Hraunið

This could have been a decent plot if it was a few episodes longer - I think they had to edit several hours of plot and wrap -up. The lead detective is watchable but he makes a bunch of mistakes. Several of the casts' background stories - his included are murky. Most of the actors, especially the women, are downright grotesque looking or just hateable. The finale clears up NOTHING. If the biggest crimes in Iceland are drugs and money laundering, the editor and director qualify for both in making this. #SAD

I am probably very biased, since I am fascinated by the Icelandic language and culture. I really like this series. Very similar to The Cliff. If desperately needs a follow up season. Looks like one may be in the works, but probably delayed. Cannot find information on it.

Even now, Iceland has a low crime rate, but "big crime" is yet present, particularly drugs and money laundry related ones. So, from time to time, the police cannot confine themselves to regular constable work, but have to deal with international malpractices and violent management of affairs.

Unlike in Hamarinn where standard issue crime drama story lines and characters were intertwined with (super)natural phenomena and abilities, Hraunið is an "ordinary" crime series where solution is reached without mythological issues or visions. Again, the acting is good, beautifully harsh Icelandic nature visible, but there was still something that fell short for me, falling behind e.g. Ófærð and other films where Baltasar Kormákur is usually involved. Several links between the past and present remained vague, and long chases and shootings do not somehow fit in... Some characters and scenes provided no additional value, and the ending came a bit hurriedly.

But still, if you like Nordic people and nature and expect a kind of thrill and dark forces, then Hraunið lets you spend pleasant hours in front of screen.

I don't understand the poor reviews this series received. My wife and I really enjoyed the series. It's a little complicated, but it all comes together in the end. We hope they make some more seasons. BTW - we have probably watched 30 detective series from England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Sweden, Denmark. We have seen some really bad ones; The Lava Field is way above average.

If you are going to commit a crime, do it in Iceland! This show really makes the police in Iceland look like idiots. For the citizens there, I hope it's nothing like this series. Other than it being very aggravating, this is still a good series and I'm glad I watched it. The country is beautiful, only for a visit though, wouldn't want to live there....too cold!