'Wisting' Episode 3 brings important issues about gun violence and family relations to the fore
Contains spoilers for Season 1 Episode 3 of 'Wisting'
In the third episode of 'Wisting', the Norwegian police realize that the FBI suspect serial killer Godwin could be linked to 12 other missing person cases in Norway.
As they hunt for the American serial killer, 'Wisting' takes its own time in establishing the complex structure of Wisting's (Sven Nordin) household. While no one discusses it openly, there has been a recent death in the family and it has affected all members at a very deep level. So when they get together during the holidays, there is a sense of dismemberment - as if they are not the same as they were when things were simpler. But then again, were they?
Another noteworthy thing about the show is how it portrays the differences between the American and Norwegian homicide investigations. Now you must bear in mind that the Norwegian police are not just good at solving murders, they are the best in the world.
So there is back and forth between FBI Special Agent Maggie Griffin (Carrie-Anne Moss) and Hammer (Mads Ousdal) clash with their principles.
That brings us to the red herring of the series. The fact that Hammer was not, in fact, what the show was leading us to believe — that he was holding someone in the basement of his home — got old a bit too fast.
For instance, the first time that we see the women held captive with surveillance cameras, our first inference is that she is one of the victims. In addition to that, Special Agent Maggie points out that Hammer is always on his phone distracted, only helped tie loose ends.
But when Hammer literally jumps out of the car to threaten young boys smoking marijuana, we realize that this is something very personal to him; that there is a tinge of regret in his actions.
Hammer, otherwise, is also a very interesting character on the show — he is blatantly open about it, not hesitant to express his disapproval of the American police.
More specifically, the use of arms by the American Police reiterating that the Norwegian police believe that more guns cause more violence — an ideology that is deeply entrenched in the real-life police system.
Episode 3 sets a chilling tone to the series. Even as the investigations are underway the police are running in circles making very slow progress yet steady and it is taking the audience with it. It is not a flaw really because one Norway is exquisite and two because the writing is thrilling.
The titular Norwegian detective Wisting has a visitor from the past — convicted killer Vidar Haglund (Christoffer Staib) is released from prison after 17 years and comes to confront Wisting. Now he believes that he is being followed by someone and that his life is under threat.
New episodes of 'Wisting' are available to stream every Wednesday on Sundance Now.