Kommissar 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.

I have watched all episodes in this Swedish series and have to say that as the series progressed, the quality of writing decreased. The newest offering, produced in 2018 is a much lighter version than the earlier ones. The central character comes across as very tired, and just going through the motions. There isn't the passion and enthusiasm as before. Perhaps this is intentional i.e to show the effects of aging and "burn-out". The newest season has more subplots than the earlier ones, some of which seem to have little bearing on the main story. Although interesting, they can also be a bit distracting from the main focus. Beck's silly and annoying neighbor is still there but adds little to the series other than to insert some Swedish type humor that does not translate well to other audiences. The new episodes deal with current issued of immigration etc in modern day Sweden. Again, in keeping with a need to have a happy ending that is neat, and is a common thread in many of the newer, lighter Scandinavian noir series, Beck is also going in that direction., sometimes to the detriment of logic.

Despite all I've said, the series still is worth a watch but the writing needs to pick up the pace and go back to its roots. .

Gunvald alone makes this series so worth while. A Swedish 'Dirty Harry' Well written stories and great locations. Addictive and rewatchable.

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.

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.