I was browsing through Netflix last night and saw a new mystery show called Borderliner. If there’s anything you need to know about me, it’s that I have an unnatural love for murder mystery shows. It’s kinda awkward after I say that on a date. No! I’m not into murders or serial killers! I’m interested in the way a case is solved and how the detective pieces everything together. It’s like a huge puzzle with pieces that are not just missing but completely absent and no one knows where it is or pretend not to know. Sometimes it’s a literal piece of evidence hidden or forgotten somewhere. Other times, it is a story or recollection from someone. In any case, Borderliner or Grenseland in Norwegian is a mystery show hailing from Norway starring Tobias Santelmann as the lead detective Nikolai (Niko as his nieces call him).

As I was watching Tobias onscreen, I thought to myself, “Why does he looks so familiar?” Then he kisses a guy. Yes, the lead character and detective on the show is gay. Then it hits me, he also played Yann Hall from another Netflix show Marcella where he also played a gay character. What I love about the gay characters Tobias play is that he is never the conventional gay characters. He’s just another normal guy who just so happens to like guys. In Borderliner, his character is still in the closet and has to keep his love life and partner a secret while he’s visiting his hometown. There are a few awkward moments where he’s getting hit on by female colleagues and Niko has to find ways to deflect or avoid going on dates with them. Speaking from experiences, I totally identify with the situation. How do you let this person down gently? A tough call sometimes. 

Scandinavian mystery shows are the best because they are usually coupled with beautiful scenaries and an expansive landscape. Especially in a small town, it feels like you are trapped in this bubble surrounded by this amazing yet captive environment with the killer hiding out somewhere. That nice man at the bakery? Possible killer. That old woman walking slowly across the street? Possible killer. Okay, maybe not but not ruling anyone out.

Americans might consider their shows a bit long winded. But that’s exactly why I love it. You don’t just know about the detective and the ongoing status of the case. You are also privileged into the lives of the victims, the people of the town, and also the murderer. A good show know how to do this in a very smart way without being too detail where it’s unnessary. Because in the process, the viewers is not just invested in finding out the truth, but most essentially finding justice for the victim(s) they’ve grown to know and understand through memories and stories from the ones left behind. Borderliner has a group of amazing characters and an intriguing lead character to make it the next Wallander (an excellent mystery show set in Sweden). Definitely give it a shot if it shows up on your suggested shows.