Dicte

Dicte is a captivating Danish drama series that ran for three seasons from 2013 to 2016 on TV2. The series is based on a popular series of novels written by Elsebeth Egholm and introduces viewers to the complex world of investigative journalism. It stands out through its fascinating plotlines, well-built characters, and exquisite blend of multiple genres, including crime, drama, and mystery.

The titular character, Dicte Svendsen, portrayed brilliantly by Iben Hjejle, is a crime reporter who has recently returned to her hometown of Aarhus after a divorce. The series explores not only Dicte's professional life revolving around her relentless pursuit for truth but also her personal life, including her turbulent past, fragmented family ties, friendships, and romantic entanglements. A keen observer, Dicte is deeply empathetic and wastes no time getting involved in the criminal investigations she reports on, often finding herself in challenging situations due to her undying determination to uncover the truth.

Driven by intense curiosity and a strong moral compass, Dicte becomes embroiled in a series of perplexing and thrilling cases encompassing murders, kidnappings, and other criminal activities. More often than not, she manages to outsmart even the police, demonstrating a natural knack for detective work that goes beyond the call of her reporter duty. The close-up look at her engagement in these cases serves as the primary pulse of the series, keeping viewers on the edges of their seats as mysteries unfold and truths are revealed.

Beyond the primary plotlines of the criminal cases, Dicte offers enormous depth in exploring its characters and their relationships. A significant part of the show is Dicte's uneasy relationship with her estranged parents over a traumatic event from her past. Dicte also shares a complicated yet heartwarming bond with her college-age daughter, Rose, providing the audience with poignant looks at mother-daughter relationships. Besides family, Dicte's friendships also take center stage, particularly her bond with photographer and best friend, Anne, and nurse colleague, Ida-Marie. These relationships add a unique dimension to the series and offer a warm relief from the otherwise grim crime-related narratives.

Dicte is a fantastic blend of crime, drama, and mystery. It's an intimate look into the world of investigative journalism, wrapped around complex human relationships. With a routine narrative structure that concludes each crime story within a couple of episodes, it keeps the audience hooked for more. The series also succeeds exceptionally in maintaining a sense of tension and anticipation throughout, thanks to the expertly constructed plot twists and exciting cliffhangers at the end of each episode.

The captivating storytelling is accompanied by outstanding performances. The lead, Iben Hjejle, is particularly impressive in her portrayal of Dicte. She effortlessly brings forth the strength, vulnerability, and resilience of the character, making Dicte an unforgettable persona. The rest of the cast too, deliver quality performances, ensuring that the chemistry among characters is tangible and the emotions, genuine.

The filming style and the authentic settings of Aarhus city bring another layer of appeal to the series. The cinematography beautifully captures the Danish cityscape and offers atmospheric visuals that complement the engaging narratives. Some of the key locations include the city's bustling newspaper office, local police station, and Dicte's cozy apartment, lending an air of authenticity and relatability to the series.

In all, Dicte is a rare blend of thrilling crime-solving pursuits and poignant exploration of personal relationships. It brings to life a strong, independent and relatable female protagonist who does not shy away from stepping on the toes of law enforcement in her unceasing hunt for truth. With its compelling stories, brilliant performances, and a natural, down-to-earth appeal, Dicte has all the makings of a memorable series and offers a gripping experience to fans of crime dramas and mysteries alike.