Borgen is Back on BBC4...And It's Better Than Ever!

Danish drama Borgen is back for a second series it's already packing quite the punch for all those fans of Danish coalition politics!

BORGEN's BACK: (LtoR) Bent Sejro, Birgitte Nyborg Christiensen and Kasper Juul

That may not be the biggest demographic to go after, but the scenario is merely the backdrop to a fascinating tale of human drama, sorrow, sadness and delight that is almost Shakespearean in its universal appeal.

As regular viewers will know, the programme comes from the same stable as 'The Killing' and features more than the odd cameo appearance from some of the cast of Denmark's most famous dramatic export.

Much as I have been a huge fan of Sara Lund's gloomy and foreboding exploits in all three series of The Killing, I must admit that I relished even more the chance to rejoin the Borgen universe and revel in the altogether richer viewing experience that it offers.

The Killing III was an enjoyable manhunt, with a largely superficial political sub-plot that did little to really balance the police-based elements. It also echoed so many of the themes of the superb first series that it sometimes smacked of deja vu.

This was perfectly underlined by the appearance of the same actor that played the Killing III's prime minister, who cropped up in Borgen's opening episode as the father of a soldier killed in Afghanistan.

Despite spending 10 hours in his company throughout the Killing III, the fact that I can't recall his character's name shows the level of engagement which that strand of the show failed to achieve. (Or how bad I am with names). [It's Kristian Kampber btw]

The actor concerned, Olaf Johannessen, (via IMDb) was superb and almost had me in tears when he broke down in front of Birgitte Nyborg, after being badgered by the irrepressible Katrine Fonsmark.

Even the names of some of Borgen I's minor characters that we have hardly seen this time around (Lars Hesselboe, Pernille Madsen and of course Troels Hoxenhaven) have comeback to life in my mind in crystal clarity.

Spin doctor Kasper Juul is again up to his usual tricks, and seems destined for more women trouble, despite seemingly having found an even better replacement for Katrine.

Veteran hack Hanne Holm is a train wreck waiting to happen, while press tycoon Michael Laugesen is as odious as ever.

Soren Malling seemed to have less to do on TV1, as the attention predictably stayed on Katrine, but this may change as things progress.

Speaking of the lovely Ms Fonsmark, she seems pretty depressed for someone earning around £80,000 a year for seemingly only writing a couple of stories a week - all of which she seemed to do in her 'student flat' in the evening!

The scenes between the PM and soon-to-be ex-husband Phillip were particularly touching. Who else wanted them to make up and get back to how things were?

Stroppy teen Laura looks set to provide some more showdowns, while slightly wet son Magnus said all the wrong things at the wrong time to his Mum....although he was the only one looking out for Bent.

All in all, a satisfying return though, with plenty of intrigue to come. The perfect tonic to the cold, wet, British winter nights. Tak!


Enjoy!