Ørnen: En krimi-odyssé

I really enjoyed this show when it was available on Netflix. I bought the DVD's from Amazon but the region free player I bought to play the discs was crap. I am disappointed that the discs are not available for play on US players.

The main story about the lead investigator (Hallgrim...The Eagle....he sees things from the big picture)....is interesting though ultimately collapses into the re-tread plot of most British and Scandinavian shows (inappropriate sex).

The first three episodes were best for me...the Russian bad guy Sergej was really good and the cat and mouse with The Eagle was interesting. That actor stars in the Danish The Protectors...and is quite good there.

Later episodes seemed to overuse the plots of so many British and American shows....but I guess it is fair that the foreign police procedurals use the same criminal issues faced across the globe.

The show gives good insight into the multi-cultural nature of the European countries. Unlike a show like MI-5 there is not criticism of U.S. policies as I recall.

Sufficient to say that the main characters are interesting, the acting is good, the scenery and venues are good and the theme song is awesome.

I do not have 'regular' television. US and Mexican TV drives me crazy, so now I watch Netflix, Amazon, and rent / buy movies. A logical sequence to finding these great programs, is The Millennium Trilogy', Annika Bengtzon Crime Reporter, The Eagle, and I have not yet looked The Protectors.

At times the plots are a little complicated, but that makes re-viewing even better. Great character studies, insight into other cultures, no moronic commercials, free, what can be better!

I have not finished the first season yet, but am very happy that that are many more yet to see.

Scandinavia produces a lot of good quality crime drama and The Eagle is a an excellent example.

This detective drama shares a lot in common with US series like Crossing Lines. Its a mix of cross border policing, of mostly high profile cases, combined with a dash of intelligence work.

This police unit frequently work with Danish and other intelligence agencies and other police forces from neighbouring countries like Sweden and Norway.

The style of this drama is down to earth and very matter of fact. Its refreshingly unpretentious and well acted. Each season has an overriding story that's built upon with side stories to keep things interesting.

All in all a recommended watch for crime drama enthusiasts tired of the run of the mill US/UK fare. Eight out of ten from me.

Series 1 & 2 was pretty good and similar in style to the tv show the Unit (which as was much better). It seemed to lose the plot towards the end of series 3, I'm not sure if they knew in advance there wasn't going to be a season 4 but the stories were rushed and main characters started acting out of character.

First off, I have no problem with subtitles. I know plenty of people that won't consider watching a non English speaking movie/TV that requires subtitles. Absolutely do not let that stop you from seeing this if you get the chance.

If you watch several episodes, you had better plan on watching all 3 seasons. You will be hooked. Be aware that the program flows from one episode to another. Some episodes can stand alone, though will not be nearly as good as when watched in sequence. There is a lot of intriguing suspense that is low key, not overly fast moving so one has time to savor it. Builds well. I highly recommend that you start from the beginning of the series if at all possible.

The recap of the previous episode, shown at the beginning of each, is well done and succinctly refreshes one's memory. Photography and editing are good, not a lot of jerky camera work and fast frame editing (personal peeve of mine). Lots of good scenery and locations in Scandinavian countries.

I won't go over each character, but IMO they are all well cast. Hallgrim, the "Eagle" is the lead character, but the writers manage well to keep him from overshadowing the others. He doesn't monopolize things. Marie, I found to be rather sexy in an understated way. Michael probably sets more than a few female viewer's hearts atwitter.

Hallgrim is a talented, driven man. But not without his all too human flaws, which give him some depth. That's another thing I liked about the treatment of the show's regulars, each has depth, not glib or two dimensional.

Don't start watching this unless you have at least the first season available. And start from the beginning!