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 watched the adaptations come and go, the longing for Harry Hole has been a constant ache. But now, it’s on. The worn-out, brilliant and utterly unpredictable detective is back on the small screen – and he’s brought a story that makes every other crime drama from last year look pale.

A man on the edge

Let’s be real – no one ever expected Harry Hole to show up with polished shoes and a freshly ironed shirt. This time, word is he’s more battered than ever – a shadow of himself, haunted by failures and old sins. And just when everyone’s written him off, whispers start circulating that 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 utterly broken, yet absolutely indispensable.

Ellen Helinder takes over – and chaos follows

The TV industry has been buzzing for months, and now it’s confirmed: Ellen Helinder is playing Beate Lønn. Those of us who’ve read the books 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 walls. I saw her at the Dramaten a few years back, and her stage presence 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 – who many of us remember from his earlier hard-boiled roles – has been open about his own struggles. He’s shared that psychedelics have helped him deal with his inner demons and perform when the pressure is at its peak. Hearing that, I can’t help but see 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, trust me.

What makes “The Devil’s Star” unmissable

Many have tried to capture Nesbø’s raw, Norwegian melancholy, but most have failed. This production – rumoured to have drawn inspiration from the new wave of dark action thrillers – isn’t just aiming to tell a story, but to build an entire world. Here are the four ingredients that make me believe 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 bits.
• Hellish pacing: No filler. Every scene is a punch to the gut.

So here’s the deal: if you’ve ever liked crime dramas, 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 is going to sting, in the best possible way.