Wallander: Sidetracked

The BBC plays at ITV's game, adapting a series of detective novels into a TV series, with feature-length episodes, named after the lead character.

The difference here is, these are Swedish novels set in Sweden -- and filmed there too -- starring Distinguished Actor Kenneth Branagh. (Incidentally, the Swedes have already produced a film series (adapting the novels) and a TV series (with new stories) featuring the character. It's interesting to note how different he looks in each version; and you can see for yourself on screen when BBC Four screen some of the Swedish Wallander films next week.)

It's certainly 'grim up North' -- or, indeed, grim up Norse -- ho ho ho! Anyway, it's grim, and slow-paced in a measured, thoughtful kind of way. Big mistake in casting someone fairly well known in a tiny role though, especially when all the other small roles are filled by unknowns -- they may as well be wearing a T-shirt saying "I did it". That aside, it's quite good, though based on comments in one of the many issues of Radio Times out at the minute (whichever one covers Wallander's final ep), the unrelentingly downbeat style might get a tad wearing.

One other element I was uncertain of: the conclusion of the main plot. It seems like your usual "hero does the Right Thing" moment, but things are a bit more complicated than that in this instance, and the possible ramifications of what Wallander did aren't touched upon. A bit of a missed beat considering the more intelligent, considered and complex approach this particular crime drama seems to be taking when compared to the straightforward black-and-white ones ITV churns out.

Also, I have no idea what the title had to do with anything.