Protectors - Auf Leben und Tod

Government bodyguards, recruited from experienced police officers and working to protect high-level targets against very real threats, in a world where nothing is quite what it seems. It's a great opening concept and a great addition to the police procedural genre. In the wrong hands this could be a disaster, but writers Thorsboe and Brostrom take on extreme but believable situations and then run a mile with them. It always twists along the way. Every time I thought I knew where it was going, the show would do something else. You never know where you're going next. And the people you meet along the way... wow. The core group of characters is played and written to perfection. They take a while to come properly into view, and once in view, they evolve constantly. They're dedicated, but there's no way they're perfect. Everyone's got problems, everyone makes mistakes, and it just makes them even better to watch. Even the minor characters, ones you see for only one episode, are all real people, with foibles, personalities and problems all of their own. The show is a little short on humour, and at times deals with some pretty heavy issues. Lighthearted escapism it is not, and if you want mindless fun then you're better off elsewhere. Some rather convenient shortcuts come in every now and then. It's the only thing keeping me from giving it a 10/10. This is a show well worth trying out, and I'm very surprised that it hasn't been more widely promoted outside of Denmark.

In recent years, I have been in the wavelength of Scandinavian crime films and series, particularly Danish and Swedish, but Livsvagterne had somehow slipped my mind. Forbrydelsen, Borgen and Bro/Broen, for example, have obtained more fame and media coverage. But, a for now, I have seen both seasons and I am happy I did, as it is a strong and intense creation where both human values and world politics have decent place within.

True, the first story focusing on new employees' preparation courses and indecisive Minister of Defence was just above average, but the next events and angles were as sophisticated as in other great Danish series: versatile characters, distinctive acting, multilevel plot, events n different countries, realistic approaches on difficult topics such as different religions/genders/ages, etc. Some solutions were predictable, but - nevertheless - it was pleasant and catchy to follow the persons and events leading to them.

Unlike other series, the one in question has less actors known internationally, no Mikkelsens or Coaster-Waldau or Nielsen, but this apparently due to the physique, age and skills required for a bodyguard (I recognised Thomas W. Gabrielsson and Ellen Hillingsø only in senior roles). Luckily, its quality and originality have been awarded: Livvagterne won an International Emmy Award from the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for best non-American television drama series in 2009. But still, I think, it should deserve more attention here in Europe, and could attract female audience as well, regardless of the main topic.

I can not get past the fact that all the bravado and heroics inherent in this series, amounts to enthusiasm in the service of what I would describe as a dismal cause.

Protecting shifty politicians and indulged Royal drones, does not strike me as a worthwhile use of ones time or career. Still, if you can swallow this pill, this is a well acted series. The stories presented are interesting too, if a little too kind to the elite and political class.

Certainly I preferred The Eagle for its more down to earth, human interest stories but that said my bias is my own and should not deter you from taking a look at The Protectors. Seven out of ten from me.

It's a shame that this excellent danish production hasn't even got five votes on this site yet. It deserves praise and attention for being just as exciting as your average American action-series, but unlike them remaining firmly rooted in reality, in everyday life situations. The structure of two episode arcs, first one ending on a cliffhanger and second one giving closure to the storyline while setting up the next works excellent, and all technical aspects are incredible.

But what really brought me in was the characters. They are an interesting group, really fleshed out with their strengths and flaws, making them real people. I also really liked that the show is centered around body guards, since the whole concept of that profession is deeply fascinating, both on a philosophical, ethical and practical level. It's a fresh angle on the tiered cop story, dealing with the same issues but coming in from a different perspective, constantly in the middle of everything. Also the relationship forming between a body guard and his or her "object", as they refer to their clients, is highly interesting and is a fold for great stories. Although to be honest, in this production they underplay this to leave room for more dramatic, action filled plot lines with high tech surveillance and chasing snipers on rooftops. Which is thrilling and pleasing for the eye, but they have set the scene for great emotional depth, and so far not really delivered. I will keep watching though, hopefully it will develop over the course of the series.

On a side note, frankly I'm surprised that there aren't more movies and shows about bodyguards (that disastrous thing with Whitney Huston aside). As a center of a story it has all the potential in the world.

A wonderful, underrated series which delivers in every aspect, if you like good acting and directing, well-paced action, interesting characters, inter-cultural issues, gray zones around political correctness and religious tolerance, and Nordic atmosphere in general.

Once you see the first plot line (4 first episodes) you really appreciate it and want to see more of it. The stories and characters linger on in your head after you turn off the screen, which is generally a good rule to ponder how memorable a show is.

The story starts from the recruiting training period of a team of elite special bodyguards and quickly evolves to their actual performance in the field. A few scenes are enough to set in the relationships, conflicts and personal stories. The Team Chief Leon Lensen, particularly, is superbly played by Thomas Gabrielsson, a very credible, nuanced character indeed. You will also see familiar faces from other Danish or Swedish series, such as Borgen or Bron/Broen as well.

In sum, a highly commendable series, which regrettably will not have a third season, as I hear.