Codename: Annika

This Finnish crime drama is centred on young policewoman Emma Haka. She is a specialist in art crime. As the series starts she is pulled off a training course and sent on an undercover operation to Stockholm. Taking the name Annika Stormare she is tasked with examining a painting put up for auction is genuine or not. She believes it is a forgery and when it sells for a high price she surmises that this isn't really about art; it is about money laundering. It soon becomes obvious that dangerous people are involved.

I thought this was an enjoyable series. At only six episodes in length it doesn't overstay its welcome, nor does it feel rushed. The story is interesting and features an array of interesting characters. There is a good sense of danger, even in early episodes where the viewer will know a protagonist can't come to real harm at that point in the story. There are some nice twists and turns before the finale, which is enjoyable. The cast does a fine job; especially Sannah Nedergård in the lead role. Overall I'd certainly recommend this to fans of Euro crime drama.

These comments are based on watching the series in the original languages with English subtitles.

On the face of it, a series about an investigator into art crimes doesn't sound riveting. However, this six-part season set in both Sweden and Finland and using both languages was fascinating and held the attention.

Th actress playing Emma/Annika was the business. She was like a chameleon in her shifts of character changing from undercover to real life.

One thing jarred. I don't know why they chose such a well-known Schjerfbeck as the focus of the first part of the series. As far as I know she only painted that portrait once and it's incredibly famous, hanging as it does right now in the Ateneum. I've seen it there and I'm sure any bidder would know that a purported sale of it has to be fake.

The plot was intricate with many a twist and turn. Okay, I had guessed one of the plotlines way before the end when it was finally revealed. I was surprised though at who was ultimately chosen to be the husband.

Supposedly based on a real character, one wonders how much was invented and how much was real. I suspect not very much of the latter.

Nonetheless, a definite recommendation and there's a tiny scope for a second season having regard to the unexpected guest at the wedding. I hope it comes about.

I love all the languages used in this series! In particular the continuous use of both Swedish and Finnish. The countries that are located so close to each other, yet, there is a huge gap in series or films like these. Love that they just work together instead of there being some type of argument Finns vs. Swedes, that we typically see in all other productions with the two languages used. Please, more of this!!

The story is interesting, characters are great and I love that it's located within the art world. A new type of excitement in this genre, in my opinion. Love the pacing, the beautiful shots and I believe the actors portrayals from the start. Great job everyone involved!