Fortitude

I'd love to know the story behind the debacle of series three. The first series was reasonably well constructed, lovely vistas. The second series tried to move the original themes forward and failed. The third series looked like somebody got the viewing figures and said, " right, that's enough, this has descended into melodramatic gory crap. Let's cut our losses now!".

I watched the entire series and thought the first season was an amazing, drama/mystery driven by Sci-Fi. Few series have been so well-written: it had me looking in many different directions - spending as much time trying to figure out the mystery as I did getting to know each character, the environment and the hard science (coupled with fictional science). The first season is easily a 10.

The second season went off the rails. I'd rate it a generous 4. While the central premise remained, it shifted toward pseudo-nonsense (I'm trying hard not to give anything away). The storyline wasn't nearly as tightly written (sloppy at times) while everything was forced through a new lens of pure mumbo-jumbo nonsense.

Many of the core characters remained in place, some just disappeared without a proper ending, some secondary characters were given back stories but it was the segue into mumbo-jumbo that did nearly all the harm. The only reason I stayed the course was because of the strength of the first season and to watch the backstories of some of the characters who were given greater roles. I also held out hope that the season would straighten itself out and shift back into Sci-Fi and tighter writing. I was disappointed...

The third season (only four episodes long) shifted back toward "sci-fi science" but the stench of the mumbo-jumbo, pseudo-nonsense hung in the air, intermingling with the stronger premise established in season 1. I'd rate this season a 5 overall. It doesn't quite close the chapter on all characters but does so on most central/core characters. Not sure why this season was only 4 episodes long, certainly the last episode felt rushed but by this point, I was happy to see the series end. I felt that a continuation would further damage one of the best first seasons of any Sci-Fi show I've ever watched.

Recommend watching the first season only (10 rating). The other seasons will disappoint.

Side notes: (1) I had to look this up: Dennis Quaid was 63-64 years old during the last two seasons. I just couldn't get over how much younger (and fit) he looked. (2) Verónica Echegui: great performance, an uncommon beauty. (3) Stanley Tucci: his character helped define the first season and keep it "real" (4) Michelle Fairley: as a GoT fan, nice to see her here (5) Edvin Endre: as a 'Vikings' fan (the Ragnar Lothbrok years only), it was good to see him here too. He's got an "edge" to his acting which comes across very well on screen (6) Robert Sheehan: great in 'Misfits' and 'The Umbrella Academy'. While Stanley Tucci represented a stabilizing force (made the first season smart and adult-driven), Sheehan (sadly) served as the vehicle that knocked 'Fortitude' off the rails and nearly destroyed the series.

The best summary I saw here said, "Superb show not for faint hearts or the lazy." That about sums it up. I'm shocked at all the negative reviews here.

I just finished Season 1. The story can be very hard to predict at times. When it's predictable I still wasn't *sure* I was predicting correctly.

Other reviewers' complaints: Character names aren't realistic - I don't care. Characters seem to act stupid or erratic - I agree, but that's part of the mystery of the story. Characters don't zip up their coats properly for the supposed temperature - really? Norway doesn't have sheriffs - this show is clearly intended to attract a global audience, not just Norwegians, so who cares if some aspects get watered down a bit for the general viewing public? Story is boring - I'm sure they didn't watch the same show I did.

There are a LOT of characters in Fortitude. It's the new style of TV, and it works here. There's a lot going on, including a lot of back-story explained along the way. And, most important to me, the characters are easily distinguishable. They look different, dress different, have unique faces (some are actors I recognize which helps). The casting here is superb and really helps one follow the twisting storyline.

Dark, moody, cold and somehow claustrophobic, Fortitude is a very fun show. Sort of like Northern Exposure but with the creepiness of X-Files.

Season 1 was good .Season 2 was far fetched and Season 3 was ridiculous .I felt like I did when LOST ended - all that for nothing .Started off well and then seemed to lose direction .Nice shots of the snow though !

First and second season were fantastic and really enjoyed watching, I was so looking forward to the final season but was very disappointied. I agree with other comments writers did not put much effort into tying up the whole story or characters stories.