Herrens veje, or Ride Upon the Storm as it is known in English-speaking countries, is a Danish drama television series that extends far beyond familiar tropes. Primarily exploring issues of faith, spirituality, and the meaning of life, the narrative delves into the intricate entanglements of a family that is dedicated to religion.

Originally aired from 2017 to 2018, the two-season series is a brainchild of Adam Price, the heralded creator of another successful Danish political drama, Borgen. Produced by Danish broadcaster DR, the series has been adorned with several international accolades including the International Emmy for Best Actor, conferred upon the show's lead, Lars Mikkelsen.

At its core, Herrens veje is about the Johansson family, whose patriarch, Johannes (Lars Mikkelsen), is the head of a small congregation in Copenhagen. A man who's not just devout but also fiercely convinced of his divine calling, Johannes finds himself often battling his own demons, family crises, and unforeseen challenges that test his faith. His wife, Elisabeth, is his rock, both in his personal life and his spiritual journey.

Their two grown sons, August and Christian, form the remaining central figures. Despite sharing a common religious background, their individual struggles with faith and personal dilemmas form contrasting narrative arcs. August, who follows his father’s footsteps into the clergy, seeks to comprehend his own existence and his relationship with God, especially after a traumatic experience. On the other hand, Christian, who renounces religion, struggles to define his own path amidst existential and familial crises.

The series is largely invested in its characters. Their unique journeys devoid of clichés, demand audiences’ engagement and encourage them to embark on their own journey of self-discovery parallel to the characters. This intimate, often discomforting exploration of religious faith and its impact, together with the characters' grappling with existential issues and familial tension, form the show's emotional backbone.

While Herrens veje delves into Danish national church life, it also manages to present a broader view of religion through the characters' ventures beyond Denmark's borders. Anecdotal explorations of different religious practices around the world punctuate the series. A striking feature of the show is its ability to negotiate complex themes of faith, theology, guilt, and forgiveness without taking any explicit position. It doesn't advocate or condemn religious practices or faith. Instead, it presents an open dialogue for audiences to interpret and engage with.

Herrens veje is visually stunning, employing intricate symbolism and emphasizing the sacredness of ordinary life. Certain moments frame everyday life in ways that echo religious paintings, creating a spiritual ambiance throughout the series. The score further punctuates the spiritual mood, pulling the narrative threads together and amplifying the emotional intensity of the series.

Simultaneously, the dialogue is highly authentic, posing universal, philosophical questions through personal narratives. This exploration of existential themes isn't confined to theology; it extends to identity, purpose, relationships, and the meaning of life, among other topics.

Despite its heavy theological underpinnings, Herrens veje succeeds in being universally appealing, owed in large part to its masterful storytelling and the heartfelt performances of its cast. It poses unflinching questions about faith, life, and family, without resorting to clear cut answers, and instead leaving it up to the audience's interpretation.