Wisting

Continuing the brilliant run of Scandi series like The Bridge and The Killing this will hold its own with the best of them.

Great plot, great acting, great direction. Very watchable indeed.

I liked it. It felt like two seasons in one but it was tense and good crime drama. Some cliches but all in all I liked it and it was not over dramatic. Recommend it and take it for what it is. I did not have any big expectations and it surprised me in a positive way.

I really liked the character Hammer and Lina Wisting. And I thought they gave the storyline good depth.

Wisting, like so much else that comes out of Scandinavia by way of crime drama, is pure quality,

Its stories actually manage a decent degree of originality with an international twist that's instantly engaging and intriguing.

That said, I'm personally, no fan of politics and courtroom antics in policing stories, so I enjoyed the first five pure crime drama focused episodes, much more than the latter ones.

Acting is excellent, with an clever family dynamic, that creates degrees of tension but also moments of empathy and caring, between the veteran police officer Wisting and his journalist daughter.

Suffice to say this Norwegian gem is a must watch for fans of crime drama. 8/10.

Compared to the Swedes and Danes, the Norwegians entered the world of distinct crime series somewhat later, this decade, but e.g. Øyevitne, Kodenavn Hunter, Frikjent were all catchy and worth watching. Now, Wisting has carried on in the field of international crime and related links, with FBI´s involvement, although the main venue is still Norway - with "tardy" people and beautiful landscape. Sven Nordin is really a good actor (I remembered him from Valkyrien, the concept of which was not so interesting), but the script here is skilfully prepared so that his character is always present/visible without unnecessary domination over supporting cast.

I wonder if other seasons are coming, but bearing in mind the present one´s big success, I would not be surprised. And I will be ready :)

PS Season 2 is intense and thrilling as well, with many twists and turns as for the wrongdoer´s person.

PPS Season 3 is intense, with international cooperation still in place, although the case itself is less interesting, but apparently realistic.

PPS Season 4 follows a scary case where a six-year-old British boy disappears from his hotel room, and a hotel worker is found dead. The story is detailed and full of suspense, keeping up the show's strong reputation for Nordic crime dramas. However, it still uses some common crime show patterns.

PPPS Season 5 delivers a gripping finale. Wisting, who, while recovering from injury, is drawn into a cold case that unravels some police corruption and old secrets. The story smartly intertwines past and present crimes; the suspense builds steadily, even if the narrative sometimes twists a bit too much. Still, the Season includes strong performances, tight direction, and the Series' signature Nordic noir atmosphere.

It is well acted and is very atmospheric, however the story line is very familiar and the Norwegian acting is good enough that they don't need any Hollywood actors flown in. One for Scandinavian noir fans.