Commandant Bäckström

If you don't like this you may be lacking a sense of humour ... Kjell Bergqvist is not only charismatic he's also pretty funny at times. I'm up to episode four and I'm thoroughly enjoying it but not taking it too seriously ... and I think that is the key!

True, as for profundity and tone, it is no Bron/Broen, Innan vi dör, or Springfloden, but Kjell Bergqvist is still excelling! And the story is there, with its ups and downs and "rattle", but giving food for thought, opportunities to ponder on and over different elements of police business... Well, I am not sure about the real use of taxpayers´money and the inclusion of a young boy to such investigations, but the story remained in its tracks and had its twists and turns - and complex ending.

PS Season 2 is fine as well -- people can be funny, but crimes never are, this line is well maintained. And again, Berqqvist excels all the others.

PPS Season 3 reveals more pleasant sides of Bäckström, and Bergqvist shows it all in a talented manner. Moreover, I did not surmise the wrongdoer and the complex motives behind crimes committed.

Less frantic editing/talks. less episodes. better overall. more compelling. Main actor is very arrogant but much more credible in Euro version. recommended.

What a breath of fresh air. Layered character development and outstanding performances PLUS a great mystery to unravel. The dialogue is mostly in Swedish and German but I became so engrossed in the story that I did notice the sub-titles after the first few minutes.

The title character, Backstrom (sorry cannot manage the umlauts), is introduced as somewhat of a genius, a celebrity/detective specializing in murders and starring in a television show in which he discusses his cases. He is a little rude and rubs many the wrong way.

I watched it on Acorn but see it can also be viewed in the US on Amazon Prime.

Definitely worth watching.

There's a tongue-in-cheek irreverence to this - I love how employees freely talk back to their bosses - yet it still manages to tell an interesting tale. The script is brisk and avoids much of the soap opera backstory that kills so many productions. Kjell Bergqvist is perfect as the irascible but brilliant lead. The supporting cast doesn't disappoint. To top if off, the cinematography and palette are pleasing to the eye. It's all presented with low-key direction that lets the actors and action breathe, punctuated with some above-average CGI effects to mix it up.