Arvingerne - The Legacy

With programs like Forbrydelsen and Borgen, Danmarks Radio has secured an international reputation as a powerhouse for serial drama, and this continues in spades with Arvingerne. Writing, acting, directing, etc., all show a level of artistic merit that puts the great majority of UK and American shows to shame (that's why BBC rebroadcasts them and US networks like AMC make crappy remakes). This is a new genre choice, however: the dynastic family drama, centering on the four squabbling children of a hippie artist mother from the sixties. I binge-watched it in 3 days, something very rare for me. In particular, Carsten Bjørnlund, a Forbrydelsen alum, is brilliant in the role of deeply damaged son Frederik, but all the principals are compelling. Just beginning to be available, in various ways, with English subtitles, but definitely worth seeking out.

Good story, good script, magnificent interpretations. Entertaining, comical, dramatic, it has everything, it's a great series. The naturalness of the interpretations, the realism and the lack of pretensions are magnificent. At the time I missed it because here, in Spain, has not been just publicized as other more famous series (some of them very overrated and boring). I need a fourth season! Please, please, please

It is difficult to not give this series a 10, but one always imagines something can be better. In this story, set in Funen, the island of Hans Christian Anderson, a family encounters itself in all its complex, passionate, devious depths. The writer Maya Ilsøe is superb -- fascinating concerns with truth and lie, with nature and art, with the truth about fathers and mothers, and the deviations of children who have to live with their lies.

The tale is sensitively brought to our eyes by intelligent actors and producers. I have long been a fan of Danish TV, and this lives up to the best of it. Hoping for a strong 3rd season, which I understand will be the last.

Do see this! For all of the millions of people out there whose entire lives have been molded by selfish parents who lost their common sense somewhere between a kiss and the diamond ring, here's a soap opera for you. The two main female roles are portrayed very convincingly, notably Trine Dyrholm as "Gro Grønnegaard" and Marie Bach Hansen as "Signe Larsen". The plot quickly thickens as the question of inheritance brings out the weasel in just about everyone. Psychologically, anyone who has ever dealt with inheritance issues will recognize several themes and reflect on their own personal stories and reactions. As a result maybe this defining drama can pave the way for deeper family dialogs among the lucky viewers who have the guts to speak up.

I really enjoyed the Danish drama series, "The Legacy". It features more self-absorbed, narcissistic, self-destructive characters than I have seen in a long time. I'm not sure there are any likable main characters - it's more a case of degrees of difference in their selfishness. This show really reinforces the expression "Monkey can't buy you happiness." It traces the lives of a family thrown into turmoil after receiving news of their inheritance. The acting is superb - enough to make you despise, loathe, pity or feel contempt for this family and their behaviour. Recommended.