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Reviews
Ørnen: En krimi-odyssé (2004)
Outstanding Crime Type Show -- Denmark setting a BONUS!
I have no trouble with subtitles either -- in films. And when they are on TV, or you rent them, you can easily rewind. On Netflix, which is where I found The Eagle, rewinding is not as simple or easy. And at first, I found it a little difficult being able to read all the lines AND still have time to see the character's faces, expressions, and the setting in general. But, I soon got the hang of it, and boy was it worth it. What a great switch from American TV, which has gotten so lame. We have a few great shows, but then, we have so much junk, too. When you see something like this from another country, you really notice the differences. The Eagle's main character is also a seriously good guy, who is GREAT at his job. But he isn't perfect (professionally), and boy howdy, not personally either . . . what a RELIEF.
The Eagle has bad guys, but not to the point of being ridiculous cartoons. The story telling seems more honest, realistic, low key - even subtle. It's refreshingly different, not to mention interesting. Yes, this is STILL television, folks - but you get the impression that you are still learning a few accurate things about Denmark, Danes, Danish culture, international law enforcement, and even other world cultures.
POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT: non-US TV is less 'sanitized' - so expect your heart to not only be filled from time to time, but to be broken now and then as well. Unlike too many American shows, not every store has a happy or tidy ending, and the Eagle is a bit more honest that you might be used to. Even so, it's well, well, worth it. And if you like this, by all means try THE PROTECTORS next - a 2-season, 20-episode GEM by the same creative team. Both shows will leave you begging for MORE...
Livvagterne (2009)
VERY Watch-worthy TV, despite the subtitles!
I watched all 24 episodes of THE EAGLE, first - which was also excellent. When I finished, I was searching for something else on Netflix, hopefully as good, when I came across THE PROTECTORS. I smiled when I saw it was the same creating team (Peter Thorsboe, Mai Brostrøm)!! The first episode, getting to know all the many characters, was slow going, I admit. But starting with episode 2 I was COMPLETELY and totally HOOKED, spellbound even. I found both these Danish shows such a huge improvement over most U.S. television, which has become increasingly meaningless, mediocre and bloated. Whereas The Protectors has so many authentic characters -- you can't help caring about ALL of them. I hoped for something AS good as The Eagle -- and it was! It might even have been. . . BETTER?! Either way, BOTH are TRULY OUTSTANDING television, with the added bonus of providing a few interesting and wonderful insights into Danish and world culture. Bravo to a flawless cast and hugely talented crew! Unfortunately, I finished ALL 20 episodes over the course of ONE, glorious weekend. I just could NOT STOP watching them . . . and now there are no more. In future, I will watch absolutely anything and everything this same creative team puts together, probably more than once. Tusen Takk!!