Beck

Gunvald alone makes this series so worth while. A Swedish 'Dirty Harry' Well written stories and great locations. Addictive and rewatchable.

I have watched all episodes in this Swedish series and have to say that as the series progressed, the quality of writing decreased. The newest offering, produced in 2018 is a much lighter version than the earlier ones. The central character comes across as very tired, and just going through the motions. There isn't the passion and enthusiasm as before. Perhaps this is intentional i.e to show the effects of aging and "burn-out". The newest season has more subplots than the earlier ones, some of which seem to have little bearing on the main story. Although interesting, they can also be a bit distracting from the main focus. Beck's silly and annoying neighbor is still there but adds little to the series other than to insert some Swedish type humor that does not translate well to other audiences. The new episodes deal with current issued of immigration etc in modern day Sweden. Again, in keeping with a need to have a happy ending that is neat, and is a common thread in many of the newer, lighter Scandinavian noir series, Beck is also going in that direction., sometimes to the detriment of logic.

Despite all I've said, the series still is worth a watch but the writing needs to pick up the pace and go back to its roots. .

Only reason I wouldnt give this a 10 is sometimes the detectives just dont act like professional law enforcement, except for Gunwald, they go into situations without weapons drawn when you can hear there is a standoff. Gunwald has great attitude and makes it look easy. Sure in the US the police are very heavy handed, i dont know if in Sweded they are actually gentler or just in this show, its a different perspective. In my area it is subtitled and I dont mind the read every episode on MHZ. The inclusion of the characters personal problems adds more realism. I recommend it to everyone, some viewers are too lazy to read.

This tv series has little to do with the classic Beck book series, beyond location and titile. Yet, it's a wonderful, wholly invented new character-driven police procedural that no doubt paved the way for so many Scandinavian and German, in particular, series. Beck is perfect, square and a worrier, yet he has a life outside the crime tales. The real invention, though is his sidekick, counterpart, Gunvald Larsson, played so well by his co-star, a very accomplished stage and film actor. Really, it's the secondary characters and storylines that work so well, quirky and ever-evolving that makes this a model production. Inger, Beck's daughter, the nutty neighbor to Beck, and even the senior police execs who drive Beck nuts. So much depth.

Watched S#1-3 a few years ago- and had to search for 4&5- so it's hard for me to evaluate the seasons- But I fell in love with Mikael (Persbrandt, Gunvald) as have many. Searched to find his films So anything I can see him in, I enjoy. From what I remember, it is a good detective show. I can't say how true to Swedish police it is. some of the personal stuff about Peter Head Detective, I could have seen less. He's gruff but fair. Peter and Mikael forge a relationship of subdued respect, and kind of a friendship. Gunvald keeps to himself, He is chivalrous and protecting of women. He seems to have a private life, at times. Somehow, this seems like Mikael (minus his untreated bi-polar) I don't say this often, I am a fan.