State of Happiness - BBC 4 - started Saturday 2 May 2020

[stumbledin]

Anyone watching?

I think the cross over between US and Norway works well, unlike other Scandi dramas where americans are shoe horned in.

www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000hy8w

Not seen it, OP, but thanks for the link. Love a scandi drama!

Love, love , love this. I was really disappointed I couldn't just binge watch it and have to wait until Saturday for two more episodes.

It certainly made me think what a lot of cr*p I've been filling my tv time with!

But trying not to get too enthusiastic as so many start well and then tail away.

Not just good, but really interesting look at a way of life (probably similar in other more remote areas of western Europe) that was so hide bound.

I’m loving it so far. Hope it doesn’t flag.

Excellent drama, wonderful setting and a welcome change from violent crime led stuff.

Sounds good. Must give this a try.

Seem both episodes. Quite slow moving but definitely watchable - will stay tuned.

Still enjoying but beginning to think more Dynasty than scandi noir!

But think the young woman playing the secretary / fianceeis really good at conveying the conflict of having to play second fiddle to all the men.

How long before we get the Aberdonian remake?

Yep, Nogs were the Scandi country bumpkins, looked down on by all the cool Nordic cousins, but then they became the Scandi Beverly Hillbillies.

I am still enjoying this. Think the different characters make it interesting along with the tensions caused by the US coming in to try and take over the oil production.

Although at the moment am thinking it is sort of obvious how the personal relationships will work out.

Only sorry there are only 2 more episodes.

There doesn't seem to be anything else worth watching on tv at the moment at all.

I was Googling this earlier to try and find some spoilers for the final two episodes and was shocked to find that the actor who plays Jonathan Kay is from Norwich. I'd thought that the Texan accent was a bit dodgy but hadn't considered that the actor might be British.

I’m really enjoying it - I’ve not seen much about the discovery of oil in Norway though, will be sad when it finishes. The personal relationships do seem too obvious - perhaps a twist in the tail will happen...

why would anyone google for spoilers of final episode!!

I am waiting for next saturday as something to look forward to all week, NOT knowing what is going to happen.

I love the Saturday, 9pm slot BBC 4.
Some of the best programmes on telly shown then IMHO.
I thought Norwegian Dynasty too @stumbledin.
I've really enjoyed it but want to slap the factory owner's diving son. He's such a spoiled brat.

I keep wondering why the engagement hasn’t been broken yet, it’s so obviously doomed.

Slow and restful to watch. I think that it will be left open for more series. I thought it was going to be a more dynamic fictionalised history of oil in Norway and take us up to present day times. At least it's not violent murder and detectives.

So for all of you who love the BBC4 saturday shop did you know that the BBC is proposing to close BBC4?

Apparenlty it too high brow and money is needed for programmes that young people want to watch.

inews.co.uk/culture/bbc4-closure-threat-presenters-campaign-save-channel-2853400

For those who are looking for their next nordic fix have you seen this www.mumsnet.com/Talk/telly_addicts/3912425-The-Flately-Enigma-Icelandic-noir-available-via-BBC-iPlayer

Just started this and love it.

I got a bit confused at the start of the second to last episode as I didn't quite catch on that it was a few months later.

But still found both of these episode really good.

And I didn't quite guess right about how all of the pesonal relationships would work out, but was about 90% right.

I really liked that many of the female characters seemed quite strong willed. And especially Anna - surely bound for high office!

Even Ingrid (mother of the depressingly self absorbed Christian) seemed able to snap out of her depression about make very positive gestures towards other women.

Really sad this is over.

Had thought that grim Canadian one was coming next saturday but BBC4 is palming us off with the dreadful Montalbano junior nonsense.

I really enjoyed it, especially the period music and fashions. So much brown! I got a bit confused as to who all the politicians were but the actress who played Anna got the mix of naivety, wannabe sophistication and down-to-earth farmers daughter just right. I'm glad she and the Texan got together. The Times says there will be a new series made after lockdown.

I'm so glad there will be a second season - it struck a good note for me between being somewhat realistic but not unrelievedly depressing. I'm glad she and the texan got together although he's made a big sacrifice for an ambitious man to leave the senior US position, wonder how that'll play out over time.

I can't believe we're back to the junior Montalbano tripe!

I meant to ask as I have been too lazy to check(!) does anyone know if the songs used in the series were from that time. Some seemed to early.

Or maybe I've got the wrong years.

Young MontelbaNONONO!

What grim Canadian one @stumbledin?

Cardinal - not sure how many series there have been.

Main male character is a complete sh*t although I think we are meant to feel sorry for him. Main female character has to play second fiddle to his neurosis and does all the real work.

Not much happiness.

www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09l5h8k