Alex

Last decade or so has seen so many good Scandinavian crime series that been-there-seen-that feeling is easy to arise, particularly in a relatively small country like Sweden where the number of film actors is not too big. Moreover, it is hard to believe that Swedish police force have to deal with so severe issues as depicted, and many scenes and solutions tend to imitate UK and US related series...

Dragomir Mrsic as Alex Leko is convincing though, but his co-performers are not too memorable, and the whole series lags behind such recent Swedish series as Innan vi dör or Springfloden, for example. On the other hand, if you like Snabba cash or Pusher type of works, then Alex is a logical follow-up.

Season 1, like a stick of rock, has the words 'Swedish police drama' stamped right through it. In that sense, there is a distinct lack of originality, but in other ways, this tense thriller motors along in a lively fashion, dishing up the occasional plot twist along the way. Whilst it is suspenseful enough to keep your attention, you may hesitate to watch season 2, in case it's just more of the same. Well ... my advice is to welcome season 2 with open arms. Alex has been incarcerated for his illegal activities in the first season, but is allowed out on parole. Meanwhile, his wife and child have stumbled into a world of trouble, putting pressure on him to abscond. He must choose between the law and the lawless as he tries to carve out a viable future for his family. This time the story feels just as menacing, yet more organic, and the decisions that the characters make are quite shocking, haphazard, and stuttering. Truer to life. The action starts slowly, but ramps up in a captivating manner. It seems like the producers and writers stepped up their game considerably. My scores so far would be 7.3 and 8.2.

If you like this kind of tense thrillers, with blood now and then, don't miss it! The burocracy of the police goes too far...! The rich politicians are often only thinking on living well , big house, expensive cars, ... etc... with their gold credit card, but they don't do enough to catch the real baddd guysss. That is the whole point of this series! Loved it! Amazed by the low rating and bad reviews!

This is like the wire like snabba cash, real scandinavian gang crime story!

This six part Swedish drama is centred on Alex Leko. He and his partner, Martin, have been in the pocket of crime boss BG for some time but after Alex accidentally shoots and kills Martin he wants out. BG refuses though; Martin was meant to be identifying the police mole in his organisation now he expects Alex to do it. Refusal could be very dangerous for him and his family. Alex is already suspected by his boss who gives him a new partner, Frida Kanto, who is tasked with digging up dirt on Alex.

This was a solid series with lots of tense moments, as well as quite a few shocks. It is pretty short so doesn't outstay its welcome thankfully it doesn't feel rushed either. Dragomir Mrsic impresses as Alex; he has a good brooding presence. Rakel Wärmländer also does as solid job as Frida. I was a little concerned that their characters' past relationship would lead to clichés but for the most part this is avoided. Anna Bjelkerud impresses as Alex's boss Ragnhild Björkfors; the supporting cast are pretty good too. As the end approaches there are some good twists; some may feel them a little melodramatic but at the time things are pretty exciting so it didn't bother me. Overall I'd recommend this to fans of Scandinavian drama looking for something a little grittier.

These comments are based on watching the series in Swedish with English subtitles.