Watch Bordertown

Bordertown is a Finnish crime drama television series that debuted on FOX in 2016. The show is set in a small town near the Finnish-Russian border and follows the investigations of Detective Inspector Kari Sorjonen (played by Ville Virtanen) and his team as they solve murder cases.

The main character, Sorjonen, is a brilliant detective who moves to the town with his wife and daughter from Helsinki. Sorjonen has a unique approach to solving crimes - he sees patterns and connections that others often miss. He is also dealing with personal issues, including his daughter's illness and his wife's traumatic past.

Sorjonen's team includes a diverse and talented group of investigators, including his colleague Lena Jaakkola (played by Anu Sinisalo) and forensic pathologist Katia Jaakkola (played by Laura Malmivaara). The team works tirelessly to solve complex and challenging cases, often with international connections due to the town's location on the border.

The series is known for its striking cinematography, which highlights the beauty and isolation of the town. The show's creators have said that the unique setting was intentionally chosen to create a feeling of tension and unease. The border itself becomes a character in the show, serving as a symbol of the division between countries and cultures.

Despite its serious subject matter, Bordertown is also known for its deep emotional resonance. The show delves into the personal lives of the characters and explores themes of love, loss, and mental health. Sorjonen's relationship with his wife and daughter is a central focus of the show, and the supporting characters all have compelling and complex backstories.

The show's writing has been praised for its intricacy and attention to detail. The crimes are often multi-layered and require the team to use their intelligence and intuition to solve. The investigations themselves are more cerebral than action-packed, as the detectives use their wits to piece together clues and solve puzzles.

Bordertown was a critical and commercial success in Finland, with the first season breaking ratings records. The show has also been a hit with international audiences and was picked up by Netflix for streaming outside of Finland. The series has been praised for its tight pacing, compelling characters, and its ability to keep its audience guessing until the very end.

In addition to its engaging storytelling, Bordertown is also noted for its excellent performances. Ville Virtanen, in particular, has been highly praised for his nuanced portrayal of Sorjonen. His performance has been compared to that of other famous detectives, such as Sherlock Holmes and Inspector Morse.

Overall, Bordertown is a well-crafted and engaging crime drama that combines intriguing mysteries, complex characters, and stunning visuals. The show's blend of cerebral investigations and emotional resonance make it a standout in the crowded landscape of crime dramas. Fans of Nordic noir, as well as those looking for a unique take on the genre, will find much to enjoy in this ambitious and thought-provoking series.

Bordertown is a series that ran for 3 seasons (78 episodes) between January 3, 2016 and on FOX