The North Sea is a cold and desolate place. Ice and snow and freezing cold seas await any one or thing foolish enough to cross its barren path. Things heat up, though, in the new Norwegian drama based on an idea by famed author Jo Nesbø.

The premise, without giving too much away, goes like this. In a not too distant future (this is definitely not science fiction!) the ruling Greens party in Norway has developed a new clean energy called Thorium. This new energy deems fossil fuels obsolete. All the oil and gas platforms in the North Sea and coal production are ceased and this progressive parliament is hailed for its environmentally friendly initiatives.

Of course the EU, which relies on these fossil fuels, has something to say about that. When talks stall, the EU sends in the Russians to act as negotiators and overseers. Tensions escalate, parliaments backpedal and splinter, the press has a field day and ordinary people come into the firing line. Heroes are born, friends become enemies, enemies become friends, and help is hard to find.

This 10-part series ends on a cliffhanger, so a second season is a lock. The cast is brilliant and, though the story can often require you to suspend your disbelief, you cannot help but find yourself getting sucked in to its fast paced, never ending ride of highs and lows. Another piece of superior television by those crafty Scandinavians.

Lou Fulco