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Bordertown (2016)

2016 · Crime,Drama,Mystery · crime-detective-puzzle, crime-psychological-profiler, crime-procedural, family-relational

Bordertown poster

Bordertown (Sorjonen) is a Finnish nordic-noir crime drama following Kari Sorjonen, a brilliant but idiosyncratic detective who relocates from Helsinki to the Finnish-Russian border town of Lappeenranta. The show balances self-contained multi-episode cases with serialized personal storylines involving Sorjonen's family and a recurring antagonist. Reviewers consistently praise its exceptional cinematography, evocative winter setting, atmospheric score, and the lead performance by Ville Virtanen, whose Sherlock-esque deductive style anchors the show. The Sorjonen-Lena partnership is a secondary engine. Season 1 is regarded as a near-flawless entry in the Scandinavian crime tradition; Season 2 drew criticism for over-relying on teenage-daughter jeopardy plotlines that felt implausible and tone-shifting.

From the reviewers

A juggernaut of unfolding story lines, relationships and cinematography. Excellent script with a series of independent stories that the main characters develop their ongoing stories and provide their back stories with every subsequent episode.
This show looks and sounds amazing, great music as well! The characters are great and the acting is on point. A very professional presentation here that makes American shows look like a kids game.
Ville Virtanen does a great job as Sorjonen; I loved how he constantly moves his hands as he thinks through problems. He contrasts impressively with Anu Sinisalo, who does a fine job as his tough-as-nails, ex-FSB partner Lena.
The series has a great look, especially in episodes where the already impressive landscapes are blanketed in winter snow.
Something gets lost without their tone. This is such a great show. Now I haven't watched the second season yet, but I loved the first

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