Harry Hole is back: Why “The Devil’s Star” is the most anticipated series of the year
The silence has been deafening. For those of us who’ve followed Jo Nesbø’s bloodhound from the very first page, who’ve seen the film adaptations come and go, the longing for Harry Hole has been a constant ache in the gut. But now, for fuck’s sake. The burnt-out, brilliant and ever-unpredictable detective is back on the box – and he’s brought a story that makes every other crime drama from last year look pale.
A man on the brink
Let’s be honest – no one really expected Harry Hole to turn up with polished shoes and a freshly ironed shirt. This time, rumour has it he’s more worn down than ever – a shadow of his former self, riddled with failures and old sins. And just when everyone has written him off, whispers in the corridors suggest he’s the only one who can crack the impossible case surrounding “The Devil’s Star”. That’s the magic contrast I’ve missed most: a hero who’s completely bloody broken, yet utterly indispensable.
Ellen Helinder takes over – and chaos ensues
The TV industry has been buzzing for months, and now it’s confirmed: Ellen Helinder is playing Beate Lønn. For those of us who’ve read the books, we know Lønn is no sidekick. She’s a thorn in the side, a moral compass pointing in every direction at once. Helinder, with her ability to be both tender and terrifyingly intense, is going to tear down the walls. I saw her at the Royal Dramatic Theatre a few years ago, and her presence on stage is pure raw power. Watching her go head-to-head with Harry Hole will be like unleashing two storms in the same room.
Demons in the light – Joel Kinnaman’s reality
It’s no secret that actors at this level pay a price. Joel Kinnaman, whom many of us remember from his earlier hard-boiled roles, has been open about his own struggles. He’s spoken about how psychedelic drugs have helped him handle his inner demons and perform when the pressure is at its peak. Hearing that, I’m struck by the parallels with Harry Hole. The character and the actor mirror each other – both fighting the same darkness, just on different sides of the camera. That honesty rubs off on screen, I can promise you that.
What makes “The Devil’s Star” a must-watch
Many have tried to capture Nesbø’s raw, Norwegian melancholy, but most have failed. This production – which, if the whispers in the corridors are to be believed, has drawn inspiration from the new wave of dark action-thrillers – isn’t just aiming to tell a story. It wants to build an entire world. Here are the four ingredients that make me think this will be the best version of Harry Hole yet:
- The fights feel real: No ballet. Just bruises and breathlessness.
- The relationship with Beate Lønn: Not a subplot, but the very heart of the drama.
- No censorship: They’ve dared to keep the depressing, complicated and downright uncomfortable stuff.
- Hellish pacing: No filler. Every scene is a punch to the gut.
So here’s the deal: if you’ve ever liked a good crime drama, or just want to watch a man wrestle his own ghosts while hunting a serial killer, there’s only one place to go. Harry Hole is back – angrier, uglier and more fascinating than ever. Get ready for “The Devil’s Star”. This one’s going to sting, in the best possible way.