Although most popular TV series are made in the US, the Scandinavian countries have proven that they also produce a lot of great shows. On of those shows is Bron/Broen, better known as The Bridge. Season 1 managed to be extremely interesting from the start. A body was found at the middle of a bridge connecting Denmark and Sweden. The departments of justice of the two countries have to work together on the case because of it. It was a thrilling story with an ending you will not be able to forget. That first season wrapped everything up nicely and when I heard that a second season would be made I started to wonder if it would be able to reach the same quality as the first season. My fear was that it would feel extremely unrealistic and forced. That first season everything the story flowed in a convincing and natural way. I also wondered how you would be able to bring the characters together again.
Luckily my fear turned out to be unnecessary. When a cargo ship crashes into the bridge and the people on the ship turn out to be from both Denmark and Sweden the two investigators Saga Norén (Sofia Helin) and Martin Rohde (Kim Bodnia) have to work together again. Both of them have changed after what happened in the first season. Martin is still struggling emotionally with what happened in the previous case and only does desk work as he is not able to cope with investigations anymore. Saga on the other hand is trying to work on her people skills and tries having a love life. The story of season 2 is about a mysterious group of eco-terrorists who execute various attacks to make their message known. Will the investigative team be able to track them down before more victims are made?
It is always a joy to watch Saga as she is always logical in her thinking and without emotions. It was great to see her working with Martin again, who unfortunately is only a shadow of his former self. Because of that the “fight” this time is not only against an unknown group of terrorists, but also a fight with his inner demons. The situation they are in bring out the best in them though. You cared for these characters in the first season and you know how skilled they are. Sofia Helin is so amazing in her role as Saga Norén that you really wonder what she would do in a different role as she seems to completely disappear in her part. She regularly is responsible for funny moments, but despite the fact that her character deals with other characters without emotion there is a slow development in this season where you see sides of her you have not seen before.
The second season is filled with surprises and as a viewer you try to think together with the team. As the season progresses the pressure rises and I was on the edge of my seat during every episode. Don’t be surprised in wanting to finish watching this in only a couple of days, because you constantly want to know what will happen next. Unfortunately this season leaves some parts of the story unresolved, which I did not like, but knowing that a third season will be made I cannot wait to find out what is going to happen.
By far one of my favourite TV shows at the moment. Saga Noren is a fantastic character and really like how they delved further into her character and history. Martin too – they both work so well together. It’s great how Martin is the only one who actually understands her and accepts her for who she is.
Really enjoyed the second season a lot.
And for good reason Jaina, this manages to keep you on the edge of your seat each episode. Happy to hear you feel the same about it.
Looking forward to this now. Just finished S1 and was also worried (knowing that there was another one) how it would match it.
My favourite part was all of the red herrings – a bunch of characters thrown in at the same time so you’re never sure who’s up to what. Still a few unresolved stories too… can’t wait ’til it’s up on Netflix!
No need to worry, you will enjoy the second season. Yeah, the red herrings were cool in the first season and here there might be some too 😉
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