Øyevitne

Listen, I watched this series 10 years after it's initial release, and will review it as such. The actual storyline is engaging and interesting, despite an ending that leaves some to be desired. The acting from the two boys is impressive as they were very young, Axel Bøyum does a very good job bringing Philip to life, and his portrayal is both realistic and leveled. Anneke von der Lippe also portrays a complex and interesting character very well, trying to walk the line between professional and personal life. Some of the other characters are less complex and don't bring as much to the story.

The romantic relationship between the two boys also leaves a lot to be desired, and with very little chemistry between them in most scenes, it's hard to care about their relationship. I would prefer for their relationship to be explored more, rather than it taking a back seat to support the rest of the TV-series, regardless of how entertaining the series is.

Norwegian drama/thriller "Eyewitness" was my latest Nordic noir binge. Six episodes - each one increasingly had me on the edge of my seat. The story begins with two teenage boys witnessing a brutal murder scene. This series reminded me a little of Irish thriller "The Fall", in that we learn early on who the killer is. Suspense is heightened by the race to solve the crime before the killer finds the eyewitnesses. This gripping thriller also explores other contemporary issues in society: bikie gangs, addiction, sexuality and relationships. Talented cast - can't wait to watch more Norwegian drama series. Highly recommended crime series.

So many aspects of this drama defy plausibility., not least of all the final episode.

There are too many sub-plots which makes it all too long and difficult to follow.

The boorish same-sex relationship, which seems to be compulsory these days, had no bearing whatsoever on the main storyline. It just got in the way, and they kept returning to it. I found it uncomfortable that one party was emotionally blockmaking the other into a relationship that he had no inclination for.

The sub-plots involving bikers, Balkans and gang warfare just lost me. I had no idea what the message was at the end that the jailed villain received.

The perpetrator was too narcissistic to take the action he did at the end, it didn't make sense.

It also appears that characters in dramas can survive where no normal people could.

The endless circling around the killer who the audience knows from the outset and sees in the first ep...with everyone feeding him info like a baby bird in a nest...just becomes tiresome. Not well written im afraid, messy contrived and unconvincing with an especially irritating simpering female cop (the ditzy blonde) who seems to have the danger caution radar of a gnat. Henning i love you 😂

As for series on related topic, I am able to recall Varg Veum, and apparently I have seen all episodes available... Yes, I liked it, but it is more Beck and Wallander than those coming from Scandinavia when you have to watch all in sequence and where are many intertwined events, not every episode dedicated to solving a certain tort or felony.

Øyevitne measures easily up to the currently most famous Danish-Swedish series: gloomy atmosphere, harsh nature, thrilling yet realistic plot with some unexpected changes, fitting actors performing rather as a team than backing someone who is heavily "better" or "distinct" (Axel Bøyum and Anneke von der Lippe had apparently the most versatile characters to play)... Some spend more time on screen, the others less, but they do all have their role and place, not just filling a scene or prolonging the events (6 episodes made the story intense and compact). Plus, I liked the ending as the very final scenes did not contain the odd dramatics so characteristic to the US series, above all. And I also liked that private and sensitive issues were approached in realistic manner, as a part of everyday life, without strict assessments.

I am pleased that Norwegians have vigorously established themselves in the field long dominated by Swedes and Danes. Well done and more similar achievements in the future!