Commandant Bäckström

There's a tongue-in-cheek irreverence to this - I love how employees freely talk back to their bosses - yet it still manages to tell an interesting tale. The script is brisk and avoids much of the soap opera backstory that kills so many productions. Kjell Bergqvist is perfect as the irascible but brilliant lead. The supporting cast doesn't disappoint. To top if off, the cinematography and palette are pleasing to the eye. It's all presented with low-key direction that lets the actors and action breathe, punctuated with some above-average CGI effects to mix it up.

True, as for profundity and tone, it is no Bron/Broen, Innan vi dör, or Springfloden, but Kjell Bergqvist is still excelling! And the story is there, with its ups and downs and "rattle", but giving food for thought, opportunities to ponder on and over different elements of police business... Well, I am not sure about the real use of taxpayers´money and the inclusion of a young boy to such investigations, but the story remained in its tracks and had its twists and turns - and complex ending.

PS Season 2 is fine as well -- people can be funny, but crimes never are, this line is well maintained. And again, Berqqvist excels all the others.

PPS Season 3 reveals more pleasant sides of Bäckström, and Bergqvist shows it all in a talented manner. Moreover, I did not surmise the wrongdoer and the complex motives behind crimes committed.

Is this a Swedish noir police procedural? It has none of the elements. 1. It is Not dark and brooding. 2. The protagonist' malleable and lugubrious face is more akin to an Italian or french detective. 3. The camera work is so well lighted, I didn't have to adjust my TV settings to view the scenes. 4. There is actual laughter and jokes with Backstrom and his fellow officers. 5. The crime scene is just a found skull. There are no horrific chopped up bloody bodies, victims tied up in basements, kids abused, or serial plus copycat serial killers. 6. Except for Backstrom recreating an evening in the victim's life, he doesn't seem to drink anymore than most European detectives. 7. There are no long sweeping camera on a drone of the beautiful Swedish landscape. 8. Backstrom is not a lone wolf, but Has a pint size partner in Sweden, and a funky funny officer when working in Thailand, and 9. There some hints for next season, but Backstrom doesn't seem to have a horrific childhood.

I would almost put this murder mystery in the comedy/murder mystery category a la Midsomer Murders or Death in Paradise, etc.

This show has the the most adorable sidekick. Backstrom works the case with the neighbor's kid. The kid steals every scene he is in and is smart and believable not obnoxious.

This show should be renamed Lackstrom or Rackstrom as it has no connection with the US version of Backstrom. There are always those annoying comparisons with the written version or other cinematic versions. The American Backstron, filmed in Portland, is a unique classic, unfortunately, cancelled by corporate idiots. The only similarities between the two Backstroms is that the shows are described as "an arrogant detective.". So? Starting with the first greatest detective, Sherlock Holmes and ending with Batman, they are all arrogant. So just Watch and enjoy both Backstroms.

Surprised at some of the low ratings here. This is a very different, very enjoyable series. True to life? Well I hope not, but very entertaining. And I liked the acting. Not hammy and 'deep' in the usual American way, but natural - except for the lead, who always plays his character as an arrogant but brilliant a#$hole, which is the way he should be played.

If you don't like this you may be lacking a sense of humour ... Kjell Bergqvist is not only charismatic he's also pretty funny at times. I'm up to episode four and I'm thoroughly enjoying it but not taking it too seriously ... and I think that is the key!