Is 'Vikings: Valhalla' better than the original 'Vikings' show?
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Vikings: Valhalla' emerges as a bold successor to its predecessor, leveraging the rich tapestry of history and mythology laid out by the original 'Vikings' series.
Set in the same immersive timeline but with a fresh casts and new narrative arcs, Valhalla invites viewers into a world shaped by vengeance, honor, and the tumultuous clash of Viking and Saxon cultures.
At its core, 'Vikings: Valhalla' echoes the spirit of exploration and conquest that defined 'Vikings', yet it strives to carve its own path. Anchored by characters like Leif Eriksson, whose reluctant leadership shapes pivotal moments in Viking history, Valhalla maintains thematic continuity while introducing new dimensions of drama and intrigue.
While 'Vikings: Valhalla' pays homage to its predecessor with familiar settings and character legacies, it also embraces distinct storytelling approaches that set it apart.
How 'Vikings: Valhalla' is different from 'Vikings' show?
'Vikings: Valhalla' marks a distinct departure from its predecessor, 'Vikings', by exploring a transformed Viking world a century after Ragnar Lothbrok's era. In this new landscape, Vikings have adapted to European complexities, embracing diplomacy and settling in England to establish the Danelaw.
Governed by their own laws separate from Mercia and England, this shift reflects a nuanced evolution in Viking society portrayed in the series. One of the most noticeable changes behind the scenes is the reduced involvement of creator Michael Hirst.
While Hirst served as the driving force behind 'Vikings', writing nearly every episode and deeply influencing its direction, he takes on a more limited role in 'Valhalla' as an executive producer.
New showrunner Jeb Stuart assumes the writing responsibilities, contributing to a narrative that maintains the series' quality without significant improvement or decline. Despite this shift, Hirst's ongoing presence ensures continuity in the franchise's vision, albeit with a slightly altered creative footprint.
A comparative analysis of 'Vikings' and 'Vikings: Valhalla'
Neither 'Vikings' nor 'Valhalla' adheres strictly to historical accuracy, but 'Vikings' excels in character development and emotional depth. The original series captures a profound emotional resonance that seems less pronounced in 'Valhalla'.
While both series feature intense battles and personal vendettas, 'Vikings' portrays them with a raw, visceral quality that 'Valhalla' struggles to match. From the seething rage of characters like Ragnar and Ivar, 'Vikings' maintains a consistent emotional intensity that permeates its storytelling.
In contrast, 'Valhalla' presents similar themes of vengeance and warfare but lacks the same emotional impact and narrative cohesion, especially when compared directly to its predecessor. In 'Vikings: Valhalla', while battles are frequent, the intensity often falls short of the deeply personal and emotional stakes seen in Ragnar's era.
Unlike Ragnar and his sons, whose ferocity and tenacity defined their battles, the warriors in 'Valhalla' sometimes appear less formidable, even displaying moments of cowardice. Leif Eriksson, protected by plot armor, dispatches foes with a clumsy, one-on-one approach.
However, characters like Harald Sigurdsson and Freydis Eriksdotter shine as embodiments of fierce Viking spirit, redeeming the show with their unwavering resolve and strength.
'Vikings: Valhalla' Season 3 trailer
'Vikings: Valhalla' Season 1 and 2 is available for streaming on Netflix.