Review of Byfånen

Wallander: Byfånen (2005)
Season 1, Episode 2
7/10
The village idiot
12 April 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Henning Mankell, one of Sweden's best crime novelists, created the novels in which this series, which we caught on a recent trip, is based. The main attraction was to see Kurt Wallander, the inspector in charge of the detectives in Ystad, in action. Although there is another take on Mankell's novels, by Kenneth Brannagh, this program made for Swedish television feels like the real thing. Not only was it photographed in the area, but the creators present us with a cast that do justice to the novels.

This chapter deals with a disturbed man, Goran, we meet as the credits are rolling. He is looking at a night sky and mumbles things about the planets. He appears to be heavily into horoscopes, one of which sheds some light as to the motive behind this person, whom everyone in town thinks is mentally challenged. Goran has decided to take matters into his own hands, deciding to go to one of the local banks to ask for a specific amount. In order to obtain it, he has strapped an explosive device around his neck, terrorizing the people that are caught inside without a clue as to the danger they are facing.

Henriette Leike, one of the women unfortunate enough to be in the bank, is linked in strange ways to Goran. As a matter of fact, she has married a Dr. Leike, a man in charge of a private clinic that, as it turns out, is a wife beater, and connected to Goran as well. She will always be at the wrong place, at the wrong time. Together with her young son, they are targeted because an unexpected link to the Leike family.

It is in this episode that Linda Wallander is promoted to detective. She also starts seeing Stefan, the young man that has recently arrived in Ystad. Wallander is not too keen in knowing that Linda is contemplating moving in with Stefan because she wants to leave her father's apartment and be independent.

A good Krister Henriksson makes an impression as Kurt Wallander. He is physically the image of the man we had in our minds reading the different novels in which he is at the center of the action. Mr. Henriksson makes the character real for the viewer, with all its faults and good qualities. Johanna Salstrom is also an asset to the show. The staff of the Ystad police station are all present to gives the viewer an entertaining time.

The episode was directed by Jorn Faurschou, and adapted for the screen by Petra Revenue. Mr. Faurschou takes us on a tour to different parts of Ystad, following Wallander and his team.
5 out of 6 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink

Recently Viewed