Ráðherrann

I wish more people would watch scandi shows regularly.

This show is a fine example of a tight script accompanied with fantastic acting - in particularly the lead, he is truly amazing - and an amazing setting of the island itself, Iceland.

Again we see the power of good writing. Icelandic TV RUV in cooperation with the other 4 scandi TV channels - SVT (Sweden) NRK (Norway) DR (Denmark) and YLE (Finland) served us with yet another masterpiece.

I would definitely watch more Icelandic film and TV in the future. I enjoyed the wonderful Icelandic language as well. It gives the story an air of being from strange, far away land which is an added bonus to the plot.

Go and watch this - it's good.

I don't know how they do it. Iceland has a population of 350,000 people and yet they manage to turn out such high quality series on a regular basis. Especially impressive when you consider that they have no natural secondary market for their productions because their language is unique to the island (i.e. you'll need subtitles to watch).

Ólafur Darri Ólafsson is one of our favourite actors in any international series and after the first series of Trapped several years ago my wife and I became fans of his. He is outstanding in this because of the complexity of the character. Initially he has to be the calm sane politician with just the hint of a quirk or two to having a few eccentricities in the second and third episodes to being a bit over-the-top irrationally enthusiast about projects as the series progresses to finally reach the inevitably conclusion. He portrays all this really well.

One minor criticism (from my wife who used to work in mental health) is the change from extreme manic to extreme depression late in the series is a bit unrealistic but I think viewers will excuse that realism flaw readily enough - especially given the circumstances of the change (say no more, don't want to give any spoilers).

The plot itself isn't perfect, but the character study and the acting from the cast and the beautiful Icelandic scenery more than make up for anything one might want to quibble with.

More please, Iceland, and especially more from one of our favourite actors.

I'd definitely recommend this if you are trying to find the next bingeable show. I came to watch Ólafur Darri Ólafsson and stayed because it's a poignant portrait of mental illness blended with political intrigue. There were a few too much cringey over the top scenes, but that's my only criticism.

9.5 stars. Outstanding at every level. Ólafur Darri Ólafsson delivers a brilliant absolute tour de force performance breathtaking in alacrity and range. Don't miss the opportunity to see this production.

If you were a fan of TV series, 'Borgen' - I believe you will enjoy 'The Minister'. Writing, directing, acting, scenery, photography wonderfully capture the essence of the person vs. the politician as well as provide a travel log of Iceland and insight into local / EU politics.