Beck

This tv series has little to do with the classic Beck book series, beyond location and titile. Yet, it's a wonderful, wholly invented new character-driven police procedural that no doubt paved the way for so many Scandinavian and German, in particular, series. Beck is perfect, square and a worrier, yet he has a life outside the crime tales. The real invention, though is his sidekick, counterpart, Gunvald Larsson, played so well by his co-star, a very accomplished stage and film actor. Really, it's the secondary characters and storylines that work so well, quirky and ever-evolving that makes this a model production. Inger, Beck's daughter, the nutty neighbor to Beck, and even the senior police execs who drive Beck nuts. So much depth.

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.

Only reason I wouldnt give this a 10 is sometimes the detectives just dont act like professional law enforcement, except for Gunwald, they go into situations without weapons drawn when you can hear there is a standoff. Gunwald has great attitude and makes it look easy. Sure in the US the police are very heavy handed, i dont know if in Sweded they are actually gentler or just in this show, its a different perspective. In my area it is subtitled and I dont mind the read every episode on MHZ. The inclusion of the characters personal problems adds more realism. I recommend it to everyone, some viewers are too lazy to read.

Watched S#1-3 a few years ago- and had to search for 4&5- so it's hard for me to evaluate the seasons- But I fell in love with Mikael (Persbrandt, Gunvald) as have many. Searched to find his films So anything I can see him in, I enjoy. From what I remember, it is a good detective show. I can't say how true to Swedish police it is. some of the personal stuff about Peter Head Detective, I could have seen less. He's gruff but fair. Peter and Mikael forge a relationship of subdued respect, and kind of a friendship. Gunvald keeps to himself, He is chivalrous and protecting of women. He seems to have a private life, at times. Somehow, this seems like Mikael (minus his untreated bi-polar) I don't say this often, I am a fan.

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