Watch Wallander

Wallander is a Swedish crime drama adapted from the novels of Henning Mankell, which aired on BBC America from 2005 to 2013. The show revolves around the character of Kurt Wallander, a grizzled and world-weary detective with the Ystad Police Department, as he investigates a series of gruesome and complex crimes.

Played by Krister Henriksson, Wallander is a middle-aged detective who has seen too much of the darker side of humanity. He is divorced and estranged from his daughter Linda, but finds comfort in the simple pleasures of life, such as cooking and opera. Throughout the series, Wallander faces a number of personal challenges, including existential angst, alcoholism, and the onset of Alzheimer's disease.

The supporting cast includes Nina Zanjani as Linda, Wallander's troubled daughter who works as a police officer in Stockholm, and Mats Bergman as Martinsson, Wallander's loyal but impulsive colleague. Fredrik Gunnarsson plays Nyberg, the department's forensic specialist, while Stina Ekblad takes on the role of Wallander's confidante and therapist Mona.

Each episode of Wallander features a self-contained storyline, often based on one of Mankell's novels, but there are also overarching plotlines that develop over the course of the series. The crimes that Wallander investigates are often gruesome and disturbing, ranging from serial killings to human trafficking to political assassinations. The show is not for the faint of heart, as it includes graphic violence and mature subject matter.

One of the strengths of Wallander is its realism. The show takes a gritty and unflinching look at the realities of police work, showing the toll that violent crime takes on both the victims and the investigators. The crimes are not solved quickly or easily, and Wallander often hits dead ends and makes mistakes along the way. The show is also noteworthy for its portrayal of Swedish society and culture, highlighting issues such as immigration, xenophobia, and the welfare state.

Another standout feature of Wallander is its atmospheric and moody tone. The show is set in the southern Swedish province of Skåne, which provides a grey and foreboding backdrop to the crimes that unfold. The cinematography is stunning, capturing both the beauty and the bleakness of the Swedish landscape. The show also makes use of an evocative musical score, which includes haunting classical pieces and minimalist electronics.

Overall, Wallander is a gripping and thought-provoking crime drama that is not to be missed. With strong performances, compelling storylines, and a rich sense of place, it is a worthy addition to the canon of Scandinavian noir.

Wallander is a series that ran for 5 seasons (47 episodes) between May 10, 2009 and on BBC America