What to Watch?
MHz Mascot Kessler the Dachshund (whom you may remember from last month’s Thanksgiving Binge Guide), has a younger brother named Henry (a happy, counter surfing Alaskan Malamute). Henry has put together a handy guide to his favorite Christmas-related MHz Choice episodes! (Our only request was that they not all be Inspector Rex episodes. He was tempted, of course.) If you’re new to MHz Choice, what are you waiting for? Click here to sign up for your free 30-day trial!
Johan Falk Trilogy: Zero Tolerance
DRAMA – CRIME | SWEDEN | SCANDINAVIAN CRIME FICTION | SWEDISH WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES | TV-14
What’s it about?
Jakob Eklund stars as Johan Falk, a young, ambitious detective in the homicide division of the Gothenburg police department. Stumbling across a jewel heist in progress, he springs into action – but a civilian is killed, and the gunman escapes…
How Christmassy is it?
Quite Christmassy at the beginning. Johan Falk’s Christmas Eve consists of a one-night stand with a colleague, then going out on a cheeseburger run. It also features an ill-fated Santa Claus and Falk spending Christmas Day at the station giving his statement and meeting Marie Richardson.
What’s the verdict, Henry?
Two paws up. An action-packed start to both the Johan Falk Trilogy and the subsequent (and equally excellent) Johan Falk Season One!
Unni Lindell: The Dream Catcher Parts 1 & 2
MYSTERY | NORWAY | SCANDINAVIAN CRIME FICTION | NORWEGIAN WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES | TV-14
What’s it about?
Reidar Sørensen stars as Cato Isaksen, an Oslo homicide detective who juggles a complicated home life with police work, in this series based on the international best-selling mysteries by Norwegian author Unni Lindell.
How Christmassy is it?
Very snowy and very Christmassy. Part 2 takes place over Christmas, with Cato dressing up as Santa Claus and the family exchanging some very… interesting presents. (Just watch it, you’ll see.)
What’s the verdict, Henry?
Two paws up. The central mystery is eerie and engaging, and it’s cringe-inducing fun watching Cato trying to deal with his rebellious teenage son. Also, despite not being a cat person (you know, being a dog and all) I have to admit that Marmalade is one cool kitty.
Maria Wern: Dreams From Snow
MYSTERY | SWEDEN | SCANDINAVIAN CRIME FICTION | SWEDISH WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES | TV-14
What’s it about?
Gotland is struck by an unspeakable tragedy when a high school girl is found dead in the middle of a country road. Maria Wern digs into the conflicts at the girl’s high school – and when the police discover veiled threats on the internet, there’s a growing fear that this girl’s death will not be the last….
How Christmassy is it?
The crime takes place on Christmas Day with the victim wearing a traditional St. Lucia gown. (St. Lucia’s Day is celebrated on December 13th, and is the kick-off to the Swedish Christmas season.)
What’s the verdict, Henry?
Two paws up. I admit, I have a big crush on Maria Wern. Woof!
Lulu the Bankrobber’s Wife: Christmas Peace
DRAMA – CRIME | DENMARK | DANISH WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES | TV-14
What’s it about?
Lulu is an independent woman with her own beauty salon in the suburbs. Leon is a career criminal with an insatiable knack for pulling off flawless heists. But when Leon is arrested and sent to jail on their wedding night, Lulu is forced take the reigns of his criminal enterprise, take care of their two kids and fight to clear her husband’s name in this quirky Danish crime drama!
How Christmassy is it?
Is it Christmassy? You bet! Lulu and the kids visit Leon in jail on Christmas Eve, and Leon hatches a plan to escape and spend Christmas Day with his family.
What’s the verdict, Henry?
Two paws up. I’m slightly biased, though – one of my best friends is a Great Dane.
Crimes of Passion: Tragedy in a Country Churchyard
MYSTERY | SWEDEN | SCANDINAVIAN CRIME FICTION | SWEDISH WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES | TV-14
What’s it about?
It’s Christmas Eve, and a sumptuous Christmas table has been laid out for the vicar and his guests, Puck and Einar Bure, and Professor Ekstedt. Then blonde and beautiful Barbara Sandell arrives and announces that her husband is missing…
How Christmassy is it?
Arguably the most traditional “Christmas” episode of the entire MHz Choice oeuvre. A sumptuous Christmas feast indeed!
What’s the verdict, Henry?
Two paws up. All this talk of feasts is making me hungry. Let’s eat!
