REVIEW: Leif G.W. Persson’s ‘Bäckström’ Series 1 now on DVD from Acorn
Photo: Kjell Bergqvist stars as Detective Evert Bäckström. Photo courtesy of official site.
Bäckström, a new Swedish series now available on DVD from Acorn, features homicide detective Evert Bäckström (played effectively by Kjell Bergqvist), who chases clues and tries to find answers for blood-soaked crimes, but on his downtime, he’s also a frequent presence on TV, offering his thoughts on criminal cases and mugging for the camera.
Series 1 involves a woman who has apparently died twice. When her body is discovered, there are signs that she recently perished, while other clues lead investigators to a 2004 tsunami in Thailand. So, which one is it? It’s a real head-scratcher, one that can only be solved by Bäckström — or so the show’s tagline suggests.
Acorn has released Series 1 of the show on DVD. The two discs feature six episodes, which each play like mini movies. Audience members go deep into the personal and professional life of Bäckström, but they also learn about Ankan Carlsson (Agnes Lindström Bolmgren), a fellow investigator, and the circle of people who surrounded the victim when she was alive.
In many ways, Bäckström is a traditional police procedural, featuring red herrings, enticing clues and shocking reveals, usually timed for the end of each episode. In other ways, the show is wholly unique, thanks to Bergqvist’s stellar performance and his character’s idiosyncrasies. Some of this uniqueness works well, in particular when Bäckström is scoping out details involved with the homicide investigation. Other facets of his character — in particular his appearances on television as a true crime expert — seem forced, fake and off-topic.
The TV show is based on Leif G.W. Persson’s successful book series, and no doubt it fits that tried-and-true formula American viewers know well of northern mysteries coming out of Sweden, Finland and Norway. There is something about these colder climes that make for mysterious storytelling and escapist entertainment.
Bäckström mostly takes advantage of the subgenre’s tropes, but it also never advances the paradigm, sometimes struggling to keep the viewer hooked for nearly six hours. More mysteries should abound with this dynamic central character, as long as he sticks to the sleuthing and stays away from the airwaves.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Bäckström, starring Kjell Bergqvist, is now available on DVD from Acorn. Click here for more information.
