Borgen

Compared to American political dramas — "West Wing," "Scandal," "Homeland," "House of Cards" — Borgen feels grounded. It is not puffed up with an American sense of grandiosity and world historical import. Each episode contains intricate twists and turns, but is focused on the human-size, psychological aspects of politics, of how Nyborg learns to be effective and at what cost.

It's essentially a drama about political negotiation, alliances, compromises and principles. It is very odd to see a political drama about a principled politician, but it never overreaches into Aaron Sorkin-level prissiness, preachiness and obviousness... It's magnificently different.

It's a fantastically compelling and intricate drama about politics, gender, change and (mainly) power. With great characters – not just the women but the men too.

The show is beautifully plotted. The many intrigues in the worlds of politics, journalism, business, and PR are given just enough twists and turns to be surprising, but never so many that they become tiresome.

Simply put, Borgen is a rare gem of a show, one that is as smart as it is entertaining, that grows richer with each passing episode and rewards viewers with exciting, thought-provoking drama.

The best TV show you’re not watching.

I don’t know if I will get though all 30 episodes, but I badly need a dose of realpolitik leavened with a some sense of idealism and hope, and this feels like just the ticket.

The Best Political Show Ever no longer hails from Hollywood, birthplace of The West Wing. It comes, instead, from Copenhagen, and it is called Borgen.

Borgen may be the hardest show to find on American television, but at the moment it’s also one of the best.

If I have an issue with this first episode, it’s that too much of the storytelling is driven by coincidence.