Nobel

Nobel is a gripping Norwegian television series from NRK1 that first aired in 2016. With its intense plotline and nuanced characters, the series has captivated audiences who are drawn to its unique take on geopolitical tensions, military practices, and diplomatic conundrums. The story weaves seamlessly between the diverse landscapes of Norway and Afghanistan, offering viewers a vivid portrayal of two starkly contrasting worlds.

At the forefront of the series is Lieutenant Erling Riiser, a special soldier from the Norwegian Special Forces, also known as Forsvarets Spesialkommando (FSK). Riiser is a devoted soldier who takes his duties with the seriousness and dedication they deserve. Outward recon missions in Afghanistan have made him attuned to the realities of war, and he’s someone who isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty for his country. The show doesn’t shy away from portraying the gritty realities of being a soldier in intense war zones, instead focusing on these aspects as an integral part of Riiser's character development.

However, the series isn’t just about the hardships of war. Viewers are also privy to the intricate workings of diplomatic relationships through the lens of Riiser’s wife, Johanne Riiser, who works for the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Johanne's plot line serves as the perfect juxtapose to Erling's militaristic landscape, offering a window into the calm and composed world of diplomatic talks, negotiations, and political maneuverings. The dichotomy between a soldier’s life in war-torn Afghanistan and the seemingly serene world of negotiations in Norway is captured perfectly in Nobel, making it a captivating watch.

What truly sets Nobel apart is its underlying narrative of intrigue. A series of unexpected events, portrayed expertly through a wide lens, casts Erling into a web of intricacies where each move he makes could be a matter of life or death. Nobel explores the tension between obeying orders and acting on personal convictions, a theme that is carefully investigated throughout the series.

Nobel's narrative also manages to incorporate the complex issue of Norway’s involvement in Afghanistan, a topic that is rarely touched upon on public platforms. In doing so, the series sparks conversation about Norway’s role in global politics, its military engagements, and the consequences of such commitments. It does this by portraying both the physical conflict in Afghanistan and the metaphorical conflict in Norwegian society.

The series is cinematic in nature, with the rugged landscapes of Afghanistan and the serene beauty of Norway serving as striking backdrops to the story. The cinematography and production quality of the series are unarguably top-tier, further enhancing its engaging narrative. This combination of visual appeal and intricate storytelling is one of the defining qualities that sets Nobel apart.

The casting of Nobel is also something to be lauded. With the immensely talented Aksel Hennie as Erling Riiser and Tuva Novotny as Johanne Riiser, the series boasts of performances that offer depth and intensity to the narrative. The entire supporting cast is just as capable, bringing credibility to the plot with their performances.

The show’s superb writing deserves special mention. From the multi-layered characters to the complex narrative arc, the writers have crafted a series that never shies away from the complexities of real life. This depth in writing adds another level of intensity to the series, making it an engaging watch from start to finish.

As a whole, Nobel is a well-crafted, intensely spellbinding series from Norway that splendidly combines elements of military operations, diplomatic and political landscapes, with a fascinating view of some of the lesser-known geopolitical tensions. Nobel is a must-watch for viewers in search of a show that is as thought-provoking as it is intense. Watch this Norwegian series for a fresh perspective on what it takes to balance military action with diplomacy, and witness the trials and tribulations of a soldier subjected to a game he never agreed to play.