Vikings: Valhalla
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Vikings: Valhalla
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Vikings: Valhalla is a historical action-drama and the sequel to Vikings. It contains plenty of violent combat encounters and physical fights, often resulting in death. Weapons, such as knives, swords, arrows, and axes are used frequently, leading to some brutal, bloody kills. A civilian village is attacked and burned, resulting in the death of women and children. Couples flirt and have sex, but nudity is kept to a minimum (bare female backs, shirtless men.) A woman's buttocks are seen during a bathing scene. Characters sling verbal threats and insults often, but foul language is rare ("whore" is used.) There's also a number of references to rape and physical abuse. Characters regularly indulge in alcohol during celebrations and boisterous social gatherings. Despite the mature, gritty nature of the series, positive messages and themes are present in the characters and their actions. Family bonds, loyalty among friends, and qualities such as courage, bravery, and leadership are represented, often by powerful women characters, including a Black woman.
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What's the Story?
VIKINGS: VALHALLA is the sequel to the long-running historical drama series Vikings. While it technically follows the original series, it unfolds 100 years later, in the 11th century, and largely works as a standalone story. It focuses on real-life historical figures, primarily Leif Erikson (Sam Corlett) and his friends, enemies, and family, including sister Freydis Eriksdotter (Frida Gustavsson.) Through a mix of action and drama, it explores the violent and political conflicts between England's hierarchy and the Norsemen, as well as the in-fighting between the Vikings divided by differing religious beliefs.
Is It Any Good?
This sequel to the acclaimed Vikings series gets off to a slower than expected start before gaining momentum a few episodes in. While Vikings: Valhalla immediately checks all the requisite boxes, from brutal melees and mead-swilling celebrations to more majestic beards than you can swing a battle axe at, it takes some time to become invested in its storytelling and characters. The inherent nature of kicking off a new series is largely to blame for this, as settings, timelines, and characters must be introduced and motivations established. But Valhalla sometimes stumbles over this intrinsic hurdle more than it should, presenting a number of similar-looking and -acting characters from the get-go. While keeping track of all the brooding bros with long locks and epic facial hair can be a chore, Freydis quickly stands out as someone you'll want to root for...and have in your corner during a fight. Anchored by Frida Gustavsson's strong, emotional performance, her arch is easily the most compelling early on.
Thankfully, the other characters -- and their narrative paths -- start to catch up a few episodes in. The primary players begin to emerge from their generic facades, new, interesting villains and conflicts are introduced, and the story's plotting and pacing becomes less bogged down in exposition, backstory, and set-up. Vikings: Valhalla might not grab you right out of the gate, but weather its growing pains and the gods just might reward you with a worthy successor to its popular predecessor.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about historical drama series. Are they an acceptable way to learn about historical subjects? Are these series more educational or entertaining?
What are some of the moral dilemmas faced by the characters? Are these characters' violent actions justified? Can morally gray characters be heroes?
What are the characters' different religious beliefs? How are they motivated by their beliefs? Does the series depict any of the religions as right or wrong?
TV Details
- Premiere date: February 25, 2022
- Network: Netflix
- Genre: Action
- Topics: Adventures, History
- Character Strengths: Communication, Courage, Perseverance, Teamwork
- TV rating: TV-MA
- Last updated: May 6, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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Vikings
Violent, mature drama has amiable, legendary hero.
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Crossbones
Pirate adventure has bloody violence, political intrigue.
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Game of Thrones
Artful fantasy series heavy on sexuality and violence.
For kids who love historical fantasy
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