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 page one, who’ve seen adaptations come and go, the longing for Harry Hole has been a constant ache. But now, it’s on. The burnt-out, brilliant, and utterly unpredictable detective is back on screen – and he’s got a story that makes last year’s thrillers look like child’s play.

A man on the edge

Let’s be real – no one actually expected Harry Hole to show up with polished shoes and a freshly ironed shirt. Word is, he’s more wrecked than ever this time – a shadow of his former self, weighed down by failures and old sins. And just when everyone’s written him off, 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 shattered, yet absolutely 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 playing Beate Lønn. For those of us who’ve read the books, 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 the walls down. I saw her at Dramaten a few years back – 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, whom many of us remember from his earlier tough-guy roles, has been open about his own struggles. He’s shared how psychedelics have helped him deal with his inner demons and perform when the pressure is highest. Hearing that, I can’t help but see the parallels to 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 rumour has it draws 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 lands like a punch.

So here’s the deal: if you’ve ever liked crime thrillers, or just want to watch a man wrestle his own ghosts while hunting a serial killer, then 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.