Interesting tidbit: Translated, “Forbrydelsen” means “The Crime,” not “The Killing.”
Spoiler alert: I’m just putting this up here to save myself. I don’t think I have given anything away, but here’s your warning just in case. And please keep in mind this is my first review of a show.
I thought I’d start Diva’s Nook with a review of a crime drama series I recently finished watching, the Danish version of “The Killing” –“Forbrydelsen.” It’s an old show, but I thought it was a good one to get this section of my blog going.
I LOVE international crime dramas., and I have watched dozens, so there will be more reviews coming over time.
The American version featuring Mirielle Enos as Sarah Linden and Joel Kinnaman as Stephen Holder is based on the Danish one, and I watched it a few years ago on Netflix.
The Danish version ran for three seasons from 2007 – 2012 with 40 episodes, each about an hour long. The main character, Sarah Lund, is played by Danish actress Sofie Gråbøl.
The show is set in Copenhagen and revolves around Inspector Sarah Lund, a single mother to a teenaged son, and her insane obsession with the cases she investigates. Her fixation causes conflict between her and her loved ones, specifically her son, Mark, and her fiancé, Bengt Rosling (first season).
The cases featured in the drama series involve a political component with a different murder to solve each season.
Because the show is Danish, it comes with subtitles. They don’t bother me; in fact, I love them. I’d rather hear the actors in their native language. Dubbing is terrible and takes away from the program.
There are a few differences between the American and Danish versions. Both first seasons are about the same for the first halves, and then they start to differ. The American one changed some character names to reflect the different locale.
But if you think just because you watched the American version that you will know who the killer is in the Danish one, or vice-versa, think again. You won’t.
Each investigation in the series takes place in November. The episodes are roughly 50-60 minutes long.
Season 1
Number of episodes: 20
Plot
From IMDB, first episode: “Monday, November 3. Police detective Sarah Lund is about to leave her job in Copenhagen to move to Sweden. Troels Hartmann is gaining ground in his efforts to lead his party to power at city hall. Theis and Pernille Birk Larsen are the happy parents of three children. The discovery of the blood-stained belongings of a young girl prompts a police investigation that will change the lives of all involved.” —Peter Brandt Nielsen.
At the start of the season, Lund plans to marry Rosling and move to his home country, Sweden. Then, the murder of Nanna Birk Larsen happens, throwing a big dent in her plans because her superior, Erik Buchard, insists she stay to lead the investigation. The delay briefly causes problems with Inspector Jan Meyer, who is eager to take Lund’s place.
The entire season revolves around the Larsen investigation and its ties to the Danish government, specifically local politician Troels Hartmann, played by Lars Mikkelsen. In the American series, actor Billy Campbell played a similar character, Darren Richmond.
The American version investigated the Larsen case over two seasons, at 13 episodes each. The Danish version did it in one season with more episodes.
It’s the best season of the entire series. The acting is fantastic, and there are a few surprises I did not see coming.
I watched the American version first, so the first half of this season was a little slow for me. I feel 20 episodes was too much and could have been cut down to 10 or 13.
There are times when Lund and Meyer focus on only one suspect for what seems like an eternity. My husband and I yelled at the screen so many times, “It’s not him!” LOL!
You know, because we’re pros at crime-solving.
Season 2
Number of episodes: 10
Plot
From IMDB, first episode: “Monday, November 14-Tuesday, November 15. Ten days after lawyer Anne Dragsholm was found dead at a WWII memorial, the police have her husband in custody for her murder. But the chief of investigation calls on Sarah Lund, who has transferred away from the crime squad, to return to Copenhagen to look over the case. Meanwhile, a young politician is made minister of justice after his predecessor is incapacitated, and a convict seeks parole from a detention facility to be with his wife and child.” —Peter Brandt Nielsen.
The best part of this season was learning the identity of the killer. My husband and I did not see it coming. Only when the show wants you to start figuring it out will you suspect one specific person, and then the show will head off in another direction. So, you’re not sure until the very end. At least, that is how it was for us.
Season 3
Number of episodes: 10
Plot
From IMDB, first episode: “Body parts are found at Copenhagen dock only hours before a visit by the prime minister.“
This season revolves around two cases: the rape and murder of a 13-year-old girl and the subsequent kidnapping of a younger girl named Emilie Zeuthen.
Overall
I liked the American version better. I think the characters are more likable in that series than in the Danish version. However, this show is definitly worth watching.
Where to Watch
I watched the series on Amazon Prime Video’s premium channel, Topic.
If you have Amazon Prime, you can punch in “Topic” in search in Prime Video, and the channel will come up. It costs $4.99 per month, but you get a 7-day free trial with any Prime channel you purchase.
If you are not a Prime member, you can sign up here (affiliate link).
