Alex

Season 1, like a stick of rock, has the words 'Swedish police drama' stamped right through it. In that sense, there is a distinct lack of originality, but in other ways, this tense thriller motors along in a lively fashion, dishing up the occasional plot twist along the way. Whilst it is suspenseful enough to keep your attention, you may hesitate to watch season 2, in case it's just more of the same. Well ... my advice is to welcome season 2 with open arms. Alex has been incarcerated for his illegal activities in the first season, but is allowed out on parole. Meanwhile, his wife and child have stumbled into a world of trouble, putting pressure on him to abscond. He must choose between the law and the lawless as he tries to carve out a viable future for his family. This time the story feels just as menacing, yet more organic, and the decisions that the characters make are quite shocking, haphazard, and stuttering. Truer to life. The action starts slowly, but ramps up in a captivating manner. It seems like the producers and writers stepped up their game considerably. My scores so far would be 7.3 and 8.2.

I expected some kind of Swedish SHIELD or even BRAQUO, the tale of a rogue cop, as I crave for. But this series is not gritty, dark and brutal enough for me. The editing looks more than a movie, a long theater released film than a series. OK, there is much suspense but I repeat, that's not gloomy enough for my taste, the cop is not rotten enough for me. Maybe I expect too much, maybe, but I would like to have a real nasty head character, real disgusting character to change. This is not a real bad cop for me, as Richard Gere was in INTERNAL AFFAIRS. That was a real bad ass, and with style please.

Within the first few frames of the movie, the main plot is revealed, and it's as old as the hills. I won't talk about it or my review will be classed as containing a 'spoiler'. The acting is quite good and the sets and scenery is as well. The casting was, for the most part at least, reasonably good but the writing.....it's SO predictable that almost every crisis-point is telegraphed ahead and ANYTHING that might later be a clue is shamelessly fore-shadowed so clearly that even a neophyte can recognize them. The direction the 'plot' takes is so simple and singularly focused that events that would be UN-included in a serious series, are included and presented as casually as if it were a cartoon. The first episode was not terrible but from then on it becomes increasingly predictable and at the same time implausible. I was SERIOUSLY disappointed but then again.....why did I expect more Don't waste your time on this VERY THIN 'you'll get what's coming to you" police drama...it's not worth it.

This six part Swedish drama is centred on Alex Leko. He and his partner, Martin, have been in the pocket of crime boss BG for some time but after Alex accidentally shoots and kills Martin he wants out. BG refuses though; Martin was meant to be identifying the police mole in his organisation now he expects Alex to do it. Refusal could be very dangerous for him and his family. Alex is already suspected by his boss who gives him a new partner, Frida Kanto, who is tasked with digging up dirt on Alex.

This was a solid series with lots of tense moments, as well as quite a few shocks. It is pretty short so doesn't outstay its welcome thankfully it doesn't feel rushed either. Dragomir Mrsic impresses as Alex; he has a good brooding presence. Rakel Wärmländer also does as solid job as Frida. I was a little concerned that their characters' past relationship would lead to clichés but for the most part this is avoided. Anna Bjelkerud impresses as Alex's boss Ragnhild Björkfors; the supporting cast are pretty good too. As the end approaches there are some good twists; some may feel them a little melodramatic but at the time things are pretty exciting so it didn't bother me. Overall I'd recommend this to fans of Scandinavian drama looking for something a little grittier.

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

If you like this kind of tense thrillers, with blood now and then, don't miss it! The burocracy of the police goes too far...! The rich politicians are often only thinking on living well , big house, expensive cars, ... etc... with their gold credit card, but they don't do enough to catch the real baddd guysss. That is the whole point of this series! Loved it! Amazed by the low rating and bad reviews!