Kenneth Branagh returns to his Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated role as the soul-searching Swedish cop created by bestselling novelist Henning Mankell in Wallander II, three gripping new Kurt Wallander cases based on the the Henning Mankell books.
In Faceless Killers (October 3), The Man Who Smiled (October 10) and The Fifth Woman (October 17), the down-at-the-heels sleuth is nearing the end of his emotional rope — at odds with his daughter, his father, his gyrating blood sugar and coming to terms with having killed a man. It's almost more than a self-doubting crime solver can stomach.
I watched Faceless Killers, and this first episode certainly sets the scene for a very strong Series II. I really liked the first season, but this season is even better. Fewer odd camera angles, more linear plotline. Great photography and acting, as in the first season. This first episode is not for the faint of heart. The first scene shows the brutal murder of an elderly couple in their rural farmhouse.
Swedish Inspector (Kenneth Branagh) arrives at the horrific scene and holds the old woman as she dies, shouting to her one final, urgent question — "Who did this?" She sounds out something that could be "farmer" or maybe "foreigner." The press takes hold of the foreigner angle, inciting swift and deadly retribution against local migrant workers.
But there is more to the case, and Wallander's inquiry takes him deep into his own damaged psyche, forcing him to examine and question his own motives before he can understand those of a killer. Faceless Killers is based on the novel by Henning Mankell. (One episode; 90 minutes) Sunday night, October 3. Check local PBS station listing.
This episode will be available to watch online October 4-November 15 HERE.
Kenneth Branagh Video Interview
Finally watched the first three on DVD, and finished just in time for series 2. I'm glad to hear you liked it even more.
ReplyDeleteHmmmm I prefer the original Swedish version from Yellowbird productions, with Krister Henriksson. They are so good, so damned good makes me shiver!
ReplyDeleteAli
Ali,I have them on DVD. Still need to watch. Thanks for your input!
ReplyDeleteI like both the Branaugh versions and the Swedish ones. The Branaugh version really capture the tone and feelings of the books, beyond bleak. The Swedish stories long ago left the novels and are "based on the characters". They are very well done and I hope KCCM shows the second season of those too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for alerting me to the Swedish series! Must look them up. Wallender is one of my favorites, both in print and film form. Now if PBS would only show the Montelbano series....
ReplyDeletePriscilla, our 'second' PBS station shows them.
ReplyDeleteThis is great news. Loved the first series and am looking forward to the 2nd. I will also check out the original Swedish series as well.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Janet! I'll check it out. Sometimes forget that we have two PBS but I may get Sacto, not south of SF.
ReplyDeleteI am really excited for Friday as the Specsavers CWA Daggers in London, Black Tie [aka Tuxedo]affair, but the real excitement is to meet Krister Henriksson who is flying in from Sweden, brilliant!
ReplyDeleteAli
That is so cool, Ali!
ReplyDeleteBranagh and Henriksson may be good but Rolf Lassgaard IS Kurt Wallander. His episodes are the best.
ReplyDelete