Nyrkki

I really know nothing about Finnish post war history. I have a vague knowledge of the Soviet invasions in the 1940s but that is about it so this cold war thriller is new territory.

A slow burn series that drew me in bit by bit and with quite a number of unexpected twists.

Who are the real heroes in this? That is perhaps the most difficult question of all.

But atmospheric design and music, quality acting, a script that seamlessly moves between Finnish, Russian, English and Swedish is a fine mix.

Recommended for lovers of cold war spy thrillers. But be warned, it is quite violent and explicit.

OK, so here's the deal. NOT A SPOILER ALERT!!!! SHOULD READ BEFORE WATCHING The show begins in 1955. Finland is technically it's own country but it's under Soviet Union's Dictator/ Bad Guy/ Communism "you could be executed for stealing an orange" Rule (as well as that evil dudes federal police, the shady as f$&k The KGB). Some people in Finland want to still be Communists but be separate ("doesn't answer to Moscow") from the Soviet Union and have a Finish (but Russian ideology influenced) President who supports Communism. The main characters and plot revolve around several of these people. They also happen to be "The Security Police" to make sure this happens. Lastly, there are people in Finland that want to be "influenced by the west" and believe in Democracy like the Americans. The show is about these three sides.

Very good show with complicated layers of storylines. Told like the viewer is reading a great novel. Told slowly and meticulously, without any wasted time/energy, and developed perfectly. Top show for sure. Constant action. Don't look away, or you're sure to miss something.

If you're not a Finland history literate person and/or a follower of '50s West vs. East (e.g. Mostly U.s. & USSR) cold war goin'ons then take notes early on as to who's who. A lot of characters; a lot of scene jumps; a lot of not knowing allegiances.

Absolutely stunning visually! As a vintage fan, I loved the authentic feel of the early 1900's in the show. The outfits, the style, the hair, the suits, the furtinute, the settings, the cigarettes, the music... Beautiful!

The performance of Uusivirta, Grabowsky, Vauramo and Petersson were very enjoyable. Parviainen in the lead I found to be a bit too restrained and aloof. Great at moments though, especially in the final episode! I would have loved to see what Kosonen would have done with her character, since her fight scene was a breath of fresh air!

Sure this show had some stumbles, but all in all it created a very intriguing fictional world of espionage and betrayal. I've never seen this type of storyline and energy in Finnish productions. Great pace and twists!