Raid (2000) is a gritty and uniquely Finnish crime drama that stands out thanks to its strong characters, dark humour, and subtle political themes. At the centre is Kai Lehtinen as Raid - a quiet, tough fixer with a sense of right and wrong. He returns to Helsinki to look into the mysterious death of a woman he once loved. While the basic plot sounds like a typical detective story, Raid adds Finnish style and cultural details that make it special.
What really sets Raid apart is its unusual and colourful supporting cast: the sarcastic Lieutenant Jansson, the sleazy but oddly likable porn dealer Sundman, and the wildly over-the-top "Arska the Arse." Each character feels real and flawed, part of a world where no one is truly innocent.
The show's look and feel are similar to 1970s noir films but with a Finnish twist. It's not flashy - the visuals are dark, the action rough, and the pacing sometimes slow - but it all feels honest. The series explores topics like corruption, power, and moral grey areas in a thoughtful way (although Finland is one of the least corrupted countries in the world). At 12 episodes, it might feel a bit too long, and the production quality can seem outdated. Still, the writing and acting keep it engaging. It's rare to find a series that mixes crime, dark comedy, and social commentary so well.
Raid is more than just a great Finnish TV show - it's a unique mix of crime story and character study, and a hidden gem worth watching. I gave it 8 out of 10, though I might have rated it higher if I'd seen it 25 years ago. Personally, as regards Finnish series, I tend to prefer Sorjonen now.
