Introducing my new obsession, Rykter:
If you’re like me you may have seen this image of Erik and Mathias from the Norwegian series Rykter pop up on your feed.
So, what is Rykter (eng: Rumours)?
Story: We begin the show seeing a bunch of boys beating up one of their class mates, Erik. Next we see him on a boat to a small fishing island where he is going to now be living. The series explores the relationships he builds on the island and how he tries to hide the past he’s run from. And It’s from NRK who produced Skam.
Characters:The characters are the best thing about this series. So let’s meet them:
Erik is an adorable, awkward, sassy sweetheart and I guarantee you will love and want to protect this boy with all your heart. At the start of the series Erik is not happy to be moving to a fishing island. All of his walls are up and although he’d insist he doesn’t want friends, it’s clear he really does. But he’s terrified that if he gets close to people the reason he moved will come out.
Mathias is rich, charming and popular. His entire future has been planned out by his girlfriend and parents, but he’s coming to terms with the idea that he doesn’t want that future. Mathias definitely isn’t perfect he’s done some really stupid and messy things, but towards the end of s2 I feel like he starts to really grow up.
Sara is Matthias’s girlfriend, she’s the class rep, she’s a part time boxer and has planned the entirety of her life at just 15. Sara is also trying to forget moments from her past. She’s a really interesting character and goes on such a journey of allowing herself to take some time to discover what her dreams really are.
Thea is Sara’s best friend, she’s an influencer and knows everyone’s secrets, so it drives her crazy when Erik shows up full of secrets. I spent most of the series annoyed with Thea, she repeated acts so cruelly to everyone around her. But she’s got a lot going on and I started to feel bad for her at the end of s2. I’m excited to see her s3 arc now that it’s been revealed her whole life is a lie.
These 3 are more side characters but deserve a brief mention: Felix, Matthias’s best friend, he’s a jerk. He’s almost always the worst. Boo! Synnøve, a friend of Saras, she deserves the world and her boss deserves literal jail. Alexander, my king deserved more screen time, he was always so true to himself and wonderful. Go chase your dreams in Oslo king.
Relationships: (Warning: spoilers)
Mathias & Sara: They’ve always been together, but when they realise they want different things their relationship gets rocky. They’re on and off the entirety of s1 and s2, but at the very last episode of s2 they come to the realisation that they will never work.
Sara & Erik: S1 Sara and Erik are both going through a rough time and end up outcasts. Their adorable friendship blooms from this. They truly care about each other and encourage each other to chase their dreams and grow. Don’t worry this is not a romance it’s just a beautiful friendship.
Mathias & Erik: They have a difficult beginning. Erik overhears Mathias saying some unkind things about him and then becomes best friends with his ex (Sara) - so s1 isn’t great for them. BUT at the beginning of s2 Mathias really tries to befriend Erik and from there they start spending more and more time together and kind of become besties. Mathias is the first person Erik opens up to, Erik is the one person Mathias is completely honest with and Erik makes Mathias start becoming a better person. They’re friendship is adorable and full of banter, their hugs are just beautiful and their kiss was shocking (for me and Erik) but at the same time made so much sense.
So that’s where Rykter left off, with Mathias and Erik standing next to each other awkwardly after their kiss. Season 3 is going to be an interesting one - all the characters are going to high school. Some like Sara and Alexander have left the island to go to city high schools, Thea is currently living in England and everything else is a confusing mess too! Season 3 has been filmed, there’s no air date yet, but I’d assume the end of the year.
If you are wanting to watch it @rykteren on Twitter has done the translations. Their team is so incredible - I love them! 2 seasons are released so far (15 episodes each season, and each episode is about 10mins). Have fun! And if you have watched it, let’s talk about our new obsession!
