The Glass Dome

I honestly don't get the hate - "Die Glaskuppel" is an incredibly gripping and underrated series that constantly keeps you guessing. From the very beginning, it pulls you in with its intense atmosphere and never lets go. The plot is packed with brutal and unexpected twists that hit you when you least expect them, and the tension only escalates with each episode. Just when you think you've figured it out, everything changes again. It's unpredictable, addictive, and full of surprises right up to the final scene. If you enjoy clever, suspenseful storytelling, this series is a hidden gem you shouldn't miss.

I, too, don't understand the really negative reviews. This is not an American action shoot 'em up. Scandinavian people are by nature stoic and they don't talk a lot. I should know - my father was 100% Norwegian. This drama is well written, has a different storyline than I've seen in a while with good actors not to mention wonderful scenery and an accurate depiction of Swedes in a small town who reject their environment being ravaged. I'm quite enjoying this!!! We are finally getting access to really good Nordic thrillers and I watch them so often, they can't keep up with audiences that like them. Icelandic are the best.

I thought the series was quite good! I was completely off the mark for the ending, so it was a fun surprise for me. It started off a little slow, but I was invested by episode 2. Nordic noir also has a certain vibe to it, so you need to be okay with a slow pace at times since it contributes to the atmosphere. It's a very specific mood that you see in many series like this.

Like the other positive reviewers note, I don't think the acting was bad at all. Being less emotive when you're playing a specific type of character in certain plot/setting has its place and this show is one of them. In everyday life, people aren't overly expressive and in my option, the acting felt very natural. To me Leyla's character was intentionally masking emotions. Sometimes people who have suffered significant trauma cope by numbing themselves out. She was self-medicating so she clearly still had unresolved issues.

I hate to be snarky, but one of the reviewers stated that a lot of questions were left unanswered and there were some plot holes, but had they actually watched the entire show instead of a select few episodes, they would have found that many of their questions would have been answered. I believe I only had one question I was left with at the end, but I may just have missed something.

It's enjoyable if you watch it as a crime-based drama, not as a suspense thriller. It's true it's easy to guess who the villain is, but for me that just adds to the tension, which builds up nicely throughout the show.

I don't get the criticism of the main character. I thought she was effective. She is suffering from childhood trauma and not happy about being back in Sweden for her adoptive mother's funeral, so she is intentionally in a 'going through the motions' type of mood a lot of the time. At some point she says outright she wants to go back to America "because it's suffocating here." However, she livens up when something happens she is passionate about, which is especially children in danger. I thought the actress did that well.

I do agree Alicia, the kidnapped girl, didn't have much personality, but as she doesn't get that much screen time, I don't think it detracts from the show that much. It's also true some things were left unresolved, but as these were not part of the central story, I also don't find that so important.

Giving it 7/10. It doesn't break new ground, it's not a super-brilliant mystery, but it's a solid drama around a kidnapper and kidnappee.

I've watched every Scandi mystery or suspense that exists to American viewers, so I was excited for something new. This one didn't quite hit the mark for me, though. Part of my problem was that I had it figured out pretty early. I watched to the end mostly because it was made well and the acting was good for the most part. I'm one of those who would watch a show about a bug crossing the road if it was well made, and especially if it was Scandinavian. The main character, Lejla, however, I found a bit stiff and emotionless in her portrayal of a woman who was once traumatised by abduction and kidnapping. I am sure some will find the ending clever and surprising, but I thought it was extremely far fetched. The serial killer theme has gotten more and more absurd as these shows keep being made. Therefore, I rate this one as a six because it just didn't rise above that in its believability and interest for me.