Arne Dahl: Bußestunde

EYE IN THE SKY revolves around two plots: - the first centers on an international drug-smuggling ring masterminded by Inglund (Peter Järn) with a cover of a fitness center; and the second on a series of brutal murders of early middle-aged women who are suffocated and brutally mutilated around their genitalia. Eventually it transpires that the two are connected, with the main suspect being Mikaela Harrie (Disa Östrand), an ex-girlfriend of a murdered mobster (Micke Spreitz).

The resolution is full of holes, with questions particularly raised by the involvement of the drug-smuggler in what turns out to be a local dispute. If he was as powerful as Kerstin (Malin Arvidsson) suggests, then it is highly likely he would have several 'associates' to carry out his dirty work for him rather than soiling his hands in physical or armed combat.

The plot meanders along with little or no concern for resolution, pausing along the way to raise once again the question of Kerstin's troubled home life, as she tries to look after little Anders (Pascal Andersson) while trying to clear up the case in time for Christmas. We also learn something about Gunnar's (Magnus Samuelsson's) troubled past, as he admits to being addicted to steroids, which cost him his marriage as well as access to his two children. Evidently a police officer's lot is not a happy one, as the saying goes.

The story ends neatly enough, with everything being sorted out in time for Christmas Day. The episode ends with a shot of the A-Team all sat round Christmas trees enjoying the festive cheer. Perhaps this metaphor of good fellowship is an appropriate one to end a series past its sell-by date.