Beck

My wife and I enjoy mystery/crime drama series, particularly those from Europe. This series is one of the best, even though it has been around for quite a while. The plot lines are interesting, sometimes even captivating, the characters are sometimes fascinating (such as Beck's friend in the adjoining apartment), the character interrelationships sophisticated, and the settings well thought-out and realistic. Because I've spent some time in Sweden (particularly Stockholm), I also enjoy the series for personal reasons. I'm particularly enthusiastic about the lead character, Beck, who is not cast as an exceptional, almost super-human individual but, rather, as a thoughtful, sometimes vulnerable, but still very intelligent and caring human. My wife and I give it two thumbs up (to use another rating system). Tom Nelson

This series has been around for quite a few years, and it has been airing as of lately on the MHz Network during the international mystery and drama hour each week. I'm quite enjoying it—as aforementioned by other users, the two main actors, Haber and Persbrandt (who play Martin Beck and Gunvald Larsson, respectively) are phenomenal at interpreting the roles they are assigned. The series is well-written, and each character has a great deal of personality—the viewer is able to grow with the characters as they continue their assignments throughout the series. That being said, the other actors deserve applause as well.

I would definitely recommend this program to other fans of mystery and suspense... I think this series is a bit under-appreciated where I am (I'm not from Sweden), and it deserves more publicity here, although it isn't as recent as many other shows.

Beck offers up understated excellence in the form of a Swedish crime drama.

There are several seasons of Beck. I have been fortunate enough to watch two and four, with English subtitles. Unlike many US shows, the Swedish approach to crime drama is modest and down to earth. For me, this approach makes the characters and story, far more accessible and believable.

The crime stories Beck and his team investigate are in many ways familiar. This obstacle is overcome by quality narrative and fleshed out characterizations, that really lift this series above the ordinary. A good cast of well known Swedish actors, does this series no harm either.

In short Beck is a a worthwhile watch, I can happily recommend. Nine out of ten from me.

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. .

Beck

Watched the lot!

Unfortunately this was a case of the good, the bad, and the other ugly. The 8 series effectively divided into 3 sections of varying quality. In truth when the actor play Gunwald left to star in Sex Education they should have cancelled the series.

Series 1 to 4

It is so refreshing to find a programme from Sweden that is not Nordic Noir. A new formula was applied here, if anything it was nearer in style to Montalbano.

Every show started with a murder, solved by Gunwald, a Swedish "Dirty Harry" doing whats required to get his man and Beck the methodical and insightful investigator.

The contrast between the brutal murder and the great fun, humour and friendship of the whole team from pathologist to administrator was the unique determiner of this show. Not to mention, the unexpected twists brilliant acting and Beck's quirky neighbour.

These first 4 series were an 8 outta 10.

Series 4 to 6

Steiner, Gunwald replacement was miscast, he couldn't fire a gun, couldn't work a computer or crack a joke. The introduction of an insecure humourless bullying female boss destroyed these series.

At best this was a weak 5 outta 10

Series 7 to 8

These last two series should never have been made. Watching Beck, our hero, wither and fall into shade was not good entertainment.

Every show had either, immigrant drug dealers, racial elements or religious overtones, combined with refugees and crime gangs. We all know that culture and race issues are not best explored in works of fiction.

I hated these series with a vengeance please don't make any more.

This was a 1 outta 10, miserable, no humour, poor plots!