Borgen: Is It A Great Political Drama?

Published by B Sameer on May 14, 2023May 14, 2023

Borgen (Seasons 1, 2 & 3) is a refreshing Danish political drama from Denmark. Notably, the Danish title “Borgen” is also a nickname for Christiansborg Palace, a former royal palace and present-day Parliament in Denmark.

The fact is that all three branches of the Danish government reside at Christiansborg Palace. In other words, the Parliament, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Supreme Court in Denmark reside at the Christiansborg Palace. So, it is the power centre of Denmark. Besides, the word “Borgen” also means “The Castle” or “The Fortress” in the Danish language.

Borgen: This Engaging Political Drama From Denmark Is a Must-Watch

Spoilers Free Review of the Borgen (Seasons 1, 2, & 3) Series

A brief note on Nordic/Scandi/Scandinavian-Noir

Before we delve any further into this “Borgen” series, allow us to explain the Nordic Noir genre briefly. The Nordic Noir genre is also known as Scandinavian Noir or Scandi Noir, as it is set in the Nordic or Scandinavian countries of Europe. Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Åland Islands are part of the Nordic Region.

“The Nordic Noir is most often considered a specific genre of TV series. However, it also includes literature, film productions, and video games. Besides, it has even been extended to style, design, and music. Its key elements include a murky atmosphere, dark narratives, and flawed protagonists. Its popularity may lie in the fact that it usually undercuts the dominant narrative of the Nordics as thriving states with happy people and successful economies, but there is a dark underbelly here, too.”

Nordics

Now, let us talk about this political show.

The Danish political world is so different

This Nordic Noir drama series was created by the producers, the Danish public broadcaster (DR). In the past, they have given us the critically acclaimed crime drama “The Killing” series, reviewed in Focus Magazine. The genre of this series is quite different from the usual series. It focuses on the contemporary political drama in Denmark. Borgen is one of the brilliant and far-sighted political dramas of recent times.

Somehow, it makes you believe in the rare class of honest and idealistic politicians.

In our part of the world, we could never imagine any minister and/or prime minister cycling to their offices in democratic India. In our country, politics is all about power. Besides, it is always pomp and grandeur associated with the modern-day Maharaja. Or should we say the minister/prime minister of the democracy?

This fresh drama deals with various important issues

So, this excellent Danish political series is like a breath of fresh air, with its believable and courageous political leaders (esp. Birgitte) handling the complex burning issues confronting the common public and the members of the Fourth Estate maturely. It also tackles issues of corruption, public work-personal life balance, gender issues, illegal surveillance, etc.

These politicians do their administrative jobs without actually using a divide-and-rule policy.

But on the flip side, usually the Western politicians are a suave bunch. They are smart enough to realise when to keep mum. So, they are much more polished, who share quite similar personality traits to the politicians around the world. Usually, both survival and self-interest dictate almost all of their political decisions.

Sadly, that is the harsh reality.

We loved the realistic touches

But, then we are shown some of the other realistic elements (corruption, scandals, corporate world linkages, illegal surveillance, etc.) in Danish politics, that opens one’s eyes. We must clarify that it does not paint the real world of politics (business, media, spin doctors, legal, bureaucracy, etc.) as black and white. There are lots of grey areas, too, as they pertain to realistic issues.

The rough world of politics

To be honest, the world of politics is all about making deals and compromises.

And this is what the protagonist Birgitte did when she decided to pursue political power, often sacrificing her family life. Besides, in the coalition politics of Denmark, with many political parties with different ideologies coming together to form a national government, Birgitte Nyborg was often put in difficult positions. Many a time, she had to put her own political and personal beliefs on the back burner.

Then she had to compromise with her political allies as well as political detractors to keep her government going in the Danish political system. Politics is a tough and challenging job, indeed.

I’ve made a point of not watching Sidse Babett Knudsen too closely just to make sure I’m not too influenced by her. If anything, it sometimes feels more as if life is imitating art.

Helle Thorning-Schmidt | Denmark’s real life female Prime Minister

Focus on the lead actress Sidse Babett Knudsen

Also, in this political series, we find the absence of Machiavellian traits in the lead political character, Birgitte Nyborg. Although there are quite a few traits that we do not like in her character, as she climbs the political ladder. The protagonist Birgitte is amazingly played by actor Sidse Babett Knudsen, as she made us respect her role as a leading politician.

Danish actress Sidse Babett Knudsen primarily acts in theatre, television, and movies. She is considered to be one of the best actresses of her generation in Denmark. Besides this series, she is known for her acts in the Westworld 2016 series, Den Eneste Ene (English title: The One and Only) 1999 Danish movie, After the Wedding (Danish: Efter Brylluppet) 2006 Danish-Swedish film, Courted (French: L’Hermine) 2015 French movie, et al.

The conclusion

Not to forget, its entire ensemble cast has performed well in this show. As we hinted earlier, they are led by lead actress Sidse Babett, and other key actors like Birgitte Hjort, Pilou Asbæk, Lars Mikkelsen, etc. We also liked the theme music of Borgen. One must watch the first three seasons of this captivating show to understand the uniquely charming world of Danish politics and politicians, which is so much different from the politicians that we have here in our homeland.

It is a smart and intelligent political drama from Denmark. To conclude, is it a great political drama? Definitely, Borgen is a great and engrossing political drama series and a must-watch, indeed.

Key Details about the Borgen (S1, S2, & S3) Series

First Season of the Borgen (S1/2010) Series [Bonus Info.]

Trailer & Synopsis

A shocking turn of events puts Birgitte Nyborg Christensen (Sidse Babett Knudsen) in the Danish prime minister's seat as her country's first female leader in this landmark drama.

Rating

Poster

Second Season of the Borgen (S2/2011) Series [Bonus Info.]

Trailer & Synopsis

While her personal life begins to unravel, Birgitte Nyborg (Sidse Babett Knudsen) struggles to maintain power as prime minister with the help of her cynical spin doctor, Kasper Juul (Pilou Asbæk).

Rating

Poster

Third Season of the Borgen (S3/2013) Series [Bonus Info.]

Trailer & Synopsis

Birgitte Nyborg (Sidse Babett Knudsen), who has left politics to become a corporate board member, reenters the arena and challenges the Moderate leader for control of the party.

Rating

Poster

Awards Won by the Borgen (S1, S2, & S3) Series

 Please note that its fourth season was released as a separate series titled Borgen - Riget, Magten, og Æren (its international title being Borgen – Power & Glory) on Netflix in June 2022. There are eight  (8) episodes in the Season 4 (2022) show. Read our FM article on Borgen - Power & Glory (2022) Series, and it is worth noting that there is a huge jump in its story, as there is a considerable gap of a decade between the third and the fourth season of the said show. Lastly, check out the FM articles about these three Nordic Noir series: The Killing - The Bridge - Trapped.

Featured & Other Images: Borgen | YouTube & IMDB.