Hjørdis

The lead actress is so gifted for this series !

Wonderful storyline and great casting !

It took me a minute to adjust from 'Rita', one of my all-time favorite shows. Her name is 'Hjordis'. They may teach in the same school. They may both be strong characters. But their worlds are very different. Their strength is expressed very differently.

You might say that this is the G-rated cousin of 'Rita'. The intended audience is clearly much younger or broader. The focus is on a group of kids brought together to create a variety show to commemorate anti-bullying week/month (?) directed by Hjordis--with added pressure coming from the anticipated attendance of a member of the Royal Family.

At first, I was a little disappointed that we don't see Rita at least fly by in the background or something (or that I didn't catch it if she did). But Hjordis has learnt to stand on her own. After seeing it, I think everyone involved was wise (intentionally or not) to have her fly solo here. I think that Helle (the headmaster) is the only other character the two series had in common.

While it isn't flawless, it's much better than most other 'family' or children's programming or films I've seen. I don't think that it was condescending as most US and Canadian programming I've seen has seemed, attempting to address bullying/the differences among us issues with kids. This is not my genre. Without having seen 'Rita', I'd have still enjoyed it greatly. But having already seen three seasons of 'Rita' probably helped. If you've found it on-line, try it.

Loved the miniseries 'Hjordis' and watching her fly solo - as lead. I've become addicted to the series, 'Rita', (from which 'Hjordis' is a spin-off) crisp and raw in every way possible. Yet I'm to the point of fast forwarding through Rita's random acts of sex. One epiphany in Rita was "The Basement" episode where Hjordis, Rita, and Halle are entering a funeral and it is suddenly obvious all three of them are equal heroes -- in unflappable efforts for the kids -- and in the dysfunctions that propel them forward.

Hjordis is the clean version of Rita. Hjordis is the justice-seeking, emotional standard-bearer we wish we could be. She only need seek a little nudge from Dad, (Rita), or others - when her efforts to appease the masses turn on her and move right past in the wrong direction. Once nudged, just give her a moment for her creativity to kick-start and offer her an alternate path and Hjordis has newly born gusto and determination. Loved it!

This is probably one of the best shows about kids and teachers in school. As social commentary it addresses topics not typically seen in tv series about kids. It reminds me greatly of the Canadian Broadcasting Company series Degrassi Junior / Senior High which has also dealt with social issues and kids.

I watched Rita and thought the series was great. Like everyone, Rita had flaws in her character. She was also unapologetic about her views, decisions and needs. However, she was a good teacher and her students and children, in general, were always a priority. She and Hjordis were great mates, advisers and colleagues.

It's true that Hjorids idolized Rita but she was wise enough to blossom on her own with the help of her husband, Uffe, and son, Reinuff. However in Hjordis's own series, they weren't mentioned or seen. I found this deletion jarring without any explanation.

I remember seeing Hjordis's father, though, and they rode bicycles.

Otherwise, I loved both series for their humor, empathy and deftness in handling each episode's storyline.