Les enquêtes de Dan Sommerdahl

/about Season 1/

This locality-based Series (in and around Elsinore) is no flop, but not more than mediocre, no Scandi Noir, with several predictable cases (if I did not guess the wrongdoer, I could guess the run of scenes and problem-solving approaches) and unrealistic living atmosphere of the policemen in Denmark (mid-level officers all having private houses with a sea-view, really?). The cast is also just above average, no memorable performances (Babikian, Drasbæk, Mygind are not A-grade actors in Denmark).

As for level, it is more close to e.g. Anna Pihl or Morden i Sandhamn than to Bron/Broen or Innan vi dör, for instance. And last but not least - Danish weather is seldom so pleasant as in this Series :)

PS Season 2 has somewhat meatier cases, but the personal relations, this triangle, is still not smooth and sometimes annoying. And again - no rainy days around Elsinore at all! :)

The plots are slight and the scripts are light, but the good natured camaraderie among the cops saves the day. You won't find the disfunction and bad vibes of UK or US shows of this type and that's a big plus. On the plus side, you also don't find the prudery of UK/US shows; people here hop into each others' beds with regularity and ease and that is refreshing. This is a feel-good snack where you don't have to think too much.

Don't look for any deep meaning or character revelations in this series. But do expect an entertaining time waster that is more comfort food than nutrition. The scenery is beautiful, though.

I really wanted to get hooked on this as I love Danish TV but this is pushing the limits. It has real potential but to emphasise so much on the breakdown of the marriage of the lead character has turned it in to a soap opera. Half the time you forget they are actually supposed to be out solving murders. It doesn't help that Dan Sommerdahl and his wife Marianne are not exactly likeable, you end up not really caring what happens to the relationship. The saving grace is André Babikian, he give his usual good performance.

The Sommerdahl Murders is not like any typical Scandinavian TV series. It is more a romantic drama with some murders in the episodes. It's quite predictable, yet I still enjoy watching it. I recommend it if you want an easy to watch series with beautiful Scandinavian scenery.

The script, the actors, the plots and the ongoing lovedrama under the surface along with the main drug history. It is so intelligent written and directed and now I am looking for more scripts by Lolita Bellstar. I really hope there will be a season 5. The three leading actors are brilliant in their different characters. And especially Dan Sommerdahl played by Peter Mygind.

The other night I watched Midsummer murders, season 23 (or something like that). It was miserable in comparison with this wonderful wellplayed drama. Please, please, please give me a fith season and then a sixth one. It is seldom that I think of the characters the day after I saw them on film or tv. But here I do.