If you watch roughly 100 TV shows a year for about a decade, you'll reach the same conclusion I did: there really aren't any new stories to tell. I mean, there are plenty of untold stories, but they're too controversial, too political, or too complex to fit into a series meant for a streaming platform that has to attract advertisers with its own convoluted policies and arbitrary rules.
These constraints lead to the establishment of a formula approved by producers, artists, and, most importantly, the streaming platform; the audience remains a risky bet. Now, if this formula is in the hands of a skilled storyteller, you'll be so overwhelmed by the emotions, themes, and performances that you won't care if things end up being predictable. I think Task is a great example of this.
However, if that same formula is used by a competent but unimaginative storyteller, you'll be struck by the feeling that you've seen some version of this narrative before. And I think Land of Sin is a good example of that.
There are many untold stories, but they're too controversial, too political, or too complex to adapt into a series destined for a streaming platform that has to attract advertisers with its own convoluted policies and arbitrary rules.
These constraints lead to the establishment of a formula approved by the producers, the artists, and, above all, the streaming platform; the audience remains a risky bet. Now, if this formula is in the hands of a skilled storyteller, you'll be so overwhelmed by the emotions, themes, and performances that you won't care if things end up being predictable.
I think Task is a great example of this. However, if that same formula is used by a competent but unimaginative storyteller, it gives you the feeling that you've seen some version of this narrative before. And I think Land of Sin is a good example of this. Is it still worth watching? Let's find out. The Jester 2 interview with director Colin Krawchuk.
Peter Gronlund's Land of Sin tells the story of investigator Dani. She has a biological son, Oliver, from whom she is estranged, and an adopted son, Silas, who no longer lives with her. One day, she receives a call from Silas's biological father, Ivar, who is ill and informs her that Silas has disappeared.
After arriving in the village where Silas is from, Dani and her new partner, Malik, attempt to search for the boy, but are interrupted when Silas's body is found in a stream. While attending Silas's wake, Dani and Malik come to understand the complex family politics surrounding the land that gives the book its title.
Ivar and his wife, Boel, have (or had) three children: Silas, Vera, and Kimmen. Ivar's brother, Elis, and his wife, Katty, have two children: Jon and Harald. Elis's land is suitable for farming, while Ivar's other half is not. Therefore, he relies on his livestock, which is not as profitable as farming. That seems reason enough to resort to murder, but before Dani and Malik can delve into the nuances of this conflict, not only does another body turn up, but Oliver is arrested on suspicion of murdering Silas. The crux of the story lies in whether Dani can unravel this mess and free her son.
The Land of Sin, by Peter Gronlund, tells the story of police investigator Dani. She has a estranged biological son, Oliver, and an adopted son named Silas, who no longer lives with her. One day, she receives a call from Silas's biological father, Ivar, who is ill and informs her that Silas has disappeared. After arriving in the village where Silas is from, Dani and her new partner, Malik, try to find the boy, but their search is interrupted when Silas's body is found in a stream. As they attend Silas's wake, Dani and Malik begin to understand the complex family politics surrounding the land that gives the book its title. Ivar and his wife, Boel, have (or had) three children: Silas, Vera, and Kimmen. Ivar's brother, Elis, and his wife, Katty, have two children: Jon and Harald. Elis's land is arable, while Ivar's other half is not; therefore, he relies on his livestock, which isn't as profitable as farming. This seems like reason enough to resort to murder, but before Dani and Malik can delve into the nuances of this conflict, not only does another body turn up, but Oliver is arrested on suspicion of murdering Silas. The crux of the story lies in whether Dani can unravel this mess and free her son.
As mentioned earlier, Land of Sin's murder mystery approach didn't impress me much. If you're reading this review before watching the TV series, here's what you should do: write down your predictions about who might kill Silas.
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