Borgen: The Complete Second Season [DVD]

This is one of the fundamental series about politics. Far better than House of cards on my opinion, because it doesn't need big actors, shakesperian dialogues and great events to tell the complexity of politics and still make it clear and entertaining.It's not the american kind of entertain, meaning that actor don't have to be beautiful, scenes and settings don't have to be perfect, and photography don't have to distract you from the story. It's a story made of many stories, led by the leader's story (a woman, a mother, a wife, with her problems that never become central in her decision even though the series show how normal this people and therefore how everyday life get usually in the way while they're making big decisions). And it doesn't reduce politics and the story itself to a man vs the world, but it's about compromises, it's about not thinking you own the truth and, even then, you can't just impose it to the rest of the world. In this second season political scene looks a lot like Italy, and it made me appreciate it even more, being italian and knowing they were telling a true story, not just fiction....

The 9pm Saturday BBC 4 slot has produced by far the best TV drama series in recent years and if I had to pick one, it would probably be Borgen even if the final series is a bit of an anticlimax in comparison to 1&2. You really feel that this is what coalition politics is like (if of course a bit over-dramatised) with the endless twists, turns and intriguing and the performances are almost without exception superb. It is interesting to compare this with The Killing where the political side at times seems a bit confused and slapdash in comparison to the main plot -- in Borgen everything is masterfully structured and thought out and in almost every episode, Brigitte is presented with clear moral issues to be dealt with which make the series transcend its subject matter. The last TV drama I saw which could at least rival this in terms of making the viewer think as well as being entertained was probably Kieslowski's great "Ten Commandments" which was a long time ago! The BBC did manage to produce the "House of Cards" trilogy which is probably as good as it gets for a home grown product but sadly these days either everyone in the UK seems to be afraid of political drama and/or satire (unless there's something out there I've missed).

Who'd have thought a series about Danish politics could have been so engrossing? But it is. No explosions, no men in vests running around with a gun, no jeopardy. So refreshing. You can see it's taken The West Wing as it's founding father (if you've not see WW you must do so!), and as such its attention to the detailed life of Danish politicians is fascinating stuff. The deals, backstabbing, and Romanesque lives of all involved in coalition government, including stalwart Moderate Birgitte Nyborg - a star performance - a strong, independent woman little seen on films these days, is truly gripping. There are private battles and demons to overcome, too, especially for spin doctor Kasper, and it all adds up to a rich tapestry of brilliant acting and expert writing. Season two is just as good as the first, if not better, and having just about finished season three I have to say Borgen is up there with the best. We also have picked up some great Danish words...

I never thought I'd want to see a political thriller, but this pot-boiler keeps me riveted to my seat every step of the way. Totally believable plot lines reflect totally believable characters in a labyrinthian chase through the corridors of power and domestic life.A great mix of real-time politics, journalism and the manipulative inputs of the protagonists of both those professions: spin, sycophantism, misguided loyalty, betrayal, exploitation and other shabby, but expected, behaviour. A magnifying mirror on our own society if we were to open our eyes.

The second series of this ground breaking television series is every bit as compelling as the first and, if anything, more firmly rooted in reality.The characters have deepened and developed from the first series and the writing is very fine.I understand and speak some Danish and was mostly impressed by the fairly accuratetranslation in the subtitles. (Not always the case with these Nordic efforts).I defy anyone owning this box set to be able to watch the episodes only one at a time. Clear three nights and settle down for three long sittings - that's how addictive it is!And don't miss the DVD extra - so much better and more informative than most "Making of.." features.Roll on Series 3!

We loved Borgen I and II and were hoping for a III but believe that is not in the works. This is a high quality, well written, well thought out series, which can be watched many times over. It shows a way of personal living that is entirely different from the US and is obviously more intimate, interesting and inter-personally involved. Politically speaking it shows that politics world wide is a dirty business but also appears to indicate that the US pretty much controls a lot of the "little" countries of Europe. In Borgen, the political participants appear to care more than average about earth and environment, but have little control over their personal lives once involved in politics. So while it may appear "same old, same old", it also gives a different perspective on the life political, and personal lives elsewhere.

Every bit as good as the first season, if not better as the characters develop and political shenanigans continue to twist and turn. Some very intricate topics and story lines. I'm still amazed that anyone can make such an engaging and entertaining series about a small country's government, politics and media. But hats off, they have nailed it! Like all the Nordic Noir productions devoured this over a few days, I can't imagine watching this on TV and waiting a week between episodes!

Was hooked on all three series and thought the main characters (& supporting roles) were just so brilliantly acted, and the stories compelling, I like the politics mixed with the personal stories of the people involved. I want more...!