Those Who Kill
Those Who Kill (Danish: Den som dræber) is a Danish crime drama television miniseries that premiered in 2011, consisting of one season with 10 episodes structured around five interconnected stories. The series centers on a specialized unit within the Copenhagen Police Department, where a determined prosecutor and a forensic psychologist collaborate to track and apprehend serial killers operating in Denmark.[1][2] Created by bestselling novelist Elsebeth Egholm, whose works inspired the narrative, the show explores the psychological depths of violent criminals while delving into the personal toll on the investigators.[2] Key cast members include Laura Bach as prosecutor Katrine Ries Jensen, Jakob Cedergren as psychologist Thomas Schaeffer, and Lars Mikkelsen as police inspector Magnus Bisgaard, whose portrayals drive the tension between professional duty and personal vulnerabilities.[1] Directed by filmmakers such as Kasper Barfoed and Niels Nørløv Hansen, the production emphasizes gritty realism and suspenseful pacing typical of Nordic noir.[3] The series received a 7.2 out of 10 rating on IMDb from over 4,300 user votes, praised for its atmospheric storytelling and character development, though some critiques noted inconsistencies in plot progression compared to other Scandinavian thrillers.[1] It spawned an American adaptation in 2014 starring Chloë Sevigny, which aired on A&E and focused on similar themes but relocated to Pittsburgh, earning mixed reviews for its intensity but criticized for repetitive elements.[4] It also inspired a Dutch remake in 2015 titled De Gelukkige Huisvrouw. Additionally, a 2019 reboot titled Darkness: Those Who Kill revived the franchise with new leads, including Natalie Madueño as profiler Louise Bergstein, achieving higher acclaim with an 88% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes for its dark, procedural approach to abductions and murders.[5][6] Overall, the Those Who Kill franchise has contributed to the global popularity of Danish crime dramas by blending forensic detail with emotional introspection.[7]Series overview
Premise
Those Who Kill (original Danish title: Den som dræber) is a crime drama series that follows a specialized unit within the Copenhagen Police Department focused on investigating serial murders, a relatively novel challenge in Danish law enforcement at the time. The unit is led by the ambitious Detective Inspector Katrine Ries Jensen, a young and driven investigator, and Thomas Schaeffer, a forensic psychologist with deep insights into criminal minds but a troubled personal history. Together, they employ advanced techniques such as psychological profiling to delve into the killers' fantasies, traumas, and behavioral patterns, marking a shift from traditional investigative methods in Scandinavian crime fiction.[1][8] The narrative unfolds as a procedural drama across ten episodes forming five two-part stories, each centering on a distinct serial killer case but interconnected through ongoing character development. Emphasis is placed on forensic analysis and the collaborative efforts of a support team including pathologists and IT specialists, highlighting the complexities of hunting perpetrators who defy conventional criminal profiles. This structure allows for a blend of standalone investigations with overarching themes of fear and mystique surrounding serial killers.[1][8] Central to the series are explorations of the psychological toll on its protagonists, as they grapple with the emotional weight of confronting human monstrosity and the blurred boundaries between their professional duties and private lives. Katrine and Thomas's partnership is strained by personal demons—her relentless ambition and his past burdens—mirroring the invasive nature of their work into everyday existence. These elements underscore the series' grounded portrayal of Danish policing, rooted in realism without supernatural or sensational deviations.[1][8] The premise originates from an original concept by bestselling Danish novelist Elsebeth Egholm, developed in collaboration with writers including Stefan Jaworski, to introduce serial killer narratives into Danish television, drawing from her expertise in crime fiction while emphasizing authentic investigative processes.[2][8]Format and production style
Those Who Kill consists of a single season with 10 episodes, each running approximately 45-50 minutes, structured around five two-part stories that investigate different serial killers while developing ongoing character arcs for the ensemble cast of the Copenhagen Police's special unit.[1] This format allows each pair of episodes to resolve an individual mystery, blending procedural elements with serialized personal drama, such as the strained relationships and internal conflicts among the detectives.[9] The production style employs a dark, atmospheric cinematography typical of Nordic noir, featuring a grey, grimy visual palette that underscores the bleakness of the investigations and the moral ambiguity of the crimes.[1] Filming primarily took place in and around Copenhagen, capturing the city's urban grit alongside rural outskirts to enhance the sense of isolation and tension in the narratives, with a strong emphasis on realistic depictions of police procedures, from crime scene analysis to forensic work, grounded in authentic Danish law enforcement practices.[1] This approach prioritizes psychological depth, exploring the mental toll on investigators and the killers' motivations without sensationalism.[8] The series highlights ensemble dynamics, portraying the investigative team as a collaborative unit rather than relying on a single heroic detective, which fosters layered interactions and shared vulnerabilities. Some episodes incorporate non-linear elements to shift perspectives, occasionally revealing glimpses into the killers' viewpoints to heighten suspense and ethical complexity. The original airing on TV 2 Denmark spanned from March 13, 2011, to May 15, 2011, with episodes broadcast weekly on Sundays.[1]Production
Development
The original 2011 Danish television series Den som dræber (Those Who Kill) was originated by bestselling crime novelist Elsebeth Egholm, who served as the main screenwriter and drew inspiration from her own novels exploring serial killer investigations and psychological profiling. The concept was developed in collaboration with co-writer Stefan Jaworski, with the project pitched to broadcaster TV 2 and commissioned as a 10-episode limited series set to premiere that year.[10][11] The creative team was assembled to capture an authentic Nordic noir style, emphasizing moody atmospheres, complex character psychology, and social realism in line with contemporary Scandinavian crime drama trends. Direction was handled by multiple filmmakers, including Birger Larsen for the pilot miniseries adaptation Fortidens skygge, Kasper Barfoed for episodes like "Øje for øje," and Niels Nørløv Hansen for "Utopia," ensuring a consistent tone across the season.[12][13][14] Despite early optimism for renewal, TV 2 opted not to proceed beyond the single season following its March 2011 airing.Casting and crew
The original Danish series Those Who Kill (Den som dræber) assembled a core cast of established Danish performers to portray the specialized Copenhagen police unit, emphasizing local authenticity in its depiction of serial killer investigations. Laura Bach led the ensemble as Detective Katrine Ries Jensen, selected for her proven intensity in prior Danish television and film roles that demanded emotional depth. Jakob Cedergren embodied the forensic psychiatrist Thomas Schaeffer, drawing on his background in psychologically layered characters from theater and screen. Lars Mikkelsen portrayed unit head Magnus Bisgaard, utilizing his extensive theater experience and rising television profile—particularly from his prominent role in the contemporary political series Borgen—to add authoritative nuance to the leadership dynamics.[15][16][17] Production responsibilities fell to Miso Film as the primary company, with Jonas Allen and Peter Bose credited as producers. The project involved executive producers Klaus Bassiner, Caroline Blanco, and Wolfgang Feindt, underscoring its multinational co-production framework spanning Denmark, Germany, Sweden, and Norway. The writing team, centered on bestselling author Elsebeth Egholm—who provided the foundational concept—and screenwriter Stefan Jaworski, included contributions from Morten Dragsted and Siv Rajendram Eliassen for episode scripts. Directorial duties were shared among Birger Larsen (helming the premiere and several pivotal episodes), Niels Nørløv, and Kasper Barfoed, ensuring a consistent thriller tone across the season.[3][18][19] Casting for the 2011 production prioritized actor chemistry between the leads during auditions, amid growing international buzz fueled by Mikkelsen's post-Borgen momentum. The ensemble remained predominantly Danish, forgoing significant international hires to preserve the narrative's grounded, Copenhagen-centric perspective.[1]Cast and characters
Main cast
Laura Bach portrays Katrine Ries Jensen, a determined detective inspector and lead investigator who drives the narrative through her pursuit of serial killers, appearing in all 10 episodes.[15] Bach is recognized for her roles in the educational comedy Rita (2012–2020) and the thriller miniseries The Head (2020).[20] Jakob Cedergren plays Thomas Schaeffer, a forensic psychologist whose profiling provides insights into the killers' minds, partnering with Jensen in all 10 episodes.[15] Cedergren is acclaimed for The Guilty (2018), Submarino (2010), and Terribly Happy (2008).[21] Lars Mikkelsen depicts Magnus Bisgaard, the head of the Serial Crime Unit who oversees operations and team dynamics, appearing in all 10 episodes.[15] An International Emmy Award winner for Best Performance by an Actor in Ride Upon the Storm (2018), Mikkelsen is known for roles such as Troels Hartmann in The Killing (2007–2012) and Charles Augustus Magnussen in Sherlock (2014).[22] Lærke Winther Andersen appears as Mia Vogelsang, a police officer and team member who assists in investigations, appearing in all 10 episodes.[15] Frederik Meldal Nørgaard appears as Stig Molbeck, another team member supporting the unit's investigations, appearing in all 10 episodes.[15]Recurring characters
Iben Dorner recurs as Benedicte Schaeffer, the wife of Thomas Schaeffer, appearing in all 10 episodes to explore the personal impacts of the job on family life.[15] The supporting cast was selected from established Danish television and theater performers to enhance the series' realistic depiction of police work.[15]Episodes
Season overview
The first season of Those Who Kill (Den som dræber) comprises 10 episodes broadcast on Denmark's TV 2 from March 13 to May 15, 2011, centering on the work of a specialized Copenhagen police unit dedicated to serial killer investigations, alongside the personal toll on its members.[23] The narrative unfolds through five distinct two-episode arcs, each tackling a unique serial murder case—from remains discovered in a forest to killings within a prison system and beyond—while progressively developing interpersonal tensions and professional growth among the team.[9] This structure allows for episodic resolutions tied to individual killers, yet maintains overarching themes of psychological strain and ethical dilemmas for the investigators, such as lead detective Katrine Ries Jensen's confrontations with her past.[1] Filming occurred throughout 2011 in Copenhagen and nearby rural locales north of the city, utilizing authentic Danish forests and urban sites to depict crime scenes and investigations with a grounded, atmospheric realism.[24] Although initially envisioned as a multi-season series, TV 2 confirmed in October 2011 that no second season would be produced, attributing the decision to declining domestic viewership despite international interest. A 90-minute special episode, "Fortidens skygge" (Shadows of the Past), directed by Birger Larsen, aired on March 15, 2012, revisiting the characters in a new case involving a bus shooting potentially linked to Schaeffer's past patient.[23]Episode summaries
The first season of Those Who Kill consists of 10 episodes aired in five two-part arcs, each focusing on a distinct case investigated by the special police unit led by Inspector Katrine Ries Jensen and profiler Thomas Schaeffer.[23] Episode 1: "Liget i skoven, del 1" (The Corpse in the Woods, Part 1)Directed by Birger Larsen and written by Rikke De Fine Licht, Siv Rajendram Eliassen, and Stefan Jaworski. Original air date: 13 March 2011.
The discovery of a young woman's body in a forest near Copenhagen prompts the formation of a new specialist unit to investigate what profiler Thomas Schaeffer believes may be the work of a serial killer.[23] Episode 2: "Liget i skoven, del 2" (The Corpse in the Woods, Part 2)
Directed by Birger Larsen and written by Rikke De Fine Licht, Siv Rajendram Eliassen, and Stefan Jaworski. Original air date: 20 March 2011.
The unit delves deeper into the forest murder case, uncovering links to Schaeffer's past as they pursue leads on the suspect's pattern of behavior.[25][23] Episode 3: "Utopia, del 1" (Utopia, Part 1)
Directed by Niels Nørløv Hansen and written by Rikke De Fine Licht, Torleif Hoppe, and Per Daumiller. Original air date: 27 March 2011.
A family is discovered murdered in their home, while another family is kidnapped and held captive in a similar location, forcing the team into a race against time to prevent further deaths tied to the perpetrator's twisted vision of perfection.[14][23] Episode 4: "Utopia, del 2" (Utopia, Part 2)
Directed by Niels Nørløv Hansen and written by Rikke De Fine Licht, Torleif Hoppe, and Per Daumiller. Original air date: 3 April 2011.
The investigation into the utopian killings intensifies as the unit tracks the captor's motives and attempts to locate the surviving family before the killer's plan unravels completely.[26][23] Episode 5: "Ondt blod, del 1" (Bad Blood, Part 1)
Directed by Niels Nørløv Hansen and written by Rikke De Fine Licht, Siv Rajendram Eliassen, and Elsebeth Egholm. Original air date: 10 April 2011.
A teenager is abused and killed in a high-security prison, and when a second inmate suffers the same fate, the unit probes potential connections to internal corruption or external vendettas.[27][23] Episode 6: "Ondt blod, del 2" (Bad Blood, Part 2)
Directed by Niels Nørløv Hansen and written by Rikke De Fine Licht, Siv Rajendram Eliassen, and Elsebeth Egholm. Original air date: 17 April 2011.
The prison murder probe expands, revealing deeper familial and institutional ties that challenge the team's understanding of the killer's motivations.[23] Episode 7: "Øje for øje, del 1" (An Eye for an Eye, Part 1)
Directed by Kasper Barfoed and written by Morten Dragsted, Siv Rajendram Eliassen, and Karina Dam. Original air date: 24 April 2011.
The body of a drug dealer is found, initially suggesting a turf war, but profiler Schaeffer goes undercover to expose a more personal cycle of revenge driving the violence.[13][23] Episode 8: "Øje for øje, del 2" (An Eye for an Eye, Part 2)
Directed by Kasper Barfoed and written by Morten Dragsted, Siv Rajendram Eliassen, and Karina Dam. Original air date: 1 May 2011.
The revenge killings escalate as the unit navigates undercover operations and uncovers the full extent of the vendetta linking victims and suspects.[23] Episode 9: "Dødens kabale, del 1" (A Deadly Game, Part 1)
Directed by Kasper Barfoed and written by Morten Dragsted, Siv Rajendram Eliassen, and Elsebeth Egholm. Original air date: 8 May 2011.
A murder appears to follow the rules of a complex psychological game, drawing the unit into a cat-and-mouse pursuit to decode the killer's elaborate scheme.[23] Episode 10: "Dødens kabale, del 2" (A Deadly Game, Part 2)
Directed by Kasper Barfoed and written by Morten Dragsted, Siv Rajendram Eliassen, and Elsebeth Egholm. Original air date: 15 May 2011.
The deadly game reaches its conclusion as the team races to anticipate the final moves and connect the crimes to Schaeffer's profiling insights.[28][23] These episodes interconnect through Schaeffer's psychological profiling techniques, which often reveal patterns across cases without resolving them in isolation.[1]