Svörtu sandar

If this had been done in four or even six episodes, it would have been twice as good. As it was, a reasonably good mystery just dragged and dragged over eight slow motion episodes. The cast was mainly good, though the script had the main character behaving in an overly unlikely and unprofessional way a little too often. So, not bad...but could have been a lot better.

This is a quality Icelandic mystery series that I think most fans of "Nordic Noir" will enjoy. This series has many of the characteristics of Nordic Noir mysteries: set in a dark, chilly landscape, flawed or troubled protagonists and criticism of the community where the mystery is set and/or featuring social issues. In this series, there are layers of mystery - the "main" mystery about the death of the German tourist (was it an accident? Was it a murder?), the mystery of the investigating detective's history, and the mystery of one or more characters I don't want to mention specifically for fear of ruining it for you! Basically, the mystery of the characters unfolds at the same pace as the mystery of the death of the German tourist is revealed. The layers of mystery held my attention during every minute of the series. As for the series being too dark or grim, it's supposed to be dark!! - dark landscape, cold climate, dark story, dark underbelly of society (in this series: family structures )- these are all important characteristics of a good "Noir" mystery. I think some viewers who are perhaps not Nordic Noir fans may have found the story grim because underlying the main story-line is the social issue of dysfunctional families and the lasting impact on the child. One theme is the impact on the child, not just from the maladaptive family dynamics, but also from the failure to act on the part of those aware of what is going on in the family & in a position to intervene. The child / family issue is handled with subtlety. Without revealing anything, suffice it to say there is nothing graphic or vulgar in the images or content about child vulnerability within the home - the content is suggestive rather than graphic. The bottom-lines is I found the series held my attention throughout the 10 episodes. The landscapes are so striking & beautiful, the characters are generally likeable and the story moved quickly. I didn't notice any glaring issues with the production in terms of editing that another viewer mentioned. I found this to be an intense, fascinating and entertaining series, with talented actors & high production quality. I recommend for Nordic Noir fans who are looking for a quality mystery / thriller, with the added bonus that it is set in breathtaking Iceland! I'm hoping there is a season 2 coming!! With English sub-titles. 9/10.

I'm glad the recaps at the beginning of each episode of Season Two were so detailed. I'd seen Season One when it came out and could barely remember it. I think that anyone coming fresh to Season Two would have problems; I did despite being vaguely familiar with the plot.

So the first couple of episodes were a bit of an effort to wade through. I didn't really know precisely what was happening nor to whom. After that, however, I got far more immersed into the action and contrivances that led the local cops a merry dance. I didn't guess who the actual murderer was although I should have.

One aspect that was really well handled was the portrayal of postnatal depression. It didn't impinge on the crimes but every police procedural needs a back story.

I've reread this and moved the mark down to a five from a six. I would neither advise people to watch nor not to.

Twice as long as it needed to be with a lead character who makes you wonder how she made it to detective give how she disobeys orders and acts like a spoilt child. Other characters were paper thin overall a waste of time and does not show the Icelandic police in a great light. Hopefully it's a one season wonder that never sees the light of day again. The end was so predictable as to be laughable with more crime scenes contaminated by the lead character throughout the series. At the very least they could have given us a few more drone shots of the fabulous Icelandic countryside which would have made this a little more acceptable.

Not sure why this isn't rated higher. I loved it. A slow burn that pays off at the end. Dark and atmospheric. Interesting and highly flawed characters. Beautiful location.