Bullets

Series 1 of this Finnish tv series should appeal to current and future addicts of Scandinavian noir.

Flawed Noir Characters

It stars the deeply troubled law enforcement officers the genre demands. In this instance an intelligence service operative, Mari Saari (Krista Kosonen) and a criminal investigation officer, Tommi Viita (Tommi Korpela).

Mari, the main character in this series, is haunted by childhood memories and by her resentment of who she was subsequently trained to become. Her hesitant and clumsy handling of a new relationship underlines the extent of her social ineptness.

Of course, Mari is not the only deeply flawed character in this series. Tommi, Mari’s reluctant partner, resorts to extreme measures to save his failing marriage and relationship with his daughter.

The Terrorist/Refugee’s Story

At the core of this series’ story is Marina Taburova (Sibelius Kekilli) a Chechen suicide bombing mastermind, who had been thought to be dead, but resurfaces seeking asylum in Finland. Throughout the series we gradually come to learn of her past, and the reason for her presence in Finland. However, I must confess that I found her lengthy blank silences and smug, knowing stares, to be annoying.

Mari goes undercover befriending Taburova in order to identify the terrorist cell she is assumed to be working with.

The Themes

The numerous characters do not confuse or overly complicate. Instead, they serve to enrich the story by highlighting its context or background. Why a person may choose to become a ‘bullet’ or suicide bomber, or an organiser or the person who dispatches the terrorist bullets, is graphically illustrated. Flashback scenes are used effectively and blend in as integral parts of the story.

Summing Up

This series delivers plenty of believable and entertaining bleak tension and suspense. The ever present tension and non stop developments make this a perfect series to binge-watch. Also noteworthy,  music is suitably haunting, and the weather aptly cold.

The Future

Late last year, series 2 was being written. Reportedly, the focus will shift towards politics