Borgen, a stimulating Danish series

This is a stimulating Danish series created by Adam Price, which combines a realistic and idealistic approach in a political drama reminiscent of “The West Wing”.

With three seasons of ten episodes each (2010, 2011 and 2013), the series takes its name from Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, colloquially known as “Borgen”, where the Danish government, the prime minister's office, the parliament and the supreme court of justice are located.

The plot interweaves in a balanced way, especially in its first season, several levels: politics and its complex relationship with the media, portrayed by Katrine Fønsmark, as well as the influence of personal and family life on the characters.

Each episode begins elegantly and suggestively, with quotes on politics from figures such as Churchill, Machiavelli, Sun-Tzu, Lincoln, Kierkegaard and Buddha, adding a thoughtful touch. Stephen King singled it out as the best TV series he saw in 2012.

The story is set in Copenhagen and follows Birgitte Nyborg (Sidse Babett Knudsen), the moderate party leader who, against all odds, becomes Denmark's first female prime minister after a post-election pact.

Throughout the first two seasons, the series shows how Birgitte faces the challenges of her position, both internal and external, while trying to balance her family life. In the third season, she starts from scratch in an attempt to return to “Borgen” as a mandarin.

The series also explores the role of the media, represented by the popular TV1 television network and the tabloid newspaper Ekspres, run by former politician Laugesen (Peter Mygind).

With an attractive technical production and stylish setting, “Borgen” features well-crafted scripts that give depth to its ensemble cast and the complex issues it addresses.

Moral dilemmas and the complexity of political decisions are intertwined with the complications of family life and the influence of the media, which often act as transmitters of information to the public, not always clearly and sometimes manipulated by hidden interests.