I am a big movie and tv buff. And of course I have many mainstream TV series on my watchlist. Series such as Game Of Thrones and such. But I always keep an eye out for not so mainstream productions....
Last year I came across a Norwegian series called 'Occupied' (original title Okkupert). And its second season just got released recently (and I binge watched it like crazy)
Occupied is a political thriller with a very interesting premise:
Norway attempts to move to a 100% clean energy footprint, while simultaneously stopping all of its fossil fuel production. This leads to a velvet glove invasion by Russia (backed by an EU desperately dependent on thrid-party fossil fuel resources). USA stays out of the whole deal, a pretty bold choice by the writers on 2015, but not so unrealistic in the present international landscape.
Throughout its two seasons, we follow the lives of Norway's key political players, police officers, Russian operatives, Norwegian resistance etc.
'Occupied' is in its heart a european production. It has high production values, features good action scenes and interesting political maneuvers. I could describe it as an amalgam of '24', 'House of Cards' & 'Homeland' (minus the american hyperbole). So if you liked any of those and are still looking for another provocative political thriller look no further. And don't be surprised if in 2-3 years you see it produced as a remake for American TV or cinema. Until then there are 19 episodes for you to enjoy.