Pilot Review: Swedish Dicks

Swedish Dicks (Pop)
Premiered August 9 at 8pm

I don’t know what it is about Sweden – there are a number of shows that have started in the country and then been adopted as well-reviewed British or American series like “Humans” and “The Bridge,” two of my personal favorites. Recently, Sweden has also been the focus of some English-language shows, like the TV4-NBC sitcom “Welcome to Sweden.” Now, a show that started out on a Swedish streaming network almost a year ago is coming to the United States on Pop, and it’s all about two Swedes – make that ex-Swedes – living in Los Angeles. I’m always all about recognizing actors and being happy to see them in notable roles, and in this show, that’s Peter Stormare. Though he’s more recently served as one of the more legitimate elements of “Prison Break” and recurred on shows like “Longmire,” he’s most memorable for his portrayal of a relatively silent criminal paired with a very chatty Steve Buscemi in “Fargo.” Here, he’s embracing a comedic side. He’s pretty great as a private investigator who doesn’t mince words or actions, and he’s well-paired with a would-be DJ, Axel, played by Johan Glans, an established TV actor and stand-up comedian in Sweden. They’re funny together, and this is a fun spin on the buddy cop comedy. We only saw one glimpse of Keanu Reeves as an assassin, but his connection to this show is intriguing to me. I enjoyed these first two installments and considered picking this show up, but I think I pretty much know what to expect without having to tune in each week.

How will it work as a series? Ingmar’s relationship with his daughter is sure to be interesting, as is his constant battle with his nemesis, who he managed to get to drink from the piss jar after Axel lost the shooting competition. The episodic cases will probably be fun too, as evidenced by the first two that we saw.
How long will it last? That’s the good news. This show was renewed before season one even finished back in Sweden in October. The second season will also be broadcast on Pop, regardless of reviews or ratings, which don’t seem to be too easy to find. I think this show could go on for a while, though it’s likely it will just be a few seasons.

Pilot grade: B+