There is hardly anything in this series which haven't been confirmed by sources close to the events. Whether it be political autobiographies, official Royal biographies or press articles, photos or tv footage, this series doesn't take short cuts, or provide itself creative license for dramatic purposes, but tells the story like it was. The four leads, the couple and their parents, do a formidable job of depicting the many painful dilemmas the people they portray must have felt and experienced. But do so with looks and body language, and never stray into theatrical outbursts and overplayed drama.
Likewise the couple, played by Sindre Strand Offerdal and Gina Bernhoft Gørvell, display most of their growing love for, and commitment to, each other through looks and happy smiles. Because of this their relationship comes across as very true.
Equally subtile and well Anneke von der Lippe and Anders Baasmo deliver the qualms and torments of two parents worried about their children, and how the love between them could influence both their own and their families' future.
Anders Baasmo, despite limited facial resemblence, depicts the former King Olav extremely well in both voice, mannerisms and personality. Both the sudden angry outbursts and the warm and caring father figure is relateble for those who remember the late King Olav.
The script in dialogue also shed clear light on to which extent the prior events surrounding Edward and Mrs Simpson coloured events not in the young Norwegian couple's favor.
The supporting cast also do a very good job, and the set design, locations, costumes and props are also extremely authentic. Especially a scene seemingly filmed aboard the royal yacht could actually fool you into believing it was shot aboard the actual yacht. Same with the tone of voice and choice of words used in lines. Both very authentic for that period of time in high society Norway.
Sound, lighting and filming also is excellent, and the editing maintains the slow feel of realism to the pace, without dragging scenes out so long they become boring.
All in all a brilliant series I hope will continue in years to come, provided it maintains the same level of respectful integrity and restrain itself to known facts, and doesn't stray into over the top fictional drama to spike up the story. But instead perhaps compare the love and respect for individuality that has glued the Norwegian royal family together, and them to the hearts of Norwegians, to the British royal family. Where the focus on duty and appearance has resulted in some very unfortunate developments and events, dividing both the royal family and the British people more than uniting them.
What if Princess Margateth had gotten her captain Townsend, or Charles had done what Harald did? Maybe even Andrew had gotten his Koo Stark?
One thing is for sure, the Norwegian royal family have grown strong as a unit and with the Norwegian people, despite some very colourful additions, because of the love and experience of feeling like outcasts Harald and Sonja's struggle to get each other put them through. They don't exclude anyone, cause they know how it feels to be excluded. In the UK it has been the opposite. People with the right type of background, like Diana and Fergy, have been chosen - and true loves like Camilla and Koo Stark were frozen out.
