Bedrag

Strong Danish drama 'Follow the Money' proves you don't have to centre a story on murder (not that there aren't some of those) to have a strong detective drama. The Scandinavian realist approach will be familiar to viewers of 'The Killing' or recent Icelandic drama 'Trapped'; but there's less emphasis on mood-building, and more direct focus on the story (in the manner of 'Borgen'). Ultimately, it's almost an impossible task to make a drama out of a fraud, and bits of the series seem a little too simplistic to make sense, in spite of the intricacy of the plotting; likewise, one sympathises vaguely with the characters without caring too deeply. But the pace is nicely judged, and it makes for addictive viewing.

This is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece of a storyline, with never ending surprises. Each season changes plot, but as the story develops, the mystery unfolds and the characters intertwine in a brilliant fashion. This is class A nordic television that stands in stark contrast to anything provided by Hollywood. It is dark, subtle, humorous, thrilling, creative and yet realistic portrait of how big money operates in the most deceptive manner, including institutional fraud as well and drug trafficking. This is one of those few series that is near-impossible to stop watching, and O cannot applaud the directors and actors enough for this absolute masterpiece. Wow!

This decade has brought along so many strong Scandinavian dramas that it is often difficult to keep track and make distinctions - partially also due to the limited number of performers filling out major/important roles... The same applies to Bedrag, where modern "coryphaeuses" like Nikolaj Lie Kaas as Alexander Sødergren and Thomas Bo Larsen as Mads take part, but many smaller roles are also performed by many otherwise having bigger roles in famous series. Still, the two mentioned are not dominating too much, every character has its significance, and all in all, a solid cast is formed, to be widely followed and noticed.

True, a good series emanates from the plot, and it is pleasantly versatile; focusing on e.g. financial crimes only would have made the plot more arid and specific, not for wider audience, but inclusion of a punisher and petty thieves has provided thrilling and even some amusing moments, enabling to "freshen up" from sophisticated economic relations and terms. The ending is also many-featured, probably not satisfactory per se, but evidently more realistic as not all wrongdoers are caught and/or sentenced in real world.

Although the Season 1 had its somewhat clear - but not full-scale - end, I have read that Season 2 will follow. Good news, I will definitely watch it as well.

I thoroughly enjoyed the first two seasons but season three is where I really sat up and paid attention. I love the characters in #3 ... Anna played by Maria Rich with her uncoordinated awkwardness in particular fascinates me as she slides comfortably into a life of crime away from her husband's stultifying presence.

Thank you Denmark for constantly restoring my faith in television drama! :)

After the murder mystery suspense of the Killing and the Bridge followed by the political intrigue of Borgen. Follow the money takes us into the corrupt world of high finance and insider dealing. Of course no Danish drama would be complete without the odd murder thrown in and each character has personal and less than satisfactory family lives to deal with. It is a little slower than than some of its predecessors but nevertheless Follow The Money is a more than adequate addition the Nordic Noir genre.