Ragnarok Season 3 has finally arrived on Netflix, promising to deliver an epic conclusion to the Norwegian fantasy drama series. As a fan of the previous seasons, I eagerly dived into the final installment, hoping to see a satisfying resolution to the story of Magne, Laurits, and the battle between gods and giants. However, much to my disappointment, Ragnarok Season 3 fails to live up to its potential, offering a lackluster ending that leaves much to be desired.
Wish I could get the same vibe from every season-based show, like how I’m absolutely cherishing Bleach Thousand Year Blood War Part 2. However, reality cannot be tuned to my own desires and that is why disappointments exist. And, in this particular case, Ragnarok Season 3 is the cause of that disappointment. What promised to be an epic saga came down to the level of a mediocre show.
A Missed Opportunity To Embrace The Fantastical
From the very beginning, Ragnarok has been a unique show that blends Norse mythology with contemporary issues. The series has always had the potential to be a groundbreaking YA fantasy-drama, but it has consistently shied away from fully embracing its more fantastical elements.
Ragnarok Season 3 is no exception. Instead of seizing the opportunity to turn the genre on its head, Ragnarok settles into being precisely what it previously seemed determined to subvert – a predictable and cliché-ridden show.
A Battle Of Gods And Giants
Ragnarok revolves around the age-old battle between gods and giants, personified by Magne, a dyslexic teenager who embodies Thor, and his brother Laurits, who represents Loki. The conflict serves as a backdrop for the characters’ coming-of-age journeys and exploration of complex themes such as identity, power, and the environment.
However, Season 3 focuses primarily on Magne’s internal struggles as he grapples with his newfound powers and becomes entangled in a manipulative relationship with Saxa, one of the Jutuls. Now, this drastic shift of the theme can be a turn-off for many as it was for me. Well, some may appreciate it but it doesn’t even matter anymore at this point.
Character Arcs And Frustrating Writing
While David Stakston delivers a commendable performance as Magne, the character’s transformation feels contrived and predictable. His behavior changes radically under Saxa’s influence, leading him to sow discord among his allies. This narrative arc in Ragnarok Season 3 is disappointingly formulaic and lacks the depth and nuance that the show had previously demonstrated.
On the other hand, Jonas Strand Gravli shines once again as Laurits, portraying a troubled young man trying to find his place in the world. Even this redeeming factor could not become the saving grace for Ragnarok Season 3. The writing of the show is frustrating, to say the least. It makes one wonder if Norwegian writers are also part of the WGA strike or not!
Overuse Of Cliches In Ragnarok Season 3
One of the most glaring issues with Ragnarok Season 3 is the lack of payoff. The six episodes feel rushed, leaving little room for meaningful resolutions to the storylines and character arcs that were built up over the previous seasons. The script relies heavily on cliches and fails to deliver on the show’s potential for thought-provoking commentary on peace, understanding, and the climate crisis.
The attempt to blur the line between heroes and villains feels forced and leaves the viewer with a hollow and unsatisfying conclusion. I mean, there have been works of fiction that like to tinker with the border of good and evil in such a way that it makes everyone confused about the notion of what is good and what is evil. Ragnarok Season 3 has tried and failed to achieve that.
Lack Of Action And Visual Spectacles
One aspect that I sorely missed in Ragnarok Season 3 was the exciting action sequences that provided much entertainment during the previous two seasons. Considering the show’s premise of gods and giants battling it out, I expected more thrilling fight scenes and visual spectacles that could have kept the audience at the edge of their seats.
However, the creators chose to take a more grounded approach in Ragnarok Season 3, focusing on the microcosmic conflicts rather than grand-scale warfare. While this decision adds to the show’s cohesiveness, it leaves viewers wanting more and longing for the epic destruction that the concept of Ragnarok promises.
Strong Performances And Visually Stunning Moments
Despite its flaws, Ragnarok Season 3 does have its strengths. The performances of the cast, both young and old, are commendable. Actors like Herman Tømmeraas, Synnøve Macody Lund, and Theresa Frostad Eggesbø bring depth and humanity to their characters, showcasing their range as performers.
Visually, the show still manages to impress in certain moments, particularly in Magne’s imagined war scenes and the growth of Laurits’ serpent. These instances have redeemed the show somewhat, but in the end, it turned out to be a season of disappointments after all.
A Bittersweet Conclusion
In conclusion, Ragnarok Season 3 fails to deliver a satisfying ending to the series. It falls short of its potential to be a groundbreaking YA fantasy-drama, instead settling for predictability and cliches. The lack of payoff and rushed storytelling leaves the viewer wanting more, and the missed opportunities for action and visual spectacle are disappointing.
However, the solid performances and occasional visually stunning moments do offer some redeeming qualities. If you’re a fan of the previous seasons, it’s worth watching to see the resolution of the story, but be prepared for a bittersweet conclusion. What did you think of Ragnarok Season 3? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
