Annika, streaming on Masterpiece, has released Season 2 one episode at a time, which is not my favorite way to consume TV in this genre. But after that bombshell Annika dropped to us, the viewers, in Season 1’s finale, I was quite excited to see it pop up on my Fire Stick recommendations. As more episodes drop, I’ll be posting recaps.
Annika, Breaking the Fourth Wall
In case you haven’t seen Season 1 of this show, let me clue you in on a few things. The main character, Detective Inspector Annika Strandhed, is newly arrived in Glasgow to head up their Marine Homicide Unit. Those familiar with the Harry Potter franchise may instantly recognize Katie Leung (Cho Chang, for those Potterheads in the know) as one of the members of her new team. When you get to meet all of the first season cast, you'll have a few more moments of "hey, it's that actor/actress!"
Heads up: Annika breaks the fourth wall regularly throughout each episode, directly speaking to the viewer as a kind of confessional act or to emphasize humor or seriousness. It pulls us in and we become complicit in this secret information she is sharing. It worked for Fleabag and it works here too.
Nicola Walker, brilliant and capable, deftly manages to keep the scene’s action going while also giving an aside to us, the viewer. In fact, I believe it’s her wit and charisma which sets this series apart from the pack and holds it all together. She has incredible chemistry with just about anyone she acts opposite. Have you seen her in other projects? If not, please do and let me know if you fall in love with this woman as I have.
I'll continue to upload new posts in this ongoing series so be on the lookout for your favorites or in case you are looking for something new!