When the Dust Settles (2020) User Reviews

Steady plot and character development

[laduqesa · 8/10 · 26 December 2020]

I was honestly in two minds as to whether I'd carry on after watching episode one. I'm glad I did. The first episode is rather slow and it's difficult to discern what's going on and why, as well as who is who. However, that's a function of the solidity of the roll-out of the story. It's a foundation to what comes after and even though it's a bit plodding, it was essential to have done it this way. Episode two and after were far livelier and moved more quickly as we had a sense of the characters and what they were doing, what their ideas and motivations were.

It's really important to say that this is not a police procedural series. We see aspects of the investigation but only fleetingly and generally through the Justice Minister's eyes. The programme is an account of the lives of people who are victims of a terrorist outrage or of their friends and/or relatives affected by the incident. When we find out who the perpetrators are, it's almost incidental to the human drama that has been and is being played out.

That's not to say that there were no over-the-top coincidences and events in the programme. I don't want to be specific, to avoid spoilers, but I don't believe that any Justice Minister in a Western democracy would have acted the way she did or even have been allowed to do so by her civil servants. I also find it hard to believe that the video was handed to the police so late in the series as well as the subsequent relationship that developed after the "right" thing was done. Danish cops also seem to have no idea or database of stolen vans or cars which I don't believe.

Nonetheless, I binge watched. I was rivetted. I'd seen all of it in two days. I was sorry that it had ended. Ten episodes was right though.

Just one warning, on the version I watched, the subtitles switched to Danish for the last five minutes of episode three. As I speak Swedish (mediocrely), I was able to decipher what was going on from the text which is easier than understanding spoken Danish for me.

I'd love to know what happened in the future to the people portrayed but I accept that this is a one season series. There would not be enough dramatic tension for a second season. Fortunately, we have our imaginations.

Solid story, well acted

[jiballini64 · 8/10 · 24 November 2020]

I like the fact that the characters were developed before and after the catalyst event. For those who say "it's too slow", I'd like to ask "What were you looking for? Car chases and crime solved in 1 episode?" This is NOT that sort of show. Less crime show than character-driven drama. I really enjoyed it.

Very moving piece about the world in which we live in today

[peterrichboy · 9/10 · 16 October 2021]

Coming from the UK we have suffered from some terrible attacks Manchester bombing, the 2012 London bombings. And several others going back to the IRA in the 1970's.

This show we see how a terrorist attack on a restaurant affects the family members of several people who are killed in the attack. We see how the perpetrators plan their attack and the buildup to how they ended up in the restaurant at the wrong time.

Beautifully written and extremely well acted I really can't recommend this show highly enough, ultimately what this show goes on to prove is that horrific terrorist attacks solve nothing only end the lives of innocent people with so much to live for. 9/10.

This deserves a way higher rating than it has

[martin_eidissen · 10/10 · 15 September 2020]

A danish crime/drama centering around a presumed terror attack in Copenhagen, this drama clearly lends inspiration from the actual attacks in Paris on Nov 13 2015 and in Norway on July 22 2011. Still, it is very relevant as it maintains its significance while interpreting the effects of the attack on the people to a contemporary Danish point of view. Most of the series focuses on the different characters with relevance to the actual terror attack (victims, perpetrators and relatives). The drama is well told, even though some of the episodes might be a little too stretched out. Still, this is some of the best contemporary crime/drama I've seen from Denmark in a while, and it's a solid 9.5/10.

Superb!!

[jacob-la-cour · 10/10 · 10 November 2020]

If this show had been in English it would have reached the top of the charts. So different from other crime dramas, it focusses on the human side of things - the tiny decisions which alter the course of their lives, both in a good and a bad direction. The lack of focus on "why" and the fact that we never see the faces of the terrorists. And that a number of people end up in a better place after the terrorist event than before. There are both good and sad stories, and to a large extent the acting is 100% believable. The scene of the attack itself was so well made - at the same time elaborate but not too much - that it almost hurt. In my view one of the best DR series ever.

I can't believe this doesn't have a higher rating

[cassandra-50527 · 10/10 · 23 July 2021]

A lot of reviewers say the characters are hard to empathise with, but I wonder if they watched the whole series.

The show isn't about hitting plot points, it ACTUALLY goes deeper into the complexity of the human condition, especially in the face of tragedy. It was superbly crafted story telling and the actors were incredible. Even those playing minor roles were super engaging.

This is definitely a show for people who aren't into being spoon fed as an audience. You do have to investigate yourself, open your mind, and watch the transformation of these characters, and sometimes sit with the discomfort as they work it out.

Watch it 100% It's pretty damn good.

This is why I'm addicted to Nordic shows

[tibor46 · 10/10 · 13 September 2020]

Just a FANTASTIC ENSEMBLE! Great acting from everyone

Upsetting

[gauguin-54861 · 7/10 · 13 October 2021]

Have not watched the whole series. Find it quite upsetting in the context of current trial in France after 2015 attacks in Paris. Good so far albeit harrowing watch as tragically this evokes a dramatic series of actual facts.

You have to see this series!

[erikssonsens · 10/10 · 7 June 2020]

So well made! Danish know how to make good wellplayed series. The cast are awsome!

Chalk up another one for the Danes

[Poster-Boy · 9/10 · 5 October 2021]

One of the most powerful and beautiful TV dramas I've seen! Every character is brilliantly played. The story is told with depth without an ounce too much or little.

Drag out the tissues and enjoy this masterful work.

Torn...

[mdebotton · 5/10 · 17 October 2020]

I'm really torn. The story itself is good but some of the characters are incredibly annoying and dumb af. It's really hard to sympathize with them.

British drama could learn a lot through this series.

[mick-meyers · 10/10 · 14 October 2021]

The best series I've watched in a long time,the multi layered story line second to none,the acting superb.nobody is made out to deliberately be the bad guy the way and unexpected turns if the characters again brilliant.if it's remade in English we would probably make changes to the story therefore missing the point.

EXCELLENT

[paulapck · 9/10 · 16 January 2021]

As an avid viewer of European drama I thought this was a clever story. I thought the way that everyone's story intersected was a great concept. The standard of acting was also very high.

Amazing!

[isjimenez777 · 10/10 · 18 July 2020]

I have nevera seen a danish serie and it is brillant.

Masterpiece

[alexgorco · 10/10 · 7 August 2021]

Fabulous story line with many social topics covered. Impossible to stop watching.

Amazing, real, and important!

[katjohansen · 10/10 · 30 January 2021]

This is so good!! Danish tv at its best! Good acting.

Trigger Warning

[mbazhome · 9/10 · 29 April 2021]

Well done. Danish series are the best IMHO. Be aware there are some graphic scenes that are very upsetting.

Badly scripted big production!

[sesbjorn-241-62754 · 5/10 · 23 June 2020]

Seen first 3 episodes. Not very well scripted with serious plot holes. The characters are in general rather flat and stereotypical and in some cases suddenly act so much out of character it becomes unreliable. A few scenes has qualities in the acting and by showing moments of human emotion and even an atypical depiction of an elderly lesbian couple in an intimate moment kind of made it bearable watching through the first 3 episodes.

It's hard for me to understand, how a big production like this can be so badly scripted. It seems like the most interesting drama in danish television the last couple of years has been in smaller, less ambitious productions, mainly targeted towards a younger audience.

Rich storytelling. Cleverly conceived and completely absorbing

[BaronVonKolisch · 9/10 · 30 December 2021]

Described by Ricky Gervais as a small screen masterpiece, and it is hard to disagree.

A genius piece of writing and some terrific performances, particularly from Jacob Lohmann and Karen-Lyse Mynster.

Admittedly, the slow, subtle build-up might lose a few viewers. I wondered if anything was actually happening in the early episodes, yet the seeds of several inconspicuous mini-plots had already been sown without my noticing.

The way in which the various stories interweave and play out may be the most impressive aspect. Some of the very best of Danish drama. - 8.8/10.

Brilliant

[lancelink99 · 10/10 · 10 April 2021]

Danish crime drama of the highest order. Told through the eyes of the victims' perspectives.

Unique

[jonnydavison · 10/10 · 24 September 2021]

This is way ahead of the vast majority of contemporary European TV series. The ambiguousness of so many of the characters is fascinating. Who seems to be a good citizen might turn out to be a coward or a vengeful egotist. Whilst those who appear to be cruel turn out to be more human, more honest, more present for others than many. I don't know how realistic it is as a study of the varied effects of trauma on different people, but it certainly feels true as a broad canvas of what we are like as human beings.

Structurally, the series works extremely well, with the spectator knowing the main event from the beginning and then seeing how each character traces an unimaginable path through it. Having watched so many ridiculous whodunnits where you never know enough to understand what's going on, this is a much welcomed approach that centres the viewer on the choices, feelings and actions of each individual.

The acting is mostly high class, with a couple of odd ones that ring a little false, but overall outstanding.

Amongst one of the best Danish shows I've seen

[alnewcastle1 · 10/10 · 24 January 2022]

It was so cleverly written and thoroughly absorbing. I'm sad it's over and I'm having to move on to something new.

I would highly recommend it if you like Scandinavian shows like The Killing, Borgen, Trapped, Bordertown and Modus.

Poignant topical drama .....excellent!

[carolinedelahunty · 10/10 · 7 November 2021]

I cannot rate this drama highly enough, excellent storyline, undercurrents of racial and class divides, but at its heart is a story of resilience , respect and human nature , both at its very best and it's very worst. Superb acting from the whole cast. I rarely rate a drama so highly but have to admit to looking forward every single episode of this psychological masterpiece. I think it would be very unwise to miss this .

Harrowing Psychological Drama

[mpryer · 10/10 · 30 September 2021]

Although the initial episodes are a little ponderous, the pace quickens as the threads of the story interweave of those impacted by the tragic event, making for riveting viewing. The acting throughout is first rate, with many powerful performances, not least Karen-Lise Mynster in the role of the Justice Minister.

As others have said, this is not a criminal investigation based series, but rather a psychological drama focusing on the victims. In doing so, the thoughtful story raises many topical issues impacting upon society, for example questioning how different groups relate and integrate. I found it fascinating viewing and recommend the series to those who like to watch dramas which makes you think.

Bad joke

[web_alrup · 2/10 · 21 May 2020]

• lost pacing; too many episodes in the series
• anticlimactic ending
• unsympathetic characters, some of which bore no relevance to the story

+ good quality on the show overall + good actors (except the Swedish ones)