.

Other characters include Magne's brother, Laurits, who is very secretive and has his unique mystery. There is also Turid, the chemistry teacher with an activist streak. She places herself at the forefront of the town's crusade against "greedy" businesses, which comes with its own set of consequences. Many other characters round out the show, but it's safe to say that they all contribute to the strong storyline and make it a well-rounded show.

Ragnarok's production values are remarkable, especially when it comes to the visual aspects of the show. The breathtaking Scandinavian scenery provides a picturesque backdrop. The creators make it clear that they have carefully balanced supernatural elements with grounded themes of coming of age, climate change, and power struggles. The show is atmospheric and cinematographically stunning, with striking camera work and exceptional direction.

In conclusion, Ragnarok is a unique series that explores mythology through a modern-day lens. The show is not just about Norse gods and monsters, but it's also about birthing a new era. At its core, it's a show about young people finding their place in the world while grappling with the ever-present issues of a changing society. It's engaging, emotional, and visually spectacular, making it a show worth watching.

Ragnarok is a series that is currently running and has 3 seasons (18 episodes). The series first aired on January 31, 2020.