“The Almighty Johnsons” is a New Zealand television series that combines the ordinary and the divine by telling the story of four brothers who are the living incarnations of Norse Gods. However, they do not have full control of their powers and face the challenges of trying to fulfill an ancient prophecy that could alter the course of their lives. On his 21st birthday, Axl Johnson discovers he is the human embodiment of Odin and that to achieve his full potential as a god, he must find his predestined goddess wife, Frigg. The series blends elements of fantasy with the brothers’ very relatable, mundane lives in Auckland, creating a unique narrative that is as much about family and finding one’s place in the world as it is about mythology.
Main Characters:
- Axl Johnson/Odin (Emmett Skilton): The youngest Johnson brother who, upon learning he is the reincarnation of Odin, must balance his quest with the trials of his everyday life.
- Mike Johnson/Ullr (Tim Balme): The oldest brother and a responsible father figure to the other Johnsons, he embodies the god Ullr and is protective, yet often burdened by his responsibilities.
- Anders Johnson/Bragi (Dean O’Gorman): A slick and charismatic marketing man, he has the powers of the god Bragi and is adept at manipulation and persuasion.
- Ty Johnson/Höðr (Jared Turner): Struggling with the darkest aspect of his godly incarnation, Höðr, Ty battles with the curse of eternal cold and emotional distance.
- Olaf Johnson/Baldr (Ben Barrington): The grandfather of the brothers, despite appearing young due to his godly nature as Baldr, acts as the family’s seer and spiritual guide.
Themes:
The series explores themes of identity, destiny, and legacy, considering what it means to carry the weight of divine purpose while living in a modern world. The interplay between the mundane and the supernatural raises questions about what one would do with such power and how it impacts personal relationships and one’s sense of self. The show also delves into the complexities of family dynamics and the search for love and meaning in life.
Rating:
4/5 – “The Almighty Johnsons” received positive reviews for its original concept, blending humor with drama, and offering a fresh take on Norse mythology in a contemporary setting. Critics praised its witty writing and the chemistry among the cast, although some felt that the show sometimes struggled to maintain a consistent tone between its comedic and dramatic elements.
TV Parental Guidelines Rating:
TV-14 – This rating is due to the series featuring adult themes, sexual content, strong language, and some violence, making it more suitable for older teens and adults.
Broadcast Details:
The show was originally broadcast on TV3 in New Zealand from 2011 to 2013.
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