Entrapped

As Episode 1 of "Entrapped" (2022 release from Iceland; 6 episodes ranging from 41 to 54 min each) opens, a rather weird group of meditating pagans is interrupted by a gang of bikers who feel the pagans have stolen their land. Late that night, one of the pagans is brutally murdered. Meanwhile Andri, a recently divorced cop, volunteers to assist in the murder investigation when he realizes that he knows the guy who was killed... At this point we are 10 minutes into Episode 1.

Couple of comments: some 5-6 years ago, there was an excellent Icelandic crime series called "Trapped" that stretched out over 3 seasons and 28 episodes. This new series is a sequel of sorts, with the main returning character being Andri, who based on a technicality is able to join into this new murder. We eventually learn that the murder may well be connected to one of the murders in the "Trapped" series. Unfortunately, as good as "Trapped" was, this new series doesn't come anywhere close in quality. It's not that it's outright bad, but the difference in quality, in particular in the writing, is quite stark. Also the fact that there are only 6 episodes should tell you something. It's like someone said, "hey guys, people are still talking about "Trapped", so we need to come with something, anything, that picks ups the pieces and gets this going again". "Entrapped" ultimately feels unnecessary but with just 6 episodes, it all goes by rather quickly.

"Entrapped" recently premiered on Netflix, and I couldn't wait to check it out. While it wasn't a complete waste of my time, I neverthele4ss feel like it was a letdown as compared to the original "Trapped" series. Of course don't take my word for it, so I encourage you to check it out, and draw your own conclusion.

As someone who really enjoyed Trapped, I was looking forward to this. Sadly, it is not as gripping a tale. Even the Icelandic landscape and weather seemed less fascinating and forbidding. Trapped involved lots of artic ice and blizzards, whereas this is set mostly in a biker gang's hideout and a pagan cult's compound. There's lots of back and forth between the two on a coastal highway. Bikers and police, back and forth, back and forth. Every time a new issue came up, there was a road trip to one or the other.

The show attempts the obligatory task of making every character seem like a potential suspect for at least five minutes, but not all of these attempts succeeded. Without giving any details away, I didn't find the resolution very satisfying or worth the time I had invested.

"Trapped" season one was fantastic. It wasn't just the novelty of a crime drama taking place in Iceland, it was also the setting, the atmosphere, and especially the characters principally the chief of a small town police force Andri Olafsson.

Unfortunately, season 2 was much weaker and less interesting. And now "Entrapped," which is basically season 3, sadly continues the decline of the entire series from its excellent and hopeful first season. And I think I know why.

For season 1, if you remove Iceland, with its harsh and stark environment and nearly perpetual darkness, as the drop, the story would still stand up. The characters were well-designed and the protagonist and his small team quite interesting.

Season 2 didn't make such good use of the environment, and there were really no good character developments among the main ones who we follow. Also, the story was too far-fetched and thus not very engaging.

Come to season 3, what made the original so engrossing has completely disappeared. The series has become just another run-of-the-mill police and drama drama. The story could have taken place anywhere, and that's the shame of it.

A missed opportunity to showcase Iceland and its people.

Not as good as the first 2 seasons (Trapped - not sure why Netflix changed the name for season 3?).

There were some ridiculous moments in this season. I don't want to say any spoilers but it was kinda silly at times. Still enjoyable to watch though.

The acting was good. I don't understand why women fawn over the main character.

I'm glad it was only 6 episodes, I heard it was originally 8 so I'm glad it was cut to 6.

The ending of this season was stupid...very unbelievable.

Not sure if there will be a 4th season, but if there is I'd still watch it. Like I said, it was enjoyable and I like the scenery and acting. It wasn't predictable which is also good.

I expected something as fine as "Trapped" but was disappointed, as it seems as are others.

The basic fault is a script that can't seem to raise above grade B theatrics. The cops continue to act stupidly. The bad guys are "Sons Of Anarchy" on Ritalin. The main character bumbles around like Gentle Ben. No-one comes across as real, merely caricatures, and the dialog is stilted.

It's all been done before but with a hackneyed plot line it helps to have a better script, and character development.

It all shows in the acting, which simply follows the dialog faithfully rather than striking out and creating some risk.

We do not need another sequel. Let this one lie.