Det som göms i snö

Just came out. Didn't know how good this would be when I spotted it on Acorn TV streaming. Wow. After suffering from withdrawal symptoms from "The Bridge," so glad we found this. It builds up slowly and is not fast-paced until the end. This is not an action thriller. The crew of misfits that make up the new Cold Case unit soon stumbles into a politically charged murder case. Wonderfully, understated acting keeps you glued to your seat wondering which twist and turn will happen next. Highly recommended.

This is right up my street. I'm part Swedish, born in England and am just drawn to this type of drama. It must be in my genes! This is a cut above the normal police procedural with interesting, multi faceted characters, a believable take on mental illness and a fascinating plot of false confession, cold case detectives unravelling a labyrinth of lies and bureaucracy and believable personal dramas. All the lead characters are well played, engaging and the lack of sentimentality is quite refreshing. The suburbs of Stockholm are well used and ground the show in real life. It's based on a true story, the red herrings, plot twists and surprises come thick and fast and the rather grim story is lifted at just the right moments with wit and wry humour. Like a lot of these type of shows, it starts quite slowly but you'll be rewarded if you stick with it.

I'm about 4 series into my discovery of Scandinavian Noir and rather enjoyed this one. I had no idea Robert Gutsafsson was a known comedic actor until I read other reviews which made me enjoy his performance as Peter even more. But my favorite thing about this one is the performances by the ladies. Ia Langhammer steals every scene she's in. She's simply magical! Maria Sondbom Lorelius is daring as she finds her way to her own brand of justice in a male dominated world. I'm also such a fan of the b story with Christopher Wagelin and Louise Peteroff. She's the wild card of the bunch but you always know to trust her instincts. Beautifully shot and yet another series I stand in amazement of set decoration and lighting. I swear Swedes are the most clean living people on the planet. Looking forward to another season.

Well, one can question the reality of some scenes and solutions, but on the other hand, the narration is based on true events, so it is not a fully constructed stuff. The characters are quaint, yet evolving, and their actions and ideas emanate from the (painful) past. The mood is well captured, enhances by flashbacks and environment, and apart from tragic/dramatic scenes, there are ones making your giggle... At last but not least - the roundup of the crime is neither regular nor desitive.

As to the performances, they are good/excellent, and unlike many Swedish crime series, the number "frequent participants" is smaller than usual (apart from Thomas W. Gabrielsson perhaps). Robert Gustafsson, usually a comedian, is a convincing detective here with complex past (he won the Swedish Kristallen Award for this), and many from the supporting cast are worth following (Ia Langhammer, Ville Virtanen, among others).

8.5 means 9 points here. Good work!

PS Season 2 is somewhat tardy, but interesting twists in "finals" elevate the less thrilling start.

One of the best if not the best of detective stories from Sweden and the world, and i am surprised to see that it is made without German money help wich is usual in this class , and that it is a cooperation between nordic countries.....well done...well done....and a thumbs up to professor Leif GW.....