Political Intrigue in Norway

You may remember Netflix's series Lilyhammer about a transported New Jersey mob boss set in Norway, but another Norwegian series on Netflix is worth checking out.  The show, Occupied, is about a very different Norway that comes to an agreement with Russia.

Set in the future, Europe is without a NATO while Russia is making inroads, and a struggling Norway seems to be a perfect target.  Entering into the country as a "savior" after the oil industry stumbles, Russia now has a toehold in Western Europe and some are not happy.  The first episode opens with plenty of action. 

While the 10-part series shows citizens resisting the new arrangements, show writer Erik Skjoldbjærg stated in a Vogue interview that he believes most Norwegians would offer little resistance:

 If our democratic rights were taken away from us, how would we react? I believe the vast majority would not take up arms. And I think, statistically, that is proven in both World Wars and in other conflicts with occupations. Most people would focus on their family, their jobs, their economy, their social status. These things are even more important than freedom of speech and other rights, at least for a while.

Here is a trailer for the show, though most of the dialogue has not been subtitled in English.  You can more or less figure out what is happening.  Don't worry, Netflix will have English subtitles.  

The Russians are not amused, as this news clip from Russian television news demonstrates.  Then again, as Russia continues to occupy Crimea and the United States sends more troops and supplies to NATO members bordering Russia, many in Europe have legitimate reasons to be wary of Russian gestures.  

With Scandinavian police procedurals (The Bridge, The Killing) and political dramas (Borgen) already drawing viewers in the United States, Occupied should find a strong audience.