Lilyhammer

It's a damn shame that a show so well written is cancelled for a business decision. Suffice it to say, I laughed, I cried and I'd dispense Lilyhammer justice on anyone whose fault it was to take this charming show off the air. Shame!

Lilyhammer, the story of the New York mobster 'Johnny' taking up witness refuge in Lillehammer, Norway, is a great little gem available on Netflix.

The story is simple and gets going fast: New York mafia guy rats out his 'family' to the FBI and is entered into the witness program. Instead of choosing to go somewhere in the US (or somewhere sunny), he goes to Norway after having fond memories of the 94 Winter Olympics. As you can imagine there's quite a clash of cultures between the entrepreneurial and direct American and the quite, socialist and subdued Norwegian culture. Add some romance, crime and friendships and you've got a great little story.

Don't be fooled by the presence of Steven Van Zandt from Sopranos. This is a satire/comedy made by the Norwegian TV channel NRK and aimed at Norwegians. A lot of the show is about the absurdities of a politically correct Norwegian bureaucracy and Norwegian culture in general. The American as an outsider, becomes the character who does and say the things many Norwegians wish they could do or say. Very funny, particularly if you know anything about Scandinavian culture already. Americans and others will be able to enjoy it anyway, since the show has some good performances from the acting cast and clever script. And of course, the gorgeous Norwegian countryside.

If you find yourself entertained and amused at Lilyhammer, check out the mockumentary 'Troll Hunters' also available on Netflix.

Lilyhammer is such an underrated show. I can't believe that I put off watching this for so long because it's absolutely hilarious! I read all the good reviews and heard good things about it but I still put it off for some reason. If you're like me you keep telling yourself you'll watch it later...don't. You won't regret watching this!

Great all around.

It's a great mini series. Happening in small town with Lovely twist. Writhing is smart and acting even better. Director has done great job and created smart comedy that is fun to watch and enjoy.

From the cast that has lot common with the The Norsemen, you can only expect something much fun to watch. The creators and the cast shown great job.

This mini series although not for everyone, every age group, for sure is not for low art-understanding crowd.

Highly recommend to watch this mini series although I am not a big fan of series unless they really worth watching.

Great production. Everyone did their job in the best possible way.

How can you do yet another Mafia series? How can you top the Sopranos? - which couldn't even compete with itself after a few years.

Some of the best moments in the Sopranos were the ironies. Lillyhammer turns the Mafia theme completely into a dark comedy. Some of the lines are ROTFL hilarious.

There is of course the fish out of water - wise-guy meets the Von Trapp Singers - culture conflict element. This is not done to advance a political view, though some Americans not used to European viewpoints might not see it that way. In any case the juxtaposition of values is used to good comic effect.

I just wonder how long they can keep this up - most of the easy laughs are gone and the plotting last couple of episodes were pretty weak, even for a parody.

Still this streamed series is a lot of fun and better than much of the scripted TV nowadays.

I'm still waiting for Johnny to try lutefisk...