Livstid begins with a gripping premise: decorated Oslo detective Victoria Woll is serving a life sentence, and the series unfolds in dual timelines to reveal how she got there. Played with stoic intensity by Tone Mostraum, Woll leads a quirky but capable team of investigators while quietly battling systemic corruption and betrayal from within - notably from her superior, Jan Devold.
Each episode features a standalone case, while the overarching mystery of Woll's imprisonment builds in parallel. While this structure allows for variety, it occasionally undercuts narrative cohesion. The prison timeline is too lightly developed in early episodes, which weakens the dramatic payoff.
The acting is more than decent - Mostraum's expressive performance stands out, despite a script that leans on clichés. Supporting characters, like the eccentric Kit Lange and the tech-savvy Dozer, add colour but feel underutilised. The Series builds tension with slow reveals, but pacing issues and a lack of resolution frustrate. By the end of episode eight, you are left with more questions than answers.
Fans of Nordic noir might find enough intrigue in the weekly cases and moody Oslo setting to stick with it. However, the inconsistent writing, uneven tone, and a finale that fails to deliver on the show's potential may leave other viewers disappointed. Livstid shows flashes of promise, but ultimately buckles under the weight of its own ambition.
All in all: watchable, but best for genre enthusiasts with tempered expectations.
