Die Erbschaft

With programs like Forbrydelsen and Borgen, Danmarks Radio has secured an international reputation as a powerhouse for serial drama, and this continues in spades with Arvingerne. Writing, acting, directing, etc., all show a level of artistic merit that puts the great majority of UK and American shows to shame (that's why BBC rebroadcasts them and US networks like AMC make crappy remakes). This is a new genre choice, however: the dynastic family drama, centering on the four squabbling children of a hippie artist mother from the sixties. I binge-watched it in 3 days, something very rare for me. In particular, Carsten Bjørnlund, a Forbrydelsen alum, is brilliant in the role of deeply damaged son Frederik, but all the principals are compelling. Just beginning to be available, in various ways, with English subtitles, but definitely worth seeking out.

This is exceptional TV!!!!! Superb acting, a fascinating storyline and the display of art makes you believe that the writer must be more than just a writer. it's not predictable and every second of it is interesting. I would've loved to continue watching more than 3 seasons but it's all in all very satisfying. This is my first danish series and now I'm hooked. You can buy all three seasons now so binge watching can be guaranteed :-) enjoy this piece of art!

It is difficult to not give this series a 10, but one always imagines something can be better. In this story, set in Funen, the island of Hans Christian Anderson, a family encounters itself in all its complex, passionate, devious depths. The writer Maya Ilsøe is superb -- fascinating concerns with truth and lie, with nature and art, with the truth about fathers and mothers, and the deviations of children who have to live with their lies.

The tale is sensitively brought to our eyes by intelligent actors and producers. I have long been a fan of Danish TV, and this lives up to the best of it. Hoping for a strong 3rd season, which I understand will be the last.

Do see this! For all of the millions of people out there whose entire lives have been molded by selfish parents who lost their common sense somewhere between a kiss and the diamond ring, here's a soap opera for you. The two main female roles are portrayed very convincingly, notably Trine Dyrholm as "Gro Grønnegaard" and Marie Bach Hansen as "Signe Larsen". The plot quickly thickens as the question of inheritance brings out the weasel in just about everyone. Psychologically, anyone who has ever dealt with inheritance issues will recognize several themes and reflect on their own personal stories and reactions. As a result maybe this defining drama can pave the way for deeper family dialogs among the lucky viewers who have the guts to speak up.

This is one of those series that you either love or hate. There's hardly anything in between. Three seasons show how all kinds of things are happening within a family, but nothing ever really changes. It is however better than your average soap if you like drama, failing relationships, people not learning from earlier mistakes and all kinds of other psychological issues. It's going nowhere but kept me watching, because of the setting, curiosity and also the great acting. At times it feels as if you're watching a documentary instead of a television series. Just try it. You will find out soon enough if this is something for you.

The reason I gave it only 7 stars is the fact that the series just has too much storylines that start but are not finished properly. I consider that to be a major flaw in the scenario next to the sometimes terrible leaps in time, where you can only conclude that there obviously has been some kind of development.