Watch Roba

Roba is a Finnish television drama series produced by Content Media Corporation. The show originally aired on September 13, 2012, on Yle TV2, and the series comprises of two seasons with a total of 19 episodes. It is a police procedural drama that follows the everyday life of a police precinct in the city of Espoo, near Helsinki.

The series revolves around a group of five detectives who work together to solve cases such as murders, kidnappings, and robberies. The main character is Kari Sorjonen (Ville Virtanen), a gifted detective who is known for his analytical skills and intuition. Kari has recently moved to Espoo from the city of Lappeenranta with his wife and teenage daughter to start a new life, hoping to get away from the traumatic experiences of his past. However, his skills as a detective are soon needed in Espoo, and he becomes the go-to person in the police department.

Other members of the police precinct include Lena Jaatinen (Anu Sinisalo), the head of the department, who is respected and admired by her colleagues; Kimmo Numminen (Ilkka Villi), a hard-nosed detective who is known for his temper; Jaana Halme (Lenita Susi), a young detective who is determined to prove herself and win the respect of her colleagues, and Jari Kinnunen (Markku Peltola), an older detective who is nearing retirement and is happy to take a backseat in investigations.

The crimes that the team solve are always complex, and the show uses a mix of flashbacks and present day scenes to tell a compelling story. The series does not shy away from showing the brutal and violent nature of crime. At the same time, it also highlights the human side of both the detectives and the criminals they are investigating. The cases they solve are often connected to the personal lives of the detectives, which adds to the emotional depth of the series.

The show's pacing is deliberate and measured, taking its time to fully flesh out each story. The cinematography is sleek and modern, with a blue-grey tint and a cold, oppressive look that fits perfectly with the tone of the show. The use of Finnish is extensive throughout the series, with English subtitles, adding to the authenticity of the setting and the characters.

The first season of Roba was critically acclaimed in Finland, and it quickly became one of the most-watched shows in the country. The show's popularity also spread internationally, with the series being picked up by various streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime. The show's success led to a second season, which was just as well-received as the first.

One reason for the success of Roba is the excellent performances by the cast, especially lead actor Ville Virtanen, who received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Kari Sorjonen. Virtanen's subtle and nuanced performance captures the complexity of his character, who is a brilliant detective with a troubled past. Anu Sinisalo is also notable for her portrayal of Lena Jaatinen, a strong and capable police chief who holds her team together.

Another strength of the show is its realistic portrayal of the Finnish police force. The series depicts the challenges that the police officers face on a daily basis, from bureaucracy and political interference to personal issues and internal pressure. The show also tackles societal issues such as drug abuse, immigration, and domestic violence, highlighting the complexities of contemporary Finnish society.

In conclusion, Roba is a must-watch police procedural drama that is high-quality and emotionally engaging. The series boasts excellent performances, sleek cinematography, and compelling writing that hooks the audience from the first episode. While the show is in Finnish, its appeal extends beyond the borders of Finland, making it a truly international success.