Kommissar Beck

This series has been around for quite a few years, and it has been airing as of lately on the MHz Network during the international mystery and drama hour each week. I'm quite enjoying it—as aforementioned by other users, the two main actors, Haber and Persbrandt (who play Martin Beck and Gunvald Larsson, respectively) are phenomenal at interpreting the roles they are assigned. The series is well-written, and each character has a great deal of personality—the viewer is able to grow with the characters as they continue their assignments throughout the series. That being said, the other actors deserve applause as well.

I would definitely recommend this program to other fans of mystery and suspense... I think this series is a bit under-appreciated where I am (I'm not from Sweden), and it deserves more publicity here, although it isn't as recent as many other shows.

Beck offers up understated excellence in the form of a Swedish crime drama.

There are several seasons of Beck. I have been fortunate enough to watch two and four, with English subtitles. Unlike many US shows, the Swedish approach to crime drama is modest and down to earth. For me, this approach makes the characters and story, far more accessible and believable.

The crime stories Beck and his team investigate are in many ways familiar. This obstacle is overcome by quality narrative and fleshed out characterizations, that really lift this series above the ordinary. A good cast of well known Swedish actors, does this series no harm either.

In short Beck is a a worthwhile watch, I can happily recommend. Nine out of ten from me.

To be honest I haven't seen all the Beck movies in the series, which are 21 and counting, but the ones I've seen are well worth watching! I'm from Sweden myself and have a lot of thoughts, most of them negative, regarding Swedish movies. But Beck I like and that's quite an achievement from their part. The Beck series revolves around Martin Beck, Gunvald Larsson and their colleagues at the police force in Stockholm, Sweden. Beck is a divorced, middle-aged man while Larsson is young, forward and a quite violent man (against suspects that is). Together they make a perfect team, investigating crimes committed in Sweden, around Stockholm. The movies have a well written storyline, with diverse crimes, with no fear of showing brutal murders, horrible cases, or to go outside the Swedish border, making this series of movies great! Plot twists are only to be expected at the ending, making sure that everyone is kept in the dark of the outcome until the very end, which isn't always that easy to accomplish.

The series of movies are well-known here for a couple of things; Gunvald Larsson's short temper, and his great sarcastic lines! The neighbor of Beck, who always seem to be on sick-leave - wearing a lovely neck-collar, and who always is willing to give Beck some alcohol. And last but not least; the great actors! Peter Haber and Mikael Persbrandt are brilliant in their interpretations of Beck and Larsson.

Beck comes well recommended from my part!

Beck

Watched the lot!

Unfortunately this was a case of the good, the bad, and the other ugly. The 8 series effectively divided into 3 sections of varying quality. In truth when the actor play Gunwald left to star in Sex Education they should have cancelled the series.

Series 1 to 4

It is so refreshing to find a programme from Sweden that is not Nordic Noir. A new formula was applied here, if anything it was nearer in style to Montalbano.

Every show started with a murder, solved by Gunwald, a Swedish "Dirty Harry" doing whats required to get his man and Beck the methodical and insightful investigator.

The contrast between the brutal murder and the great fun, humour and friendship of the whole team from pathologist to administrator was the unique determiner of this show. Not to mention, the unexpected twists brilliant acting and Beck's quirky neighbour.

These first 4 series were an 8 outta 10.

Series 4 to 6

Steiner, Gunwald replacement was miscast, he couldn't fire a gun, couldn't work a computer or crack a joke. The introduction of an insecure humourless bullying female boss destroyed these series.

At best this was a weak 5 outta 10

Series 7 to 8

These last two series should never have been made. Watching Beck, our hero, wither and fall into shade was not good entertainment.

Every show had either, immigrant drug dealers, racial elements or religious overtones, combined with refugees and crime gangs. We all know that culture and race issues are not best explored in works of fiction.

I hated these series with a vengeance please don't make any more.

This was a 1 outta 10, miserable, no humour, poor plots!

Only reason I wouldnt give this a 10 is sometimes the detectives just dont act like professional law enforcement, except for Gunwald, they go into situations without weapons drawn when you can hear there is a standoff. Gunwald has great attitude and makes it look easy. Sure in the US the police are very heavy handed, i dont know if in Sweded they are actually gentler or just in this show, its a different perspective. In my area it is subtitled and I dont mind the read every episode on MHZ. The inclusion of the characters personal problems adds more realism. I recommend it to everyone, some viewers are too lazy to read.