Det som göms i snö

I'm about 4 series into my discovery of Scandinavian Noir and rather enjoyed this one. I had no idea Robert Gutsafsson was a known comedic actor until I read other reviews which made me enjoy his performance as Peter even more. But my favorite thing about this one is the performances by the ladies. Ia Langhammer steals every scene she's in. She's simply magical! Maria Sondbom Lorelius is daring as she finds her way to her own brand of justice in a male dominated world. I'm also such a fan of the b story with Christopher Wagelin and Louise Peteroff. She's the wild card of the bunch but you always know to trust her instincts. Beautifully shot and yet another series I stand in amazement of set decoration and lighting. I swear Swedes are the most clean living people on the planet. Looking forward to another season.

This is right up my street. I'm part Swedish, born in England and am just drawn to this type of drama. It must be in my genes! This is a cut above the normal police procedural with interesting, multi faceted characters, a believable take on mental illness and a fascinating plot of false confession, cold case detectives unravelling a labyrinth of lies and bureaucracy and believable personal dramas. All the lead characters are well played, engaging and the lack of sentimentality is quite refreshing. The suburbs of Stockholm are well used and ground the show in real life. It's based on a true story, the red herrings, plot twists and surprises come thick and fast and the rather grim story is lifted at just the right moments with wit and wry humour. Like a lot of these type of shows, it starts quite slowly but you'll be rewarded if you stick with it.

Swedes have apparently mastered a single expression that expresses wonder, sadness, regret, and humility. Just finished a Swedish police procedural/whodunnit mini-series concerning a policeman tasked with creating a cold case unit and before it's even up and running is ordered to review the high profile case of a convicted serial killer whose attorney was found murdered with a note in his pocket casting doubt on the guilty verdict. Det som göms i snö, translated means what is hidden in snow from the Swedish phrase, what is hidden in snow will come forth in the thaw; the English title is The Truth Will Out and I found it on Acorn TV. Inspired by the true story of Swedish serial killer Thomas Quick who confessed to 30 murders but later recanted prompting a new investigation. Overall it's similar to North American police procedurals although the detectives act like administrative positions as in British and European series. There are many scenes where characters just look at each ruefully. It's well written and performed. There are red herrings but the show isn't built on them like British mysteries. The tone is serious and understated even in the few moments of wry comedy. I enjoyed it.

Well, one can question the reality of some scenes and solutions, but on the other hand, the narration is based on true events, so it is not a fully constructed stuff. The characters are quaint, yet evolving, and their actions and ideas emanate from the (painful) past. The mood is well captured, enhances by flashbacks and environment, and apart from tragic/dramatic scenes, there are ones making your giggle... At last but not least - the roundup of the crime is neither regular nor desitive.

As to the performances, they are good/excellent, and unlike many Swedish crime series, the number "frequent participants" is smaller than usual (apart from Thomas W. Gabrielsson perhaps). Robert Gustafsson, usually a comedian, is a convincing detective here with complex past (he won the Swedish Kristallen Award for this), and many from the supporting cast are worth following (Ia Langhammer, Ville Virtanen, among others).

8.5 means 9 points here. Good work!

PS Season 2 is somewhat tardy, but interesting twists in "finals" elevate the less thrilling start.

Series 1 9* I really enjoyed this drama and it reminded me of Beck.

There are a lot of familiar faces from other Nordic dramas; Arne Dahl, Before We Die, Bonus Family, The Bridge, Blue Eyes, Thin Ice, Jordskott.

It is quite understated, but the story knits together well over the 8 episodes.

There are some good characterisations, performances and some subtle humour and a touch of romance.

The only dip for me was around episodes 7 and 8 where a well worn clichéd internal police scenario was featured, but as it was integral to the story line it soon passed.

I see there is a second series scheduled, I look forward to it.

Series 2 1* This was a big disappointment.

The core characters are still good, but the whole 5 episodes were ruined by a vile storyline.

The sexual exploitation of young girls is not my idea of entertainment and although not explicit, by inference the story was horrific.