Ep 8 barrels forward with a relentless pace, but for some, it might feel like a high-speed chase to an already obvious destination. The net is tightening around Merritt Lynggaard's captors, and the tension is palpable, yet the big reveal at the episode's close might just elicit a shrug from seasoned Nordic Noir fans who've seen this particular twist coming a mile away.
Matthew Goode's Carl Mørck, however, remains a force, shedding his gloom for a desperate, raw intensity as he confronts the intertwining threads of the cold case and his own traumatic past from the Leith shooting.
The team, thankfully, is still firing on all cylinders. Alexej Manvelov's Akram Salim continues to be the quiet MVP, executing crucial maneuvers with effortless precision, while Leah Byrne's DC Rose Dickson impresses with her sharp instincts, proving indispensable in the frantic pursuit.
Despite the somewhat telegraphed villain, the episode's sheer momentum and the compelling performances keep you hooked. It's a gripping, albeit occasionally unsurprising, sprint towards the series' inevitable conclusion, proving "Dept. Q" knows how to deliver thrills, even if it sometimes plays it safe with its secrets.
The big question is whether there is anything worthwhile left for the last wrap-up episode?
