Two different story's, one season. The first five episodes is by far the best. The last five not so good and pretty obvious. First five ep I give an 8. Last five a 5/6.
106 Reviews
The first season feels like two seasons
Stig-1234513 June 2019
Pleasant and solid series from Norway - again
BeneCumb23 September 2019
Compared to the Swedes and Danes, the Norwegians entered the world of distinct crime series somewhat later, this decade, but e.g. Øyevitne, Kodenavn Hunter, Frikjent were all catchy and worth watching. Now, Wisting has carried on in the field of international crime and related links, with FBI´s involvement, although the main venue is still Norway - with "tardy" people and beautiful landscape. Sven Nordin is really a good actor (I remembered him from Valkyrien, the concept of which was not so interesting), but the script here is skilfully prepared so that his character is always present/visible without unnecessary domination over supporting cast.
I wonder if other seasons are coming, but bearing in mind the present one´s big success, I would not be surprised. And I will be ready :)
PS Season 2 is intense and thrilling as well, with many twists and turns as for the wrongdoer´s person.
PPS Season 3 is intense, with international cooperation still in place, although the case itself is less interesting, but apparently realistic.
I wonder if other seasons are coming, but bearing in mind the present one´s big success, I would not be surprised. And I will be ready :)
PS Season 2 is intense and thrilling as well, with many twists and turns as for the wrongdoer´s person.
PPS Season 3 is intense, with international cooperation still in place, although the case itself is less interesting, but apparently realistic.
Very good, so far!
christiannyblom24 April 2019
I'm 3 episodes in and I'm very much enjoying this show. The plot is suspensefull and the characters are likable.
The acting is excellent, for the most part. Some of the dialogue seems a bit forced, especially from the periferal characters. But mostly it's good. I really like the fact that they got Carrie Ann Moss(Trinity from The Matrix) to come to Norway for this role. She is off course excellent, as always.
The dynamic between the norwegian Police Officers and the FBI agents is fun to watch and I really liked Moss' character's jab at the notion of not carrying firearms and even having to ask permission to bring them on assignments.
Really looking forward to see how this plays out!
The acting is excellent, for the most part. Some of the dialogue seems a bit forced, especially from the periferal characters. But mostly it's good. I really like the fact that they got Carrie Ann Moss(Trinity from The Matrix) to come to Norway for this role. She is off course excellent, as always.
The dynamic between the norwegian Police Officers and the FBI agents is fun to watch and I really liked Moss' character's jab at the notion of not carrying firearms and even having to ask permission to bring them on assignments.
Really looking forward to see how this plays out!
Not entirely original Norwegian noir.
stevelomas-6940119 January 2020
Great scandi noir
alancichero-8024017 October 2019
A good crime.
dante_1228 December 2020
I liked it. It felt like two seasons in one but it was tense and good crime drama. Some cliches but all in all I liked it and it was not over dramatic.
Recommend it and take it for what it is. I did not have any big expectations and it surprised me in a positive way.
I really liked the character Hammer and Lina Wisting. And I thought they gave the storyline good depth.
I really liked the character Hammer and Lina Wisting. And I thought they gave the storyline good depth.
SOOOOOO GOOD!
ritakc-4689320 October 2020
My husband and I (Florida residents, in our 70s) gave up on Anerican TV. We watch Jeopardy & Wheel, SEC football, News, and old crime shows on YouTubeTV. However, for drama & crime, we watch Acorn & BritBox. Some, Prime originals. We love British, Australian, New Zealand series - not slick, fake people, like Anerican TV. Believable characters. Now, we've moved to Norwegian crime. "Wisting" is one of the best series we've seen in a long time! Really, should rate a 10 but perfection is hard - this is close! Well done, not slow-moving; still not clear about Wisting's wife. But almost binged the whole series. All episodes were good stories; good cast; cleverly done; lots of suspects, twists & turns! MORE MORE MORE please!!!!!
Create a Hero only to Destroy him
pensman12 September 2020
Warning: Spoilers
As others have pointed out, this season has two parts. Part one, (1-5), find an American serial killer who has eluded the FBI for twenty years. Part two (6-10), find out who is trying to destroy William Wisting and why. Both parts emphasize the problems Wisting has with his children and with Line in particular. In part one, Wisting and his journalist daughter Line are running parallel investigations unaware of each other's pursuit. Obviously, it is safe to assume the investigations will collide to build suspense for a satisfying conclusion. But before the congratulatory ink is dry, Wisting finds himself suspended and jailed for falsifying evidence. But a similar abduction occurs but Wisting has been sidelined. Will Wisting's daughter rescue her father and save rhe day? Both parts of season one are well done, but you wlll be frustrated by various characters and some police work that seems beyond incompetent.
I enjoyed the opening camera work that established the bleakness and isolation of Norway. And unfortunately I found the character of Line unbearable, and found myself hoping a killer would just take her out. That means the acting all around was terrific. An excellent cast of talented actors.
I enjoyed the opening camera work that established the bleakness and isolation of Norway. And unfortunately I found the character of Line unbearable, and found myself hoping a killer would just take her out. That means the acting all around was terrific. An excellent cast of talented actors.
Gets better and better each episode
janejana-3451214 March 2020
Absorbing Nordic Noir that gets increasingly gripping. I thought the second half was as intriguing if not more so as the first half. The father/daughter dynamic was better too. I wasn't sure whether to invest in it but really glad I did.
The usual stuff
mallaverack12 December 2020
Have viewed only first four episodes and came to this web site to see if reviewers thought it worth the while to continue....so that indicates that I'm not overly impressed with what I've seen so far. I think much of my lack of enthusiasm derives from being met with same stereotypes - bland, crusty, not particularly likeable central investigator who just happens to be very diligent in their work. But why can't we get some body a little more realistic, you know, somebody who shows a less pathetic empathy with their own family! Daughter Line is grossly unlikeable. The son should just get on the next plane and go back to Africa. Wisting's offsider Nils is a pain in the bum. And as with most detective series, the ancillary staff are never thanked for the excellent investigative work they perform.
Yes, it's the usual stuff and although acting is generally good and character development and plot meet acceptable standards, this series to date is barely passable. Will not be disappointed if there's no Series 2.
Superb !!
Vindelander28 November 2020
Great Start, Poor Finish
dgjones-6225825 January 2020
The first season is effectively two stories - the first 5 episodes are the first story and it was very good.
The second story was rushed and had too many mistakes/plot holes. The producers must have realised they had a hit with the first story and should have waited until the second story was ready, they didn't.
I watched it all the way through even though I wanted to stop. The first story gets an 8 from me and the second 5.5. The production values were good throughout and the musical score was excellent. That comment I hope shows how bad the writing was for the second story for me to rate it at 5.5.
This show certainly has the potential for more seasons as the characters are interesting and well cast.
The second story was rushed and had too many mistakes/plot holes. The producers must have realised they had a hit with the first story and should have waited until the second story was ready, they didn't.
I watched it all the way through even though I wanted to stop. The first story gets an 8 from me and the second 5.5. The production values were good throughout and the musical score was excellent. That comment I hope shows how bad the writing was for the second story for me to rate it at 5.5.
This show certainly has the potential for more seasons as the characters are interesting and well cast.
By the book
paul2001sw-127 January 2020
'Wisting' is a detective series that certainly doesn't shy from the tired conventions of the genre. Weary middle-aged man as protagonist? Check. His family bafflingly involved in his investigations? Check. Creepy colleagues among the suspects? Check. Unlikely serial killers on the loose in beautiful, remote locations? You get the idea. One thing uplifts some entries in this genre is an interesting lead investigator, but Wisting himself is a fundamentally boring everyman, with none of the character of Inspectors Morse or Montalbano. The result is a fairly formulaic and unremarkable programme. There have been some great Scandinavian crime dramas in recent years; but this one is by the book.
A mix of great and bad. Overall worth the watch.
Snikic29 August 2021
How is no one talking about the character/actor Nils Hammer/Mads Ousdal?! Definitely the best thing happening in this series. I'm not sure what I like more, the character or the actor... Why have you been hiding this guy, Norway?!
As for the series, oof this is a hard one to judge. I am a huge fan of Nordic Noir. I've seen nearly every one that's been made. This is not the best one but it does have enough that makes it worth watching.
Many of the characters are rather 2 dimensional and while most of the acting is very good and natural, some is bland and wooden. I hate to single anyone out but by far the least enjoyable are the lead's kids, especially the daughter, its a bad role and the acting makes it even more intolerable. But to be fair to the actress, it would be hard not to make her annoying. That did get a little better in the second half though. In the first half, it felt like the writer had seen too many cheesy American movies. Between the 2D characters and the lack of unique story, the lull of the momentum made it hard to hang in there in the beginning. Within a few episodes, I was glad I did, mostly because I became invested in some of the characters. But there were still many moments that took me out of it because I thought, really they're doing that?! Every known trope, every done to death plot device, the kind of things like the old girl running from a killer, trips and twists her ankle kind of things that I thought got left behind long ago. The scene in the barn at the climax of the first half was a perfect example of this. It's almost like someone intentionally trying to write the most stereotypical scene here. Unfortunately, the entire way thru the story, I was frequently calling the next actions and plot points that were coming and wasn't very surprised by the story. The second half did get a lot better as far as that goes.
The only thing I really couldn't understand through it all was why everyone was so down on poor Wisting. Do they have completely different fathers in Norway? Compared to 90% of the fathers I've known, this guy is a frickin Saint. But his kids kept acting like they were so fed up with him and he would just stare at them, perplexed, and I would say, me too, buddy, me too... I have no clue what their problem is. I'm waiting for a season 2 backstory where they explain that he was rolling around naked with hookers and blow while their mom was dying or something because otherwise I don't get it. Guy is mourning and working his butt off to solve these terrible murders and save lives... you're always gone, Dad... like he's at the strip club or something, keeps showing up for dinner... you never spend any time with us... dude stares.... im thinking, wtf is going on here?! Also... THEY ARE ADULTS! Not to mention how the daughter keeps acting like his job as a Chief Investigator is to feed her career as a journalist. Then he saves the day, turns out the seemingly minimal amount of time he's spending away was for a very frickin good reason and benefited everyone including the family... still just pissed at him like he was playing GTA all day instead of coming to their birthday party or something... idk. Then in the second half, everyone turns on him, nicest guy there is, dude can not catch a break. *sigh* I digress.
It was still thoroughly enjoyable. The production value was great, it was still entertaining even if it wasn't very challenging. Most of the acting was very good and I love being exposed to nearly an entire cast that was new to me. Especially, as I said, the actor who plays former narcotics detective Nils Hammer, every scene he was in was on another level and scenes with him and Wisting playing off of each other were the best. Carrie Anne Moss brought her usual cool, solid performance. (BTW, although she has appeared in Hollywood films, she is a Canadian actress. Some people took issue with her being there like they needed a Hollywood name or something but I don't think that's what happened here.)
The writing could be better- plot and characters, production is great, direction is pretty good, acting is mostly very good and believable with some not so much and some exceptionally good. Overall not the best but worth watching if you're a fan of the genre, a couple of the actors will make it worthwhile. I'll watch season 2 for sure. I hope they'll get into Hammer's character more, I'd be interested to see who he was before he moved to that station, they eluded to quite a history there.
As for the series, oof this is a hard one to judge. I am a huge fan of Nordic Noir. I've seen nearly every one that's been made. This is not the best one but it does have enough that makes it worth watching.
Many of the characters are rather 2 dimensional and while most of the acting is very good and natural, some is bland and wooden. I hate to single anyone out but by far the least enjoyable are the lead's kids, especially the daughter, its a bad role and the acting makes it even more intolerable. But to be fair to the actress, it would be hard not to make her annoying. That did get a little better in the second half though. In the first half, it felt like the writer had seen too many cheesy American movies. Between the 2D characters and the lack of unique story, the lull of the momentum made it hard to hang in there in the beginning. Within a few episodes, I was glad I did, mostly because I became invested in some of the characters. But there were still many moments that took me out of it because I thought, really they're doing that?! Every known trope, every done to death plot device, the kind of things like the old girl running from a killer, trips and twists her ankle kind of things that I thought got left behind long ago. The scene in the barn at the climax of the first half was a perfect example of this. It's almost like someone intentionally trying to write the most stereotypical scene here. Unfortunately, the entire way thru the story, I was frequently calling the next actions and plot points that were coming and wasn't very surprised by the story. The second half did get a lot better as far as that goes.
The only thing I really couldn't understand through it all was why everyone was so down on poor Wisting. Do they have completely different fathers in Norway? Compared to 90% of the fathers I've known, this guy is a frickin Saint. But his kids kept acting like they were so fed up with him and he would just stare at them, perplexed, and I would say, me too, buddy, me too... I have no clue what their problem is. I'm waiting for a season 2 backstory where they explain that he was rolling around naked with hookers and blow while their mom was dying or something because otherwise I don't get it. Guy is mourning and working his butt off to solve these terrible murders and save lives... you're always gone, Dad... like he's at the strip club or something, keeps showing up for dinner... you never spend any time with us... dude stares.... im thinking, wtf is going on here?! Also... THEY ARE ADULTS! Not to mention how the daughter keeps acting like his job as a Chief Investigator is to feed her career as a journalist. Then he saves the day, turns out the seemingly minimal amount of time he's spending away was for a very frickin good reason and benefited everyone including the family... still just pissed at him like he was playing GTA all day instead of coming to their birthday party or something... idk. Then in the second half, everyone turns on him, nicest guy there is, dude can not catch a break. *sigh* I digress.
It was still thoroughly enjoyable. The production value was great, it was still entertaining even if it wasn't very challenging. Most of the acting was very good and I love being exposed to nearly an entire cast that was new to me. Especially, as I said, the actor who plays former narcotics detective Nils Hammer, every scene he was in was on another level and scenes with him and Wisting playing off of each other were the best. Carrie Anne Moss brought her usual cool, solid performance. (BTW, although she has appeared in Hollywood films, she is a Canadian actress. Some people took issue with her being there like they needed a Hollywood name or something but I don't think that's what happened here.)
The writing could be better- plot and characters, production is great, direction is pretty good, acting is mostly very good and believable with some not so much and some exceptionally good. Overall not the best but worth watching if you're a fan of the genre, a couple of the actors will make it worthwhile. I'll watch season 2 for sure. I hope they'll get into Hammer's character more, I'd be interested to see who he was before he moved to that station, they eluded to quite a history there.
A solid Norwegian crime drama
Tweekums28 January 2020
Warning: Spoilers
William Wisting is a detective in the Norwegian town of Larvik whose work gets in the way of family life. When a body is found frozen in a Christmas tree plantation he and his colleagues have no idea how big the case will turn out to be. Evidence links him to a serial killer who dropped off the radar in the United States many years previously... for this reason two FBI agents fly in to assist with the investigation. Meanwhile Wisting's daughter Line, a reporter, is back in town writing a story about the death of a neighbour; it was meant to be a story about neglect but the more she digs the more she thinks his death wasn't as it first appeared. As the case progresses the level of danger increases. This story covers the first five episodes; in the second five Wisting finds himself accused of manufacturing evidence in a case seventeen years previously. If he can't clear his name he could be sent to prison for a long time. There is also a race against time as a girl has disappeared in circumstances that mirror the case being complained about.
I rather enjoyed this Norwegian crime drama. It may feature a few cliché's such as the daughter who we just know will get in danger and disagreements with another agency as to how to handle the case, but it is still fine entertainment. While officially it was a season of ten episodes it very much felt like two five-episode mini-seasons as each half concentrated of different cases. Each provided a good mystery with some twists and a good sense of danger. The location was good; in the first half the snow cover adds to the atmosphere in the second everything is nice and green outside town. The cast does a fine job; most notably Sven Nordin, who plays the titular Wisting. Overall a solid detective series which fans of the genre should enjoy; I'd definitely recommend it. Hopefully there will be further seasons.
These comments are based on watching the series in Norwegian with English subtitles.
I rather enjoyed this Norwegian crime drama. It may feature a few cliché's such as the daughter who we just know will get in danger and disagreements with another agency as to how to handle the case, but it is still fine entertainment. While officially it was a season of ten episodes it very much felt like two five-episode mini-seasons as each half concentrated of different cases. Each provided a good mystery with some twists and a good sense of danger. The location was good; in the first half the snow cover adds to the atmosphere in the second everything is nice and green outside town. The cast does a fine job; most notably Sven Nordin, who plays the titular Wisting. Overall a solid detective series which fans of the genre should enjoy; I'd definitely recommend it. Hopefully there will be further seasons.
These comments are based on watching the series in Norwegian with English subtitles.
For being the most expencive Norwegian TV series I'm not impressed
vassi-490216 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Its Ok and I watched it all because I somwhat enjoyed it, but:
Despite of this I still enjoyed the show
- So many "plott twists" that it gets predictable.
- some of the acting seem to belong more in a theater than in a tv show. It just has that theater acting feel (calmy emotional overacting and sometimes illogical human behavior) They often seem blind to see things from others perspective. I mean, your dad had justed solved the biggest serial murder case and saved your sister from being murdered, but you are still mad that he missed your christmas dinner???
- some of the dialogs seemed dubbed for some reason. Specially the ones with Wistings daughter.
Despite of this I still enjoyed the show
Brilliant ... Great viewing!
annandlucy25 October 2019
Thrilling well-paced plots, talented cast, beautiful scenery, realistic characters, typically high-standard Norwegian crime-thriller drama ... This series is not to be missed! I just hope that Season 1 is going to be closely followed by Season 2. William and his daughter, Line, are not to be missed as a fabulous duo ...
Plodding, uninspired but okay
altereggo1231 January 2020
This wasn't awful, just a bit bland. The characters are wooden and uninteresting, the dialog dull, and there are stereotypes everywhere. The treatment of the FBI is just awkward-at times too reverential, at times critical of supposed cowboy tendencies. The writers manage to make everyone sound silly.
The first half of the season is the opposite of murder mysteries where everyone is briefly a suspect and you wonder who it will finally be. Here, though there are one or two red herrings, you'll probably figure out the solution fairly early on. And some of the coincidences are annoying. I actually preferred the latter half of the season.
A little more imagination would have made this more watchable, particularly when each storyline takes so many episodes to come to a resolution.
The first half of the season is the opposite of murder mysteries where everyone is briefly a suspect and you wonder who it will finally be. Here, though there are one or two red herrings, you'll probably figure out the solution fairly early on. And some of the coincidences are annoying. I actually preferred the latter half of the season.
A little more imagination would have made this more watchable, particularly when each storyline takes so many episodes to come to a resolution.
Refreshing Series for me.
fbmike27 July 2019
I generally like watching foreign movies (as long as there are English subtitles). Usually I find they are well done with good acting. Not like a lot of garbage that Hollywood is putting out these days. I stumbled on this one. Watched the first episode and I was hooked and knew I wanted to watch the whole 10 episode series. This turned out to be quite the undertaking for me to find them along with working English subtitles. Not an easy task, especially if you live in the US. I felt like an investigator myself with all the work I did hunting them down. This series is in Norwegan with some English mixed in during the first 5 episodes that Carrie Moss appeared in. Second 5 episodes, Carrie is gone and so is whatever English there was. Show is not watchable if you don't have those English Subtitles unless you want to guess the whole series what is being said. The story, plot, acting is all very good. I like Carrie but she was a pretty unenthusiastic ho hum in this, everybody else in the series put out stronger acting than she did. She pretty much looked like she didn't want to be there. Watch the Jessica Jones series for a comparison with Carrie's acting and you will see what I mean. All in all, I enjoyed watching this series. Unlike so many "fake" interviewers in here, I don't give out many 10s. I'll give one to this. If you can actually find this series, give it a go, it's pretty good.
Baffling
jeffreydudgeon26 January 2020
Warning: Spoilers
The writers run out of steam by the end leaving plot holes and confusion everywhere. Meanwhile the acting, especially Wisting's, gets ever more wooden.
Every police officer gets bashed over the head while the rescue of the hanging man is utterly baffling.
Why there and was it a suicide attempt?
By that point all I wanted to know was who the killer was and go to bed.
Game of two halves
gaamst9 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
The first half is excellent. Interesting dynamic between the Norwegian police and the FBI, and how they portray the cultural differences, not unlike Lilyhammer.
I was less excited by the second half. It's very risky to show the victims early on, and that they are being held captive, as it takes away from the mystery and guessing as to what has happened to them.
Also, like someone else mentioned, every time there is a strong indication that someone is guilty, you know it's not them, and it becomes formulatic and predictable.
It kind of felt like they couldn't afford to keep Carrie-Ann Moss for more than five episodes, as it was like watching two seasons in one. They should've expanded on the first plot line, which was much more interesting. And they would've had time to develop the characters further, especially the Americans, and the implied emotions between Moss and Sven Nordin's characters.
Rating
Episodes 1-5: 9 Episodes 6-10: 5
Total: 7
I was less excited by the second half. It's very risky to show the victims early on, and that they are being held captive, as it takes away from the mystery and guessing as to what has happened to them.
Also, like someone else mentioned, every time there is a strong indication that someone is guilty, you know it's not them, and it becomes formulatic and predictable.
It kind of felt like they couldn't afford to keep Carrie-Ann Moss for more than five episodes, as it was like watching two seasons in one. They should've expanded on the first plot line, which was much more interesting. And they would've had time to develop the characters further, especially the Americans, and the implied emotions between Moss and Sven Nordin's characters.
Rating
Episodes 1-5: 9 Episodes 6-10: 5
Total: 7
Still enjoyed it
nicholls_les9 January 2021
For all of its many faults I still enjoyed this series. Why is it that most foreign series I have watched are better than any we make in the west where the emphasis is on excess, either violence, bad language or sex?
The story on this was good and gripping at times. The main actor was a bit miscast and not very believable and his daughter irritating, but it was still very good over all.
Suspenseful watch from beginning to end, or two endings.
lmolly-8301527 March 2020
If you enjoy nordic thriller shows i would highly recommend this. The premise(detective hunting serial killer in small close knit town)might not be groundbreaking but the execution is highly entertaining and suspenseful.
Wisting the main character is a strong and realistic lead. He is not an "sherlock" type detective but much more somebody you would actually expect. A very dedicated, methodical policeman who has issues balancing work and parenting.
His daughter the journalist is who stole the show imo. She is a go getter who is very active in researching which gets her in trouble most of the time. She actually resembles her father when it comes to dedication for the job she just has a bit more energy which adds a-lot of flare to the show.
This show could of easily been two seasons as there is a clear end to the first case and start of the second one. Being that there so intertwined with each other it doesn't take away from the show putting it al in one season.
I personally would have preferred a bit more action and "gore" or just going in depth as to how the murders took place as you dont get to see the perspective of the antagonist. This however adds to the journey you take along with the police squad in finding out the particulars of the case.
Btw this my first review, if you have any tips on how to make the read more pleasant for you lmk
Wisting the main character is a strong and realistic lead. He is not an "sherlock" type detective but much more somebody you would actually expect. A very dedicated, methodical policeman who has issues balancing work and parenting.
His daughter the journalist is who stole the show imo. She is a go getter who is very active in researching which gets her in trouble most of the time. She actually resembles her father when it comes to dedication for the job she just has a bit more energy which adds a-lot of flare to the show.
This show could of easily been two seasons as there is a clear end to the first case and start of the second one. Being that there so intertwined with each other it doesn't take away from the show putting it al in one season.
I personally would have preferred a bit more action and "gore" or just going in depth as to how the murders took place as you dont get to see the perspective of the antagonist. This however adds to the journey you take along with the police squad in finding out the particulars of the case.
Btw this my first review, if you have any tips on how to make the read more pleasant for you lmk
Irrelevant father-daughter sub-plots
eils23011 December 2019
Why could Wisting not go about his investigation without the impediment of the annoying daughter? This sub-plot appears in detective series that span continents: Harrow and Jack Irish (tiresome ward) in Australia; dreadful Cally in Midsommer Murders, in Shetland and the daughter in Loch Ness (UK) and even Wallander and several other Scandinavian crime shows.
Let the protagonist just detect, like Vera and George Gently
Lacks character development
sbocque23 November 2021
I'm a huge fan of the Scandinavian dark genre but was left quite annoyed during this series. Not bad, acting ok, but many scenes and characters are thrown in without depth or further development. Didn't read the book so cannot judge too much on this but all in all the plot was rather predictable and unsurprising... Couldve been better...
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