Legenden

The concept of inserting a not fully trained asset has been well used in series and films. What makes this plot unique? Halfway the second episode I haven't found something sticking out. What I have found is numerous scenes that were done too lazy and cheap. Let's pin that on budget for now. With more budget this could have been a top series. This doesn't mean it's no good though: the show is nice to watch, mostly due to the fine acting and directing.

There are things that bothered me - underdeveloped characters, opportunities left unused, the lazy/cheap scenes. For example, the really low key reception at the jeweller's shop - without food, music or displays, just champagne served in silence - could have easily been done better. This set the expectation for the episodes to come, and indeed more cheap and lazy was delivered in this production. But when you overlook the faults and holes, "Legenden" is a nice paced crime drama which you will want to keep watching.

The Asset doesn't reinvent the spy genre, but it achieves something far more valuable: it keeps you hooked for six straight episodes. Its balance between controlled action, moral conflict, and just the right amount of suspense proves that solid storytelling often beats flashy twists.

The lead actress carries the story effortlessly, blending cold precision with emotional fragility. Her gradual descent into doubt and contradiction is portrayed with restraint, at the unhurried pace typical of Nordic thrillers-where silence speaks louder than dialogue. Around her, a perfectly cast ensemble gives every scene a quiet realism that feels lived-in.

The narrative moves between investigation and personal struggle, and that's where the series shines most. It's not about explosions or shocking reveals, but about what it means to live between two truths. There's tension, but also melancholy-the slow corrosion of deceit seeping into every part of her life.

Visually, it's stunning. The muted tones, dim lighting, and Danish settings evoke a constant sense of unease. Sure, a few familiar tropes appear-the divided agent, the morally gray superior-but everything feels cohesive and emotionally grounded.

Without offering anything groundbreaking, The Asset succeeds because it's well written, well acted, and knows when to stop. It doesn't shout; it whispers with purpose. And that's what makes it so quietly gripping.

Did anyone notice that in episode 1 there was a scene lifted directly from the French series Le Bureau? Tea meets her handler in the restaurant, and he asks her to describe two women at the bar. He then asks her to get their names and phone numbers by the time he's finished his lunch. Enjoying the series, despite this homage.

Finally something good on Netflix. Acting, photography, dialog, tension...everything is gripping, entertaining, and high quality. Character development (finally) is deep and layered. There is no torture, cut limbs , or any of that nonsense. The violence is mostly psychological, with some bloody scenes. Even English dubbing is flawless. The only tiny negative: the music is sometimes too loud. Uncomfortable when listening with the earphones.

I'm basing this review on the first two episodes, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

The premise is really good and the writing is solid. The lead actress is a good fit- attractive but not glamorous. Her recruiter is a scruffy, obese man who is seemingly cast against type (or what I would expect to be his typical role). The "bad guy" is quietly terrifying. It leads to a very tense viewer experience!

I recommend watching it in its native Dutch with English subtitles (or whatever language is most comfortable for you). I think a lot of texture and nuance is lost in dubbed films.