Dag

This programme is of such high quality that I can't believe I only found it by searching for a new comedy on Sky. The characters are superb and, when combined with the story lines, I am frequently swept away by feelings of horror, humour and fascination and find myself watching the screen open-mouthed. I'm half way through season 2 and it just keeps getting better. The female Russian drug-addict and Muslim convert are particular minor-character favourites. Highly recommended for fans of intelligent, quality, comedy. Yes, the subtitles have got worse in season 2 but it doesn't spoil my enjoyment, it sometimes adds to the humour. The only real problem with them is being distracted from the attractive actresses.

I don't honestly know how Sky Arts managed to shoe-horn this into the endless Andre Rieu concert schedule (the schedule that has finally made me decide to do away with Sky for good), but it was a great find. Great to listen to, great to watch - sometimes moving, sometimes Twin Peaks-like in its weirdness, and often laugh-out-loud funny. My one reservation is that the male characters (though all charismatic in their own ways) are almost without exception overweight and not typically good-looking, in stark contrast to the female characters, who are mostly drop-dead gorgeous, in good shape - and considerably younger than the male leads. Not to mention that in Nuva Novotny you have one of the most delightful female actors of all time. But it's a beautifully written, shot, acted and directed series, thoroughly recommended.

Dag is the marriage counselor who embraces a life in solitude. A lifestyle he eagerly conveys to his patients. He goes about his anonymous way of living, dealing with the slightly psychotic secretary Malin (Agnes Kittelsen), and his numerous weird patients.

In between the occasional blind date, setup by his sensitive sister Marianne (Silje Torp Færavaag), Dag also has to guide his best friend Benedict (Anders Baasmo Christiansen) through the many affairs and comical screw ups he encounters.

Dag's entire view of life begins to shatter however, as he meets Eva (Tuva Novotny), who is just as lost as he really is.

The entire cast does a brilliant job, portraying their respective characters very convincingly. In conclusion, this is the best series I have ever seen come out of Norway. And if you enjoy black comedy, you will surely like this.

8.5/10

I am not sure how I came to spot this on Sky Arts the other day, but I am so glad that I did. I can't remember the last time that I laughed out loud so often during a 23 minute comedy.

A number of other reviewers have commented upon it being the best Norwegian TV drama. I haven't seen enough Norwegian TV to comment on that, but it certainly beats the usual dross that the UK calls a sitcom.

The acting and writing is absolutely spot on. I was trying to decide who my favourite character is but that is a tough task. When she gets enough lines, Dag's receptionist Malin is absolutely hilarious, but I think I need to go with Eva, played by the lovely Tuva Novotny.

I do hope that Sky continue with this series beyond season 1 which is currently showing.

From the land of Ibsen, comes DAG. A comic hero/philosopher in the shape of marriage guidance counsellor Dag, whose philosophy of life advocates living alone to that of being married. This comic incongruity is played to maximum exaggeration when he confronts his startled clients with observations that marriage 'represses' your true self, and that divorce is better than marital misery. As with all comic caricatures there is a degree of truth in a philosophy that chooses to ignore such fanciful ideas like love and friendship. Of course, Dag practices what he preaches in his high security 'man-cave', where his solitary pleasures, after spending his day advising clients, are eating junk food, drinking, and listening to music. These are occasionally disturbed by his cuddly 'friend' Benedict whose inability to keep his fly zipped constantly lands him in hot water. Whereas, Dag appears to be more choosy in his sexual partners, as his well-intentioned sister (who sets Dag up with blind dates) is always finding out. That is until Dag meets his sister's friend: Eva.

After only two episodes I'm hooked on this dark and satirical take on the comedy of the sexes. Can Eva find out if 'loner' Dag has a heart? Will she become the soul-mate that his sister craves for him? As I already have a crush on the elfin-like Tuva Novotny, who plays Eva, this is a no-brainer for me. However, it will be fun watching their verbal and physical foreplay as the series develops. Needless to say this ageing misanthrope loved it. More please!!