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 adaptations come and go, the longing for Harry Hole has been a constant ache in the gut. But now, finally. The burnt‑out, brilliant, always unpredictable detective is back on our screens – and he’s brought a story that makes every other crime drama from the past year look pale by comparison.

A man on the edge

Let’s be honest – none of us ever really expected Harry Hole to show up with polished shoes and a freshly ironed shirt. This time, word has it he’s more torn up than ever: a shadow of himself, haunted by failures and old sins. And just when everyone has written him off, the whispers in the corridors say he’s the only one who can crack the impossible case of “The Devil’s Star.” That’s the magic contrast I’ve missed most: a hero who’s completely, utterly broken – and yet indispensable.

Ellen Helinder takes over – and chaos follows

There’s been buzz in the TV industry for months, and now it’s confirmed: Ellen Helinder is stepping into the role of 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 that points 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 Dramaten 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 talked 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 opposite sides of the camera. That honesty bleeds onto the 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 true, has drawn inspiration from the new wave of dark action thrillers – isn’t just aiming to tell a story; it’s aiming to build an entire world. Here are the four ingredients that make me believe this will be the best version of Harry Hole we’ve ever seen:

• 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, the complicated and the downright uncomfortable.
• A hell‑for‑leather pace: No filler. Every scene is a punch to the gut.

So here’s the deal: if you’ve ever liked crime dramas, or if you just want to watch a man wrestle with his own ghosts while hunting a serial killer, then there’s only one place to be. 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.