I'm not exactly a fan of TV series, and movies are usually not my thing either. But, I do have a soft spot for something that's really well done, and I'm always up for a challenge. So, when I stumbled upon reviews for the Swedish-Danish series 'The Bridge', I decided to give it a try, mainly to pass the time while I had my morning coffee. People were raving about it, saying it was a masterclass in storytelling and that few other shows in the same genre could match its quality. I figured, why not? I'd give it a shot.
And, let me tell you, I wasn't expecting that.
But, I was completely drawn in. At some point, I found myself watching the second, fourth, or seventh episode... The show had me under its spell. Although, I won't say it's got the most incredible action scenes. The plot twists, yes. But, there's something else that makes it special... And, I'll get to that later. Let's talk about the first two seasons.
Plot. Warning: Spoilers ahead.
On the bridge connecting Denmark and Sweden, right on the border between the two countries, a local politician's body is discovered. The two detectives assigned to the case are Martin Rohde, a Danish cop who's a family man with a charming smile (but who's not above bending the rules), and Saga Norén, a Swedish detective with a frosty demeanor and a robotic air about her.
Later on, it's revealed that Saga has some... quirks. According to the plot, it's not explained, but it's likely that she has Asperger's syndrome. She's a genius detective, but she struggles with people. She's not funny, takes everything literally, is too straightforward, and seems to have trouble understanding her emotions. Sometimes, Saga behaves so naturally that it's jarring: she changes clothes right in front of her colleagues without batting an eyelid.
My partner and I started investigating the murder together. Later, the killer contacted the police to point out some of society's problems through their crimes, like homelessness, child labor, and ineffective psychiatric programs. It turned out that the killer was connected to Martin, and it wasn't just about the community. I won't spoil it, but let's just say the happy ending isn't exactly accurate. To be honest, the writers of 'The Bridge' can be pretty ruthless – they don't save everyone. So, if you're really sensitive to character deaths, 'The Bridge' might just break your heart.
In the second season, Saga and Martin team up again to investigate a new crime, this time linked to pharmaceutical companies and the development of biological weapons. To be honest, it was a bit messy, but there was definitely more action than in the first season. And, just like the first season, there's no complete happy ending. In fact, I was left stunned and thinking, 'What the heck?! Why did they do that to Martin?!'
What I want to mention about the show in general?
Stunning visuals. Yes, it's a dark, moody show with hardly any bright colors. But that's what makes it so captivating. There's something about it that's eerily reminiscent of November melancholy.
Scenes with the characters are punctuated by static shots of Malmö and Copenhagen: industrial complexes, massive, lifeless buildings, and deserted streets. I think that's a metaphor – the city as a huge, soulless machine, cold and unforgiving. And it's hard to keep your inner warmth in a place like that. Especially for someone like Saga, who's lost her emotions to avoid feeling pain
Amazing soundtrack. It's the only show I didn't skip the intro for! The haunting piano tune is perfect for the show's Scandinavian atmosphere
Well-developed characters. Saga and Martin complement each other perfectly. At first, I was drawn to Saga's image – a messy woman in leather pants, driving a sleek olive-green car, with a sharp mind and a deep emotional pain she's not even aware of. But as the show progressed, I was blown away by how they developed Martin. He's a complex, multi-faceted character, and the actor does an amazing job of conveying his pain over losing someone close. The character even proves that even strong men can cry.
The plot twist. I've got to say, the show kept me on my toes from start to finish, and that's really impressive. There were plenty of unexpected turns, and even when I thought I knew who was behind a particular crime, they'd add in some extra details that blew my mind.The acting. The performances were top-notch, and I also appreciated how the characters' natural imperfections were left intact. I mean, Saga's scars weren't Photoshopped out, and Martin's wife's wrinkles were still visible.
The downsides.
The motivations of secondary characters weren't fully explained. I'd love to know more about Stephen's backstory and his sister Sonia's. And what about Gertie's murder in season 2? What was her motive beyond just being an eco-warrior?
The graphic content was a bit much for me. As a fan of crime dramas, I'm used to seeing some intense stuff, but I know it might not be everyone's cup of tea. If you're easily grossed out or disturbed by things like violence, nudity, or gore, you might want to steer clear of 'The Bridge'. And if you're sensitive to themes like orientation or mental health, you might find some scenes uncomfortable.
Additionally, 'The Bridge' might not be for you if...
- you're squeamish about death
- you're sensitive to mental health issues
And, spoiler alert, claustrophobes might find a couple of scenes a bit unnerving.
I deliberately avoided spoilers for seasons 3 and 4, but I did catch a few hints about Saga's personal life. Will she finally find happiness? I'm not sure, even after knowing the writers' style. It's a shame Martin's character left the show due to creative differences, but I'm curious to see what the creators come up with next!
Have you guys watched it?