Fans of Scandinavian crime drama have been waiting for the next Wallander or Annika Bengtzon to arrive on Netflix. While Dicte may not be as satisfying as either of those – two of the best TV shows on Netflix – it’s an entertaining and enjoyable Danish TV series.
Dicte takes its name from the main character, a 40-something woman who, recently divorced, has recently moved to Aarhus, works as a journalist and manages to find herself, quite often, in places where she finds a dead body or witnesses a crime. She soon becomes well acquainted with a local police inspector, Wagner, as she both helps and hinders investigations.
In addition to crime solving, the series focuses on Dicte’s relationships with Wagner, her two best friends, daughter, ex-husband and co-workers. At times, Dicte’s investigative work almost becomes secondary, though it is usually intertwined with her personal life. As the first episode opens, a teenage Dicte reluctantly places her baby for adoption. This becomes a recurring element; babies and children are a part of several storylines with Dicte’s past returning in various ways.
The series is lighter in tone than other Scandinavian mystery shows, more in line with some BBC and American series. The cheesy 80s style pop song that accompanies the opening credits seems grossly out of place. Still, like other European shows, the characters are realistic, regular folks, less glamorous than than those on crime shows in the U.S.
The impulsive and persistent Dicte Svendsen is convincingly played by Iben Hjejle, who American film buffs may remember from High Fidelity. Lars Brygmann plays policeman John Wagner. The two have a testy, ongoing banter. Dicte seems to insert herself into Wagner’s cases, and often comes across vital information that she may or may not reveal. Wagner is usually accompanied by a female cop, Linda Bendtsen, and Dicte’s sidekick is photographer Bo Skytte.
The show is based upon a series of thrillers by Elsebeth Egholm. There are 10 episodes of 45 minutes each in the first season; a pair of episodes completes a story. The series first aired on Denmark’s TV2 in 2013. A second season followed in fall 2014. Look for Dicte season 2 on Netflix in 2015.
UPDATES
(2 February 2016): Dicte Season 2 was briefly available on Netflix in late 2015 and early 2016. We will be watching closely to see if it shows up somewhere else.
(May 2016) Dicte Season 2 is back on Netflix! It should stay around awhile, but if you have been waiting for season 2, your best bet is to watch it now.
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below from TV2 does not. It will still give you a feel for the show.
Love it! Can’t wait for Season Two to get to Netflix!
Ditto!
WHEN??
Still no word from Netflix!
If you love dicte..and so do I, have you had a chance to check out THE LEGACY..its a Danish drama also….I am a Foreign series snob and The Legacy is awesome..Also Unit One is a great series ..
I am Danish and have been looking for Arvingerne “The Legacy” do you know how to watch from the beginning, Season 1 PLz 🙂
We really enjoyed this first year of Dicte. And, are great fans of all the Scandinavian mystry series as well. Thank goodness for realistic characters. American tv will never come close in that regard.
Thanks for commenting. It’s the realistic characters that bring me back to shows like this, too.
Really enjoyed this show, even though I sometimes questioned Dicte’s sanity as she kept getting herself embroiled in scary situations.
Yes, she does fall into the typical TV character trap of not using good judgement in potentially dangerous situations!
OK, we are almost 4 months into 2015…where is season 2 of Dicte on Netflix??!!
Good question! I have not been able to find a release date from Netflix. Let’s hope it’s soon!
Yes!! WHEN??
Still no word from Netflix about Dicte season 2. I have asked directly, but they are not releasing an actual date.
Love this show!! I have watched Wallander and Annika Bengtzon and enjoyed those as well. I can’t wait for Season 2!!
I was scanning thru Netflix looking for a show to watch and ran across this one. I couldn’t quit watching it. I was so glad to find out there is a season two. As satisfying as season one was it called for more.
It’s great that Season 2 is finally here!
Yes, we haven’t had a chance to watch and review yet. Netflix often releases new seasons with little or no notice!
We are anxiously awaiting season 3 now that we just finished 2!! My daughter and I love this show!
We were halfway through season 2, episode 7 when the series disappeared. We called Netflix and they said the contract had expired. Even if that is true, it is abominable cudtomer service. And, we pay for that. Shame on Netflux.
That is very strange. It does appear that only season 1 is currently available. If I can find out anything else, I will update. Sometimes Hulu picks up the series Netflix drops.
I just received the same story. weak! I was halfway through.
All I have been able to find out is that they no longer have the licensing for it.
It disappeared right after I watched episode 9 Season 2 — a total cliff hanger. I’m traumatized!
Those who would like season 2 of Dicte to return should contact Netflix. In the US, you can call or chat online from this link: https://help.netflix.com/contactus?locale=en-US
Yeah, same thing happened to me on netflix…liked the show, but could not find it to finish season 2.I wish netflix would give viewers notice. The show is enjoyable.
Season 2 is back on Netflix!
Yes it is! Thanks for alerting us!
Dicte actors are not selected for their looks unlike Hoywood actors who are better looking and perhsps less intelligent. Type-casting is seemingly more realistic except for Bo the swarthy Arab (Dar Amir) who is given a Danish last name. His acting is shall we say very middle eastern, showy, impulsive, macho and the least bit tolerant low key scandinavian.