Bordertown

Bordertown is a compelling Finnish crime drama television series exclusively available on Netflix. The show, beautifully created by Miikko Oikkonen, ran from 2016 to 2020, capturing audience hearts worldwide with its unique characters and gripping storylines.

Located in the quiet town of Lappeenranta, near the border of Finland and Russia, Bordertown centers around its leading character, the brilliant detective Kari Sorjonen (played marvelously by Finnish actor Ville Virtanen), who is battling his own personal demons while solving dark and gritty crimes. Kari Sorjonen is recognized as a phenomenal investigator, possessing an outstanding memory and reasoned logic, skills that make him an unparalleled asset in solving crime mysteries in the bordertown.

The show initiates with the aspiration of Sorjonen to spend more time with his family in contrast to the demanding nature of his profession. He decides to move his family to the seemingly peaceful town of Lappeenranta to execute this plan. His wife, Pauliina Sorjonen (played by Matleena Kuusniemi), has recently won a battle against brain cancer, and they have a teenage daughter Janina (played by Olivia Ainali) who also needs their attention in her crucial growing years. However, this tranquil environment is disturbed by sinister crimes that disrupt the peace and order in the town.

Kari is the head of the Serious Crime Unit of the Southeast Finland Police Department handling cases involving human trafficking, drug-related crimes, and murder, among others. Together with his diligent team, he deals with the cases using his analytical skills and empathetic nature as potent tools to get into the perpetrator's mind.

Bordertown’s narrative is arresting due to its ability to balance between intense criminal investigations and the intimate portrayal of Sorjonen's personal life. There is a vibrant layer of humanity in the way the show explores the dynamics of Sorjonen’s family, their connections, traumas, their responses to each complicated situation, and more. All this, backed by strong performances, only heighten the viewers' emotional investment in the show as it moves forward.

Although Bordertown's crime narratives follow episodic structure, there is a continued underplay of ongoing family narrative infusing continuity in the series. The central characters are complex, their motivations evolving and deepening as the series progresses. Kari Sorjonen, especially, becomes a very fascinating character study – an introverted genius, his relationship with his work and his family, his struggles, aspirations, and conflicts form an integral part of the story's soul.

One of the key highlights of the series is the way it captures the essence and the ethereal beauty of the Finnish landscapes, amplifying the psychological depth and the overall mood of the series with its cinematography. The carefully constructed ambiance blends seamlessly with the slow-burning, thrilling narrative of the crimes and their repercussions in this close-knit community.

Bordertown is not just a crime drama; it is a character-driven narrative, equally invested in the human psyche's exploration. The series also shines a light on societal issues, examining some of the dark recesses of human behavior and social constructs. Additionally, the show gets linguistically interesting as both Finnish and Russian languages are spoken by the characters, reflecting the unique cultural melting pot of the border town.

The series has, over its three seasons, received multiple accolades, including the Golden Venla awards (Finnish equivalent to the Emmy Awards) and the renowned French TV Critics Association Awards. Bordertown, with its chilling mysteries and emotionally loaded narratives, keeps the viewers involved, challenging them with unpredictable twists and turns, making it a truly captivating watch for crime drama enthusiasts.

Multilayered, rich in complex characters, and filled with moments of high tension and emotion, 'Bordertown' blends an intriguing range of storytelling elements, making it a standout in the realm of Nordic Noir TV series. The series leaves a lasting impression, enticing viewers to delve into its criminal world placed amidst serene landscapes by creating tension and suspense at every turn. Its stunning narratives and the excellent execution of character development firmly engrave 'Bordertown' in the hearts of its viewers, marking it as an unforgettable psychological thriller series.