Livvagterne

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.

The Protectors and Unit One are my 2 all time favorite Danish crime shows. With The Protectors we only get 20 episodes but the final episode is rich and a revelation. So what do you get with The Protectors? You get a group of candidates trying to get selected into the equivalent of the US Secret Service. The candidates are tough and skilled and vulnerable and include a Muslim woman who is as determined as she is beautiful. We watch the candidates slowly get weeded out as they go through training and the top ones start to get protection assignments. The individual agents have compelling back stories and are lead by their bad-ass commander who keeps them in line. I was bummed when the series ended but very satisfied with the show-it's available on DVD, i keep looking for it to show up on a streaming service like Acorn TV or Britt Box but nothing yet.

A great show, I hope there will be a second and third season... After viewing the fourth episode I really felt the urge to log on to my IMDb-account and make a vote.

The first thing that stroked me was that there wasn't even 5 votes for the show, well I guess danish; and nordiccountrymen don't use IMDb so much?

I recommend this show for you who like; 24 but wants something more real, in the show you follow lifeguards in a quiet realistic situations...

I wonder what happens in the next episodes...

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.

I watched all 24 episodes of THE EAGLE, first - which was also excellent. When I finished, I was searching for something else on Netflix, hopefully as good, when I came across THE PROTECTORS. I smiled when I saw it was the same creating team (Peter Thorsboe, Mai Brostrøm)!! The first episode, getting to know all the many characters, was slow going, I admit. But starting with episode 2 I was COMPLETELY and totally HOOKED, spellbound even. I found both these Danish shows such a huge improvement over most U.S. television, which has become increasingly meaningless, mediocre and bloated. Whereas The Protectors has so many authentic characters -- you can't help caring about ALL of them. I hoped for something AS good as The Eagle -- and it was! It might even have been. . . BETTER?! Either way, BOTH are TRULY OUTSTANDING television, with the added bonus of providing a few interesting and wonderful insights into Danish and world culture. Bravo to a flawless cast and hugely talented crew! Unfortunately, I finished ALL 20 episodes over the course of ONE, glorious weekend. I just could NOT STOP watching them . . . and now there are no more. In future, I will watch absolutely anything and everything this same creative team puts together, probably more than once. Tusen Takk!!