Wisting

Just finished the first 5 episodes, all in one sitting. Just couldn't stop. it's that good.

Compared to the Swedes and Danes, the Norwegians entered the world of distinct crime series somewhat later, this decade, but e.g. Øyevitne, Kodenavn Hunter, Frikjent were all catchy and worth watching. Now, Wisting has carried on in the field of international crime and related links, with FBI´s involvement, although the main venue is still Norway - with "tardy" people and beautiful landscape. Sven Nordin is really a good actor (I remembered him from Valkyrien, the concept of which was not so interesting), but the script here is skilfully prepared so that his character is always present/visible without unnecessary domination over supporting cast.

I wonder if other seasons are coming, but bearing in mind the present one´s big success, I would not be surprised. And I will be ready :)

PS Season 2 is intense and thrilling as well, with many twists and turns as for the wrongdoer´s person.

PPS Season 3 is intense, with international cooperation still in place, although the case itself is less interesting, but apparently realistic.

PPS Season 4 follows a scary case where a six-year-old British boy disappears from his hotel room, and a hotel worker is found dead. The story is detailed and full of suspense, keeping up the show's strong reputation for Nordic crime dramas. However, it still uses some common crime show patterns.

PPPS Season 5 delivers a gripping finale. Wisting, who, while recovering from injury, is drawn into a cold case that unravels some police corruption and old secrets. The story smartly intertwines past and present crimes; the suspense builds steadily, even if the narrative sometimes twists a bit too much. Still, the Season includes strong performances, tight direction, and the Series' signature Nordic noir atmosphere.

For all of its many faults I still enjoyed this series. Why is it that most foreign series I have watched are better than any we make in the west where the emphasis is on excess, either violence, bad language or sex? The story on this was good and gripping at times. The main actor was a bit miscast and not very believable and his daughter irritating, but it was still very good over all.

Wisting, like so much else that comes out of Scandinavia by way of crime drama, is pure quality,

Its stories actually manage a decent degree of originality with an international twist that's instantly engaging and intriguing.

That said, I'm personally, no fan of politics and courtroom antics in policing stories, so I enjoyed the first five pure crime drama focused episodes, much more than the latter ones.

Acting is excellent, with an clever family dynamic, that creates degrees of tension but also moments of empathy and caring, between the veteran police officer Wisting and his journalist daughter.

Suffice to say this Norwegian gem is a must watch for fans of crime drama. 8/10.

Absorbing Nordic Noir that gets increasingly gripping. I thought the second half was as intriguing if not more so as the first half. The father/daughter dynamic was better too. I wasn't sure whether to invest in it but really glad I did.