The Almighty Johnsons
Things that I have Re-watched #4
So, I was bored and just watching videos on YouTube when the recommendations brought back around some clips from this show, made in New Zealand. It had been a few years since I had watched the show and made me yearn to watch it again. So I did.
This is one of those rare shows that has a cult following even though most of the world hasn’t seen it. Which is a shame really. But is loved by so many around the world.
The show itself is about the Vikings, Norse Gods of Asgard. Who felt that they were loosing followers to other religions. Mainly Christianity. So, decided it would be a good idea to come to Midgard (Earth) and mingle with the human race and try and get the love back. This of course failed and were in fear of the Christians and thought it would be safe to runaway to New Zealand. So during the late 1800’s, that’s what they did and have lived ever since.
The gods themselves, inhabit the mortal men of earth, well New Zealand, and move on to a new body after the mortal has died. This is the beginning of the first episode where four brothers go to celebrate the 21st birthday of their youngest brother Axl. And find out which god will inhabit him. They are joined by another, who Axl believes is his cousin. But turns out to be his grandfather.
Olaf Johnson (Ben Barrington), The ninety-two year man, looks like any middle-aged bloke who has a love of life. Is possessed by the God, Baldr. The god of Beauty, Innocence, Peace, & Rebirth. He has the ability of being reborn every morning, so he never ages. He is also their oracle. It is a bit weird since as he got his powers when he was 21, he doesn’t look 21. But nobody really cares as you love his hippy nature. And he’s happy to share the surf, drink and drugs, as he supplies you with his wisdom.
Mikkel Johnson (Timothy Balme) is the eldest brother of the group. But also acts as the father of the team, as he has had to, as both parents buggered off when he was younger. So, he continued to raise the rest of the family. He is the Ullr, The God of Skill, Hunt and Duel. He is a bit uneasy with using his powers. As he is unable to lose any game. But when he lets go, he looses sight and turns into a gambler. He can find anything he sets his mind to which comes in handy alot during the show.
Anders Johnson (Dean O’Gorman), is possessed by Bragi, the God of poetry. This sounds like a bad power. But he has the ability to talk people in to doing anything he wants. Which has aloud him to be a little too cocky for his own good and is constantly frowned upon by his family for abusing other people. Which includes his assistant Dawn, who he has been manipulating for years. This has also helped him to be a successful PR agent. With his ability to coerce people in to being their clients.
Ty Johnson (Jared Turner), is the unluckiest of the group with his God selection as he is possessed by Höðr. God of Winter, Cold and Darkness. He is constantly scared of hurting anyone who gets close to them as he can literary freeze you to death by touching you. He as a problem with Anders abusing Dawn. As he is secretly in love for her. Although it’s not much of a secret as everyone knows.
Axl Johnson (Emmett Skilton), the youngest of the group. On his 21st birthday became the God Odin. God of Wisdom, Victory and Magic. All-father of the Gods, King of Asgard, Lord of Hosts, Leader of Souls and Protector of the Nine Realms. His mission is to find his Lady Frigg. To rejoin with her so the Gods can possess their full strength and powers again.
He is joined on his adventures with help from his house mate Zeb (Hayden Frost), a mortal. Who is Axls faithful sidekick. Who is there to kick him into shape when needed.
Gia (Keisha Castle-Hughes) is the other “mortal”, fellow flatmate and has a crush on Axl. Who is, of course oblivious to it all. But also has an unknown past. Unknown to her anyway.
And the Goddesses, once they stop trying to kill Axl.
Stacy (Eve Gordon), The handmaiden to Frigg, Fulla. A strong character in her own right. Even though she is a handmaiden. She has proven that she can handle her own in pretty much any situation.
Ingrid (Rachel Nash), the Goddess Snotra. The Goddesses oracle. This person is a little misunderstood and swept aside too easily. But there is a strong woman under all the hippy, drugs and drinking. A tortured and forgiving soul.
Michelle Brock (Michele Langstone) The Goddess Sjöfn, With the powers of subliminal seduction. She works as a nurse. Whilst hating sick people. She acts the stronger independent women, hiding years of mental health problems, still working out who she is.
Dawn (Fern Sutherland), is the assistant Anders who is always belittled and put down. Who in her right mind could run the company without him. But because of his powers is always stuck in a rut.
My favourite characters is Derick Hanson (Geoff Dolan). When he arrives and says the words, “My lord Odin.” You known its going to be a fun episode. He is the God Thor, the thunder god. This backwards thinking character, stuck in his ways. Is a diamond in the rough. With his hammer Mjölnir, which is just a normal hammer. He is always causing problems for Axl. But one of his most loyal subjects.
This fantasy/ comedy drama, is one that you will grow to love and wonder why it never got the praise it rightly deserves. The show lasted three season’s from 2011 to 2013, and is missed by the fans. All of the characters are well developed and you grow to love them in their each unique way. So if you ever get a chance, give it a shot. You won’t be disappointed!
