La cúpula de cristal

First up , it was great to see Ville Virtanen back on the scene , albeit in a minor cameo . To know he was in it ( and is a renowned director himself ) was promising from the outset . If you can handle several red herrings on course to its conclusion , then this is for you . It does borrow heavily from The Killing , but in a different way . You'd need to watch it all to get that one I'm afraid. There is also a serious nod to the Hannibal Lecter franchise , which is no bad thing . My only criticism of the show ( and it's not unique to this show but all of the Scandi Noir offerings , inclusive of the American efforts ) are the continuous drone shots of the countryside . We know the area is stunning , but it's boring now and merely "meats out" the running time.

I've watched every Scandi mystery or suspense that exists to American viewers, so I was excited for something new. This one didn't quite hit the mark for me, though. Part of my problem was that I had it figured out pretty early. I watched to the end mostly because it was made well and the acting was good for the most part. I'm one of those who would watch a show about a bug crossing the road if it was well made, and especially if it was Scandinavian. The main character, Lejla, however, I found a bit stiff and emotionless in her portrayal of a woman who was once traumatised by abduction and kidnapping. I am sure some will find the ending clever and surprising, but I thought it was extremely far fetched. The serial killer theme has gotten more and more absurd as these shows keep being made. Therefore, I rate this one as a six because it just didn't rise above that in its believability and interest for me.

I, too, don't understand the really negative reviews. This is not an American action shoot 'em up. Scandinavian people are by nature stoic and they don't talk a lot. I should know - my father was 100% Norwegian. This drama is well written, has a different storyline than I've seen in a while with good actors not to mention wonderful scenery and an accurate depiction of Swedes in a small town who reject their environment being ravaged. I'm quite enjoying this!!! We are finally getting access to really good Nordic thrillers and I watch them so often, they can't keep up with audiences that like them. Icelandic are the best.

It's not Bosch folks! Set in a small Swedish town, an expert on child abductions returns in the midst of a crisis. The lead star might seem cool considering her subject matter but we soon find out why and this is Sweden so no over the top emotional scenes like one might expect in a typical American drama. It was slowly paced but not boring at all. All the way to the end I never identified who the killer was. I understand a season 2 might happen, can't wait!

Once more, I want nothing to be spoiled; but, before and after the secrets come to light, pay close attention to the acting of every character to realize how great it is particularly for the three main characters of the show.

It's enjoyable if you watch it as a crime-based drama, not as a suspense thriller. It's true it's easy to guess who the villain is, but for me that just adds to the tension, which builds up nicely throughout the show.

I don't get the criticism of the main character. I thought she was effective. She is suffering from childhood trauma and not happy about being back in Sweden for her adoptive mother's funeral, so she is intentionally in a 'going through the motions' type of mood a lot of the time. At some point she says outright she wants to go back to America "because it's suffocating here." However, she livens up when something happens she is passionate about, which is especially children in danger. I thought the actress did that well.

I do agree Alicia, the kidnapped girl, didn't have much personality, but as she doesn't get that much screen time, I don't think it detracts from the show that much. It's also true some things were left unresolved, but as these were not part of the central story, I also don't find that so important.

Giving it 7/10. It doesn't break new ground, it's not a super-brilliant mystery, but it's a solid drama around a kidnapper and kidnappee.