Necrotongue

Season 2 of Occupied wasn’t disappointing. On the contrary, I was pleased because I was expecting a drop in quality compared to the first season. Actually, I think that the Norwegian filmmakers did an even better job in the second season. Once again, I liked all the political machinations and I enjoyed how the creators managed to draw a thin line between responsibility and betrayal, a fair fight and crime. Well done.

Season 1 of Occupied was quite well made. It’s true that there were some weaker moments here and there. If the story was set in Japan, I suppose the Prime Minister's bodyguards would perform a ritual seppuku. Anyway, I did enjoy the first season. I certainly wasn't bored, and, as is customary for me, I instantly took a liking to the cynical Ambassador Sidorova with her poker face and occasional condescending smile.

The finale wasn’t bad at all, but I know the creators can do better. I felt like they had the story under control the whole time, but it got a bit out of hand at the very end. It could have been better, but it could have been a lot worse too. So, a somewhat hesitant 4 stars.

The hacking was the weakest part of the episode. If it were that easy, Earth would’ve been a nuclear wasteland by now. Why stick to conventional missiles, right? Still, episode seven did a solid job setting the stage for the finale.

I was initially going to rate this episode with four stars, but I had to add a fifth for the uncompromising Finn. Pierre Anselme was also entertaining — exactly how I imagine a typical Euro Commissioner.

This episode felt like a game of chess. Every political move was met with a countermove. The investigation led by the FSP was truly captivating. It was fascinating to see how difficult it is to confess to a murder in Norway, no matter how much you want to.

Last episode, I was wondering where Jesper Berg had disappeared to, and now it’s clear. He’s been sneaking along the Norwegian coast, swam across the Kattegat, and emerged on the Polish shore with a jubilant "I’m so happy!" This was a fantastic episode, and I learned two important lessons: when making deals with Russia, don’t rely on the Ukrainians, and if you plan to threaten someone, don’t stand in front of an open window.

The writers didn’t miss a beat, packing the episode with plenty of events, tension, and action. The story moved at a great pace again, keeping me thoroughly entertained.

This Norwegian political tightrope walk is really gripping me. My only concern is former Prime Minister Jesper Berg — I'm two episodes in, and he hasn't been kidnapped yet. Weird. I'm glad the creators didn't extend the number of episodes; this way, I can comfortably expect them to maintain the same quality until the end of the season.

I had my concerns about the second season. But the resistance fighters took their time to plan things out, waiting until August instead of rushing into action in April. Just one episode in, I'm pretty sure I'm going to enjoy this season. Bring on September!