Wallander

:

Season 1
Season #: 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
7.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 29 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 29
  3. Negative: 4 out of 29
Watch Now

Where To Watch

Buy on
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Stream On
Expand

Review this tv show

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling

User Reviews

view
per page
  1. GeraldT
    Aug 6, 2009
    10
    I would call this a genuine masterpiece of cinematography, scripting, and acting. Creates an involving story woven through with a unique atmosphere. Branagh's talent and professionalism, coupled with his passion for the role, make him truly worthy of his accolades.
  2. richardd
    Jun 7, 2009
    9
    First rate... Atmospheric... dark... brooding, and well acted. At times the cinematography is a work of art. If you liked Inspector Morse, you may enjoy this a good deal.
  3. gunvor
    Jan 23, 2012
    10
    This is a great series. Wallander is obsessed with work and although he is a great detective, his personal life is often tragic/pathetic. The bleak atmosphere created by the cinematography and soundtrack is truly beautiful and help exhibit how lonely Wallander is. I highly recommend this show.
  4. judys
    Jun 4, 2009
    4
    The music and soundtrack deliberately obscure a lot of the dialog, making it extremely difficult and stressful to hear and follow the plot.
  5. AndersE
    May 16, 2009
    6
    They tired to do too much with this. It's hard to hear what is siad sometimes because of the sound track . It did a poor job of explaining who the differnt characters were. Sometimes you can get too artistic for your own good.
  6. donelson
    Sep 26, 2012
    6
    This could have been excellent, but is let down by lacklustre writing. In every single episode, clues the audience sees, and would be seen by the police EASILY, are let slide, thus insulting the show's characters (and audience). Scenery is fine, production values good, editing good, but pacing sometimes shouts "must fill 90 minutues". Ugh. I hope he actual police of Sweden are not so thick.
  7. Jager
    Nov 25, 2012
    0
    I think the writers really got the Wallander character wrong. The original series from Sweden, Wallander is a decent, internal optimist not a selfish, depressive character that people don't respect. Yes, bad things happen but his internal strength of character, love of classical music , his dog, and good scotch help him get through. Richardd's comment was exactly right, the character is asI think the writers really got the Wallander character wrong. The original series from Sweden, Wallander is a decent, internal optimist not a selfish, depressive character that people don't respect. Yes, bad things happen but his internal strength of character, love of classical music , his dog, and good scotch help him get through. Richardd's comment was exactly right, the character is as depressing as Inspector Morse! What's the moral message coming from this character?… Expand
  8. Zonzai
    Mar 25, 2014
    10
    This is one of the best TV shows I've ever seen. It has a lot of character and is very well thought out and produced. I know it lacks the sex, action and flash of other shows (hey that's what gets good ratings) but the stories and the delivery of each episode is top-notch. The acting is better than Sherlock, the plot twists are better than... well, any show. Pick one. The writing isThis is one of the best TV shows I've ever seen. It has a lot of character and is very well thought out and produced. I know it lacks the sex, action and flash of other shows (hey that's what gets good ratings) but the stories and the delivery of each episode is top-notch. The acting is better than Sherlock, the plot twists are better than... well, any show. Pick one. The writing is some of the best if not THE best to hit the small screen in forever. Yes, it lacks the aesthetics that make a hit show. There are only four reasons to not love the hell out of this show. One, it lacks sex and general appeal. Two, it is actually quite realistic and does not involve aliens, people with super powers or magic. Three, you've never actually seen a full episode. Or four, you've seen it but you are too stupid to understand it.… Expand
  9. nealithik
    Mar 28, 2016
    0
    What an insult to viewers:
    There are so many implausible actions and ridiculous omissions it becomes laughable.
    A detective story ought to show some awareness of the importance of credibility.
  10. CelticView
    Jun 23, 2014
    9
    A terrific series. Branagh's Wallander is a fine portrayal of a pitiful character which lends itself to the general grey dull atmosphere throughout. However, drawing the observer into Wallander's morass only serves to lead the viewer to an uplifted state at the conclusion of each series. In discovering that he is a brilliant detective and an around good egg, you just can't help feeling forA terrific series. Branagh's Wallander is a fine portrayal of a pitiful character which lends itself to the general grey dull atmosphere throughout. However, drawing the observer into Wallander's morass only serves to lead the viewer to an uplifted state at the conclusion of each series. In discovering that he is a brilliant detective and an around good egg, you just can't help feeling for the guy - if the central character doesn't spark your emotion then a story is dead - Branagh and the storyline achieves this in bucket loads.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

32
#32 Best TV Season of 2008
67
#67 Most Discussed TV Season of 2008
12
#12 Most Shared TV Season of 2008

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
71

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    70
    The pieces don't tend to add up to much; the suspects and victims often slip out of custody too easily; and each episode's crimes dovetail with some predictability. These aren't brain teasers. Still, the series has great hypnotic allure, as the murders and deaths drive Wallander further into himself.
    Read full review
  2. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Maureen Ryan
    75
    The strength of the script and Branagh's finely drawn performance--not to mention the excellent scenes between Branagh and David Warner, who plays Wallander's dad--make up for missteps [by the director].
    Read full review
  3. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Robert Lloyd
    70
    I recommend the series, though Sunday's opening film, "Sidetracked," does present a bit of a stumbling block.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »