Unit One (2000–2004) User Reviews

Excellent series - much better quality than our U.S. crap

[nedtsoaptalk · 8/10 · 3 November 2009]

First off, I'm an American -- I haven't seen any comments on IMDb about this series yet from a U.S. viewer. Secondly, I work in the television business in development. So I wallow in much of the sludge that comes out of American broadcast programming. "Unit One" is an example of television that's a throwback to what I would attribute as '70s-style scripting, feature-wise. Namely, those films made by young autueurs who had free rein to make the dramas feel more realistic and to allow for organic character development. It tacks more along the lines of stellar British dramas like "Cracker" and "Prime Suspect" as well as Australia's brilliant "Underbelly." "Unit One" features stand-alone cases that are committed, then solved, each week. The mysteries aren't extraordinary or particularly byzantine. They usually center around one single twist, clocking in generally at the 40 minute mark, and resolution is neatly wrapped up in the 15 minutes thereafter. What makes this series a breath of fresh air is that it features main characters that you are hooked on and find relatable by episode 2. These are real, breathing, alive characters that have personal baggage, yet it's not a talky, batty type of baggage that American flotsam such as "Grey's Anatomy" or "Desperate Housewives" spoons out. These are realistic individuals whose backstories unfold leisurely over the course of the series, as if you work with them on a daily basis. After the mindless decade of "CSI's," "NCIS's," and "Criminal Minds," along with their subsequent spawns, it's refreshing to actually sit down to watch friends you want to spend time with, as is the case with "Unit One." The quippy banter, the unemotional wooden dialogue, and the over-the-top jeopardy that those American series I mentioned bludgeon us with each week are absurd compared to the nuance and the quiet resonance you get with this remarkable Danish series. I'm on episode 7 of the first season, but I've already bought all four seasons and am in for the long haul. If you need explosions and farcically-hopped up testosterone, along with music by The Who and fast-cutting, neon-lit, jittery palsy-cam action with cipher-like main characters as your main diet of television drama viewing, I suggest you stay away from this series. If you are an adult with a hunger for subtle, poignant, thoughtful and, yes, sometimes straight-forward procedural crime dramas, I urge you to check this show out.

CSI Danish type - giftedly invented and performed

[BeneCumb · 8/10 · 1 September 2013]

21st century has seen triumph of multiple CSI-s with different locations, mostly in the US, but, already in the turn of the century, the Danes have a created a versatile depiction of harsh daily life of special policemen, invited to all over Denmark when cases become too sophisticated. Quite often, working lives are intertwined with personal ones, and the latter includes no constant happiness, but rather different issues with families... Moreover, through 32 episodes, the viewers are able to get a glimpse of pleasant Danish cities-towns and natural areas (as for many of them, joy of recognition to me, but many other nice unknown areas such as Aalborg or Bornholm...) The scripts are also logically created (cases portrayed were loosely based upon actual incidents), but it is still better if you watch all of them in a row and far more often than weekly. However, no Scandinavian crime series can apparently do about cross-border sex traffic and child pornography...

As of the cast, it is splendid, and many of those having small roles have obtained bigger or even leading roles in subsequent Danish crime series such as The Killing, The Eagle, Anna Pihl or Irene Huss... Or just provide memorable performances (e.g. Nicholas Bro, Thure Lindhardt). The main cast is quite even, but still: Lars Brygmann and especially Mads Mikkelsen give stronger performances than the rest; when they appear, then the rest become supportive characters inadvertently.

Anyway, Rejseholdet is highly recommended to all fond of Scandinavian intense crime films, where the line between good and evil, cops and loafers is thin at times...

Wonderful Wonderful Copenhagen!

[Rupert17 · 9/10 · 21 July 2010]

Fantastic crime series from Denmark concerning an elite, dedicated homicide unit travelling the length and breadth of Denmark to solve murders as they occur. Although the crimes and the procedural paths to their resolution are competently staged and handled, I think the real stand-out of this series is the way the personal lives of the unit members and their interaction with each other are portrayed. Many series originating in other countries sensationalize the private lives of the protagonists to the point where such scenes either induce disbelief or jar the continuity of the plot. Here the lives of these police officers are characterized with subtlety and dignity, in spite of some personal situations that are sad and irreconcilable. If you are tired of the predictability of series emanating from English-speaking countries, then give this one a chance and be surprised by its freshness. Also 'The Killing' a series from Denmark is just as good. 9/10

Quality TV

[ElvenPiratePrincess · 11 February 2006]

I think my family must be the only one in Australia that sits down and watches Unit One every Friday. But we do. We stumbled across it last year when nothing else was on, and have watched it every week since. Not only do I enjoy listening to the Danish speakers, but the story lines are great. Unit One is a mobile police unit, that travels over Denmark in a semi-trailer that is their office. The group are not only colleagues, they're like family. Each week a new crime must be solved, sending them from one end of the country to the other. But the stories also dive into their personal lives. Ingrid's son, Allan's wife, Gaby and Johnny's relationship... Each week is a new and exciting episode. That is what keeps me coming back, despite the bright yellow subtitles I have to put up with. All in all, Unit One is a brilliant show, with wonderful writing and acting. I give it 8/10

Great Series

[MEG-40 · 10/10 · 1 May 2006]

Have just seen the last episode, No 32, (though the site says only 30 episodes were made) and I must comment on the fact that this series was really very good and I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone who enjoys crime/cop stories. Supposedly all 32 were based on fact with information at the end of each episode of the court sentences imposed on the perpetrators of the crimes, this has at times been a gritty, well acted, believable and dare I say, entertaining series. The fact that the powers in Denmark decided to disband the unit was almost unbelievable as they did their work so well and in the series at least, never failed to "get their man"! It's a definite 10/10 for me.

A great TV-show..

[troutmaster · 10/10 · 6 May 2014]

This is pure joy. Not in subject matter(very dark) but as entertainment. And that is what it's all about. This is so far from the Standard and Practices confined drop dead boring common US TV-productions.. The dialog makes the persons "real" and so does the story lines too.. And the actors are second to non.. The stories are for the most part based on real cases, and although the drama sometimes surpasses reality it doesn't go beyond the realm of reason.. One member of the team has been given a tad to much clairvoyance, for my taste. But he is very well written, and the execution by Lars Brygmann makes it OK(he is fantastic). It is a true testament to Denmark that they manage to have so many actors, that are so good.. Also very fun to see many of the actors that had roles in the epic series "Matador" having a go in this series.. I highly recommend to watch this series.. And if one really wants to understand Scandinavia, watch "Matador" too...

great series

[firecap-78294 · 10/10 · 10 July 2018]

I am up there in age and have always loved crime series. The Unit One is one of the best series I have seen. The entire cast was great.

Danish CSI, but better

[Sublevel4 · 9/10 · 2 March 2008]

This is one of the best Non-English series I have seen. It weaves interesting single and double episodes of crime-solving together with a personal aspect that you just don't get in CSI. The individual characters all have personal lives that combine well with their day job and occasionally interfere. Additionally the characters all manage to naturally evolve throughout the episodes.

The casting is superb and it was taped all over Denmark, giving a good example of the highlights that majestic country has to offer. Unfortunately only 32 episodes were made, however they are top-notch television. Here's hoping they consider making some more episodes of the same caliber.

rare entertainment

[geoffpetersson · 9/10 · 8 May 2008]

We've just watched the last of the series shown on the SBS network and will miss our weekly dose of Danish Delight. My wife and I picked up the show after the Swedish show "The Eagle" finished and it seemed by comparison to be a very poor substitute for our then favourite show on TV. Week by week, however, the show grew on me, and whilst not as glossy as the Swedish show and definitely grittier in terms of their investigations of everyday crimes, it certainly provided a very satisfying weekly viewing meal indeed.

Prior to these 2 shows I had not really been a fan of the cop genre and can't say I am now but the 2 Scandinavian shows really provided us with an insight into life in those northern Euopean countries through the eyes of their special policing units.

What a wonderful crime time

[nalle-14 · 9/10 · 13 February 2008]

This production, build on real danish crime stories, is a experience through excellent directing, acting on all levels and has a nerve not often seen in crime series. Every episode is a thrill because it's seems like the hole team believe that "this is my life right now - this murder or murders are MY responsibility to solve" and the output is brilliant.

As a viewer, you just have this wonderfully filling of being entertained cause it feels like their focus, on purpose or not, lie on that they WONT you to have a good time...:o) Don't miss this one, it's just right under 'Band of brothers' quality and is a "must have seen" experience - What a wonderful crime time !

Not a Nordic Noir crime show

[SophieT5 · 6/10 · 8 January 2023]

A very typical one-hour crime drama. Decent enough for its time, and that's about it. It is not a nordic noir crime series if that's what you are looking for; and Mads Mikkelsen is not there at his full Mads Mikkelsen capacity if that's you are looking for. He was just getting started at the time, and is not the star of the show in any way. Plots are rather simple, and the parts about the personal lives of the team is boring and somewhat unnecessary. I tried hard to find it with English subtitles; so I am leaving this review in case someone is thinking if they are missing a lot by not watching it.

Danish cinema

[tj-73033 · 10/10 · 19 April 2022]

Unbelievable to see, twentyish years later, the top crowd of the Danish actors into one tv-movie together. Hits a real golden generation. So many of them had a great personal carrier. At last, correct me if I'm wrong, but the only moment (season 3 episode 4 & 5) to see both brothers Mikkelson, Mads & Lars, my favorites, playing in the same movie. Realy love it! <3.

Starts Great, Goes Downhill

[Warin_West-El · 5/10 · 7 January 2023]

I'm midway through the third season and found the plots becoming tedious. So I fired up the reviews to see if I'm the only one who experienced this phenomenon.

I have to agree with the reviewers who gave this series low marks. They basically all say the same thing: This series started out great, then went downhill.

The scripts for the first season are tight. There isn't any wasted footage. As the seasons progressed, the plots became looser and looser. A lot of time began to be spent in drama purely for drama's sake. Pointless arguments and unnecessary side plots having no value other than atmospherics.

This potentially wonderful series was the victim of a systemic crime drama syndrome: Writers create a perfect first season. Then, instead of replicating that recipe, they inevitably play god and try to "improve" what was already perfect. It's all about ego. Very few writers can control theirs, especially once they've gotten a taste of "success."

My suggestion: Enjoy the first season, then move on.

It rocks!!!!!

[videojakob · 25 January 2003]

Taking inspiration in actual events in Danish crime history, this series simply rocks. I've just bought the whole series on dvd, and I must admit that it is quite amazing to see the development of the characters during the run. Finally a Danish series that can give the American ones, like CSI, Colombo, Murder She Wrote a.s.o. a little fight for the money.

Real, neither reality, nor CSI.

[akyhne · 8/10 · 14 July 2017]

First time watching this series, despite being from Denmark.

I think what I like and what other people seems to like but may not know, is that all the cases are from real life police work, by the special Danish task Rejseholdet. And AFAIK, Rejseholdet operates in much the same way IRL. Only the persons and their personal lives are fictional.

I've only watched 7 episodes so far, but I'm already hooked. A few episodes haven't been so exiting, but I prefer reality over fiction in this case. There are a few minor issues, like I'm not sure it was possible to do DNA tests this quick in the 90's. But then again, each episode needs to function on a time line for TV.

The series is a lot more Sherlock Holmes than action, of which there's very little of. And then again cases are not solved as unrealistic as in CSI etc. It's a quiet kind of slow speed detective series.

I'm sad that this series ended

[geoffreyawhite · 9/10 · 25 March 2021]

This is such a great show, by the end of season 1 you will be hooked. At the end of the series you'll want to know what happened to all the regulars. If only they had a fee movie length catch-ups once in awhile. If you enjoyed Borden, killing etc you will love seeing some of the actors at the start of their careers.

One of the best new danish tv-series recently

[mba4 · 8/10 · 23 February 2003]

'Rejseholdet' is one of the best new danish tv-series that i have watched.

The series is about the danish police force's Unit 1 - a kinda FBI-style team that help solve murder cases all over the country, and the cases they work on, plus the influence that their jobs have on their personal lives, and the price they sometimes has to pay to be a part of a top police team.

I didn't expect much when I started watching this series - I was pleasantly surprised, the series is exciting, sometimes fun, it's got both drama and suspense, I love it.

Another great Danish/Scandi series!

[catnapbc · 8/10 · 25 August 2022]

Whether it's crime, detective, thriller or political, these genres are so well tackled by the Danes and other Scandinavian film companies. They compare with the best British ones and that's saying a lot. The acting here is spot-on, believable and although not every episode or 'case' is in the realms of reality, all are enjoyable and fairly unpredictable. The look and feel of their work trailer and different locations makes this a bit different and not your standard office environment. The relationships are well-rounded and solid, as is the writing overall. I find the pace really suits the action and above all the dialogue is for a mature and thinking audience. This is a great addition to my list of favourites that includes Borgen, The Killing, Wallander and others of this calibre.

Awful Detective TV Series

[DegustateurDeChocolat · 5/10 · 26 April 2015]

I picked this TV Series because I'm a big fan of "Nordic Noirs" as "The Killing" and "The Bridge". Certainly, Unit One is a little dated compared to the aforementioned series, but I wouldn't mind the end of the 90s setting as I have good memories of that period, so I actually enjoy going back to people dressing in a certain way,different hairdos, different cars etc. However, the first series was OK, with episodes having a plain story-line, with often unexpected murderers, some irony and the opportunity, through the show, for each character to define his/her own personality. The second series instead was very disappointing as story-lines were weak, outstandingly banal and with a predictable ending and murderer. The only things that blew my mind were the recurring themes of strong passion and love, both in some murder episodes and in some relationships between characters. From Danes I wouldn't have expected such big sentimental involvement that, to my standards, I would have thought more present in the Mediterranean or Latin America personalities. A character that made me smile was IP who's a keen policeman and, at the same time, an ingenuous and overly indulgent person as he's always betrayed by his wife who often runs off with his boss. No matter this he keeps on forgiving her.

Realism over action

[moebius deux · 17 January 2002]

Rejseholdet is the second project from the national danish TV-station DR1 to bear that name, and it is by far the best of the two shows.

The plot is very basic. The danish police force has a team that can move out and assist the local police in cases where expert knowledge is required. Each episode is based on real-life crimes commited in Denmark and (so far) the neighboring countries of Sweden and Germany. The story follows the away team, and much of the plot is focused around the character's interaction between themselves, their private life, and the people they meet during the cause of the investigation.

What the series lack in action, is made up in the show of realism presented. The crimes are not solved at gunpoint, but rather in careful examination of the crimescene and the general public's help (remember Denmark is a small country, so often someone is bound to know something or have seen something).

The acting is quite good, and very realistic compared to most contemporary danish shows and films. Especially Mads Mikkelsen (as Fischer) and Lars Brygmann (La Cour) stands out. The two characters suplement each other very well and are the ones with most depth.

What also makes this movie very popular, is the fact that a lot of neglected locations in Denmark, is shown in the show. No town is too small for a crime, and most danes will have their city, or one close to them, featured in one of the episodes.

It is no wonder that almost a quarter of the danes watch this series every week. And it is also no wonder that the concept has been sold to other tv-networks - so look out for your own version of "Rejseholdet" soon.

Bad scripts, silly stories and bad acting at times

[qui_j · 3/10 · 29 October 2016]

I started to watch this when it appeared on one of the streaming sites that specialize in foreign TV series, and also because I'm a fan of Nordic Noir. This series started off well, and I had high hopes for it, even paying to download the series. Unfortunately, a little past the mid-point of the first season, the writing took a dive, the characters became really annoying, especially the "psychic" who wanders around the crime scenes mumbling to himself. It became worse when he solved a murder because of a dream he had.

Some episodes lack continuity, and the plot scrambles at the end to tie up loose ends that were created. This is often done in ways that are just unbelievable. It's like going from Point A to point C without showing the viewer what happened in-between at point B! One can only hope that the series is really not representative of the state of Denmark's Justice and Police system! I should not have continued with series 2 but did so because I hoped the writers would produce better scripts. Unfortunately, that was not the case. The downward spiral continued! Now, to be fair, this series is over 15 years old, and is probably not as well developed as the later Nordic Noir offerings such as "Borgen", "The Killing", and "the Bridge". Perhaps the genre was finding its feet at that time, and evolving into the excellent productions we see today. On the other hand, every country that produces TV series will produce some pretty "horrible" shows sometimes, and this may be an example of that. I believe there were 4 seasons produced but I don't think I will be spending more to find out if season 3 and 4 got better......just not worth the money to do so!

Excellent quality Scandinavian TV

[MikeyEurocrime · 30 September 2003]

After living in Sweden for a period during 1998/99 I had grown accustomed to fairly good quality local made TV, allbeit there wasnt that much of it unfortunately. I had since heard that Mordkommissionen (Rejseholdet orig Danish title) had become must see TV for some Stockholm friends during its Swedish TV4 play. Luckily the series was out on DVD when I was there again during New Year 2003, so I took a chance and bought the whole lot. What an excellent buy! I have so far allowed myself to see the first 12 episodes which are by far better than any American crime series found on countless TV stations. I want to make it last so I have another 18 to watch over the next few months. What a treat this show is! I just wish that a UK channel would bother to even consider buying it, so that friends here can see it with English subtitles.

Well done DR TV on the probably the best non-English series I have seen!

Typical low-quality Danish TV

[Jesper Engsted · 2/10 · 17 April 2002]

It is beyond me why two million Danish people each week sit down to watch this terrible show. The dialogue is terrible and not realistic. The characters are hollow and simplistic. There's a tough man, a tough woman and a sensitive man. The writers actually say that they have modeled the characters after Greek mythology! Give me a break! All the characters are of course brilliant policemen. When I have watched this show I have longed for "District Hill Street" and "NYPD Blue". These are brilliant shows, and "Rejseholdet" is a lousy copy. This program is a symptom of the disease Danish television is currently suffering from.

Fabulous crime series

[brrm · 26 August 2004]

I've seen selected episodes of Unit One on German television and am extremely impressed. I'm a fan of several Swedish crime series (Commissar Beck and the Henning Mankell mysteries), but Unit One is just as good, if not better. What is surprising is how much it packs into little over an hour. Not only does it cover the case in all its complications, but it also covers various back stories, the private conflicts that affect the members of Unit One. The writing, the cast, the photography, the direction are all superb, and I can only hope that ZDF in Germany will show all the episodes, and when they do, that they will put the series in primetime, and not in a late-night slot as they have up to now.

A strange mixture between crime and familydrama

[hjermind2000 · 5/10 · 30 November 2023]

First memory I have of this show, is my father angrily walking away from the living room uttering "what the hell does this have to do with a murder case!?". Almost 20 years after it's initial run, I've finally decided to go through this title.

Rejseholdet has a nostalgic place for me. I can't entirely explain why, but I have vivid memories of watching some reruns as I grew up. I'm going to have to agree with my father's summary though - a lot of episodes just put too much attention on family drama, regarding some of the reoccurring characters.

In each episode, we are introduced to a new setting, a murder has taken place and its up to our main cast to cooperate with the local police station, in order to solve the case. The cases are based on actual real-life murder cases and that could make up for an interesting show, but throughout the entire show, there are some problems with the writing.

We have our main cast go through the death of family members, miscarriages, cheating partners and all sorts of things that it's just tiresome to watch and you ask yourself why the writers thought anyone would want to watch this?

There are a lot of cases where Mads Mikkelsen and Lars Bom are just randomly walking nearby some suspects so they can get an action-sequence where they fight with the bad guys. Whenever the show says that there are a team of 30 cops watching some criminals, you know that Mads Mikkelsen will risk his life and run over to handle everything solo, while none of aforementioned 30 cops step in, all so we can get some tension. Well at least Mikkelsen's character is working on the case, though he should probably have been fired a long time ago. Lars Bom? He's unit one's driver and a fictional soccer player meaning the entire country knows who he is, so of course he helps solving crimes and do undercover work for the police.

Also, Lars Brygmann's character starts off as a talented detective who is really good at observing crime-scenes to deduce what took place. But at some point the writers just decides that he's a psychic, so now he just have random visions that show him where important information is planted.

All these things makes it increasingly hard to take the show seriously, you just lose your suspension of disbelief. But there are also positive things, when it stays focused on the crime stuff it's usually okay. Sometimes it's super obvious who the murderer is, sometimes you get a red herring and sometimes the supposed red herring turns out to have been the actual murderer all along. You get some great performances, both from the main-cast but also from guest-stars. In season 3 you get one of Nicolas Bros most praised performances, but among other guest stars is: Nikolaj Lie Kaas, Lars Mikkelsen, Thure Lindhart, Ole Thestrup and many more.

I'm giving this show a mediocre rating. Initially I was willing to give the show a higher rating. Even though the problems are present throughout the entire series, I think things get worse throughout the series, especially the 2 season 4 episodes are extremely ridiculous. I read a review here saying the show was realism over action. I couldn't disagree more, this show is drama and action over realism.