I lived in Finland, so I "got" this. However, I don't think it would be a big success transferred to a foreign audience, at least not on the scale of other nordic/baltic dramas. The characters were quintessentially local and hard to relate to unless one knows the country.
The scriptwriters deserve a medal for the twists and turns in the story. I liked the typically Finnish humour they introduced to the narrative too. Everything was understated, allusions were made and discoveries tumbled out as the plot developed.
The wild vastness of the North with its ruined cabins, aimless inhabitants and wild west mentality was a major part of the plot as were the reindeer of the title.
There were deft touches; the bromance between the two bungling Wolverines was a study in Finnish reserve. No one screamed or shouted. Even under pressure, people appeared calm.
And we got a cliffhanger. So I hope there's another season coming.
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