The Bridge: Series 3 [DVD]

Having spent (seemingly) hours scanning the TV listings for anything (half-way) decent to watch over Xmas I was relieved to have the DVD of Series 3 of this marvellous Scandi-noir tucked away in Santa’s stocking. Since the closing scene of Series 2 (one of my all-time TV highlights) I was sceptical that the series’ writers-producers-actors would be able to match such levels of emotive drama and re-watching Series 3 I would still rank the dilemma of Kim Bodnia’s tragic Martin as being unsurpassed, but Series 3’s focus on the weird and wonderful (personal) world of Sofia Helin’s (equally) tragic heroine, Saga, runs it very close. Such is the mesmerising, emotionally devastating, darkly comic, presence and originality of Saga’s characterisation as to constitute one of TV’s most unmissable and, indeed, lovable(!), personas of recent years. Indeed, the series as whole with its convoluted, twisting and turning plots on (OK, admittedly) relative common criminal themes, provides the most perfect blend of edge-of-the-seat plot tension (à la The Killing, Spiral, etc.) and moments of calm, character-driven, reflection (à la Wallander, Beck, etc.) as to represent the peak of BBC4’s excellent spate of foreign crime dramas.Of course, Saga is not the series’ only highpoint in terms of characterisation, and plaudits for Series 3 should also go, in particular, to (her new sidekick) Thure Lindhardt’s Henrik and their bosses, Dag Malmberg’s Hans and Sarah Boberg’s Lillian. The Series 3 DVD also provides interesting extras, in the form of a lengthy documentary on the making of the series and an intriguing interview with Helin, in which she reveals herself to be (of course) quite unlike her on-screen persona. I await with baited breath and a good deal of trepidation the recently confirmed Series 4.

This series is even better than the previous two. In the beginning I missed Martin being in it, but actually things moved on quickly and his absence didn't detract from this series at all. The plot did become increasingly complicated as the series went on and it became a bit difficult to keep up with all the different characters (although a large number died in each episode!) and what their motives might have been for the murders. At the start of series 1 Saga seemed like such a strange character that it was hard to see how it was going to work - but as the story moved on across all three series, I found myself liking and understanding her more and more, and her personality (possibly autistic), became almost endearing - particularly after meeting the mother from hell. I would love there to be a fourth series, but I suspect there won't be one. This was a fantastic TV drama and I wouldn't hesitate in recommending it to anyone. Even the subtitles didn't detract from the story lines. Tack.

i've always loved swedish films and tv; i bought a pal player to watch just this show, all 3 seasons; i must admit i'm not upset this will be the final season, according to the bonus material; or at least not for the foreseeable future; it all comes down to serial killings; i'm tired of serial killers, weary of cell phones being a major part of the show; everyone in sweden must be wealthy; no matter how clever they make it, it's genius serial killers w/ grudges; and getting more and more clever and gruesome w/ how they go about it... having said this if this sort of thing doesn't bother you it's still a great show...no regrets in buying it; there's still history they could have explained, but didn't; a bit disappointed there are only 10 shows on 4 discs; but it's a good one i'll watch again someday...regards.

I understood this series and the storylines more clearly now because this was the second time I had watched it. I missed Kim Bodnia at first because he had almost formed a professional relationship with Saga, but Henrik was an excellent replacement. We learnt more about Saga and her troubled background, and she and Henrik are a good team. As always, there are many twists and turns, and it was good to see Nicholas Bro in the series. He is a fine actor.Many viewers regard Saga as annoying and odd, and wonder about her position in the police force, but she is dogged, dedicated and intuitive. Her undiagnosed (?) Asperger's syndrome is very well portrayed. The series ended on a cliff hanger, so roll on series four!

I absolutely. Love this Swedish crime drama. I was worried that, with a new male lead, I wouldn't like it as much, but I did. Its fast paced and the subtitles dont bother me one bit. I would recommend it to anyone. You know a good series when you get to the end and feel lost, and like The Tunnel (which brought me to The Bridge), you think about it for ages after.

Sofia Helin must be one of the best actresses in the world.Her ability to subsume herself into the character of Saga is indeed remarkable and while I understand that she wishes to perform a wider range of roles,even in English,she must not abandon this character,She has made Saga her own as surely as Chaplin created 'The Tramp' and Tati 'Mr Hulot'..To abandon such a character to precipitately[or be forced to] is unwise.We are seeing new personal depths to this series,new characters and even new insights into the Danes and the Swedes .There is scope for another fine plotline,maybe even including a contribution by Martin to help clear Saga.And there is even the chance of a manner of personal happiness for Saga as her understanding of person issues developes.I cannot get enough of this series.

A copy of Bridge 3 was sent to me in Canada from the UK since it was not available in North America. I had to see it on a player that plays Euro DVD's so some of the quality was lost. Not the fault of the DVD. I found it an amazing series. It expanded and enhanced the earlier two series. It was gripping, edgy and never gave you time to relax. I liked the new character Henrik. Saga ( Sofia Helin ) was of course brilliant but this time under attack from several fronts and vulnerable. Sofia Helin rates as a person I would like to hear speak live. Copenhagen / Malmo are still my favourite cities but luckily the series stays away from touristy venues. I await a series4?