User Reviews

Dicte is more a soap opera than a detective/crime/journalism series. At least that's how I felt. There is a lot of family and friend drama, lots of cheating, sleeping around, etc. packed into one season. It seems that everything in the town that is worth a big story happens to Dicte, or right where she is, or to someone she knows, etc. Perhaps the town is too small. Or perhaps we are to appreciate that time passes between each story (two episodes each) so other, perhaps important, things have happened but Dicte wasn't there to poke her nose in. Regardless, many of the story lines seem contrived. But perhaps the one thing that really bothered me was the whole season seemed like a pro-life advertisement. Of course, this is done in a Danish, liberal sort of way, but still there is this overwhelming subliminal message (ok, not so subliminal...) that giving away your newborn is bad, that abortion is bad, that mothers who have to make these choices are, well, not good. And of course, all homes for children are bad, full of adults who want to abuse the children... In a way, the series can be interpreted as positive in many aspects regarding these issues (as Dicte is a good mother, despite the fact that she did give away her first born after being forced to by her religious parents) but somehow every time it tried to give some great message about babies and mothers, it seemed judgmental to me. Maybe something got lost in translation, or maybe, as someone suggested, the writing was not great to begin with. The series could have been more brooding and realistic if the chose to show the lives of some of the other characters, like the lonely detective, Wagner, but it seems like they wanted to keep the show more mainstream. Congrats for having a female gay character who actually has a healthy dating life and is not afraid to talk about it, but again, more on that would have been great.

All in all, Dicte is not at the same level with Wallander, for example, mostly due to the contrived stories and some weird thematic choices. The acting is actually descent, sometimes much better than descent, but the writing certainly has a long way to go.

Thankfully Netflix has added the first season of this to its streaming lineup otherwise I would never have even heard of it. I was hooked from the first episode and even though it was subtitled, soon you get so caught up in it you don't even realize you're still reading. Although Dicte is the main character, there is no shortage of surrounding characters whose stories are just as deep that you find yourself wanting to see more of them. The setting is beautiful, the stories intertwine perfectly from one to the next and the cast is superb.

My only complaint is that they haven't released the second season anywhere that I can view it, so I will have to wait, albeit impatiently, for the next episodes. If only America had more shows like this, I'd never leave the house.

I loved this show. LOVED this show. However, in Season 3 that all changed.

First, the good: There's a lot to like in "Dicte." Iben Hjelje - who was excellent way back in "Hi Fidelity" with John Cusack several years ago (check it out if you haven't) - continues to be a wonderful and versatile actress who lights up the screen with her infectious laugh and beautiful smile. The characters are well drawn; you care about what happens to them, and after two seasons I was definitely invested. The plots are interesting and don't only focus on one murder, although at times there are story lines that drift off, only to be picked up again in later episodes.

Now, the not-so-good: All of this unfortunately changed in Season 3. I won't spoil it for you, but I will say that the show took a drastic turn and went off in a completely different direction - it became stressful and ultimately an unhappy experience for me, so I quit watching halfway through. The show's creators had a wonderful thing going; I understand wanting to try something "new," but in this case, it just didn't work. Without being able to give any context this is difficult to explain, but after one episode you'll see what I mean.

It's too bad; there are so few great shows out right now and "Dicte" was a fun twist on the excellent-but-too-prevalent Scandanavian police drama. That said, if it ain't broke, please don't fix it. Too late on this one. Definitely check out seasons 1 and 2, though!

Dicte is a good break from the slick over-directed over-produced American dramas. It shows normal people with crooked teeth and not a lot of make-up solving gritty crimes and involved in many of life's dramas. I particularly enjoyed the nature of the Danish people, being open and interactive, divorcing a little too much perhaps, but very human, leading good lifestyles. It is not all about lawyers, psychopaths, terrorists and greedy people like I often see in dramas in North America. They are like the British and the Canadians, living in a somewhat civilized society where people care about each other. I really appreciate not too slick and not too always money-oriented. Is is a really refreshing series that I found most compelling to watch.

Workmanlike Danish crime/human interest drama that ticks pretty much all the boxes we've come to expect. Young (-ish = late 30s/40s) professional female protagonist, check. Hipper and funkier than other people her age, as against more conventional friends and co-workers who seem occasionally bemused or irritated with her behavior, check and check. With her career, has to juggle raising one or two children more or less alone, and then a mystery crops up, check. Old boyfriend or ex-husband lurking around for color, check. Bad guys, if any, most likely to be right-wing, religious, or foreigners, check. A cast with familiar faces such as Iben Hjelje (from "Dag,") Laerke Winther Andersen ("Den som draeber," "Bankelot"), Dar Salim ("Broen," "Borgen," "Livvagterne," "Game of Thrones,") and Lars Brygmann ("Borgen," "Bankerot," "Rejseholdet") has crewed the show through three seasons now, very watchably. If you are not already a Nordic drama fan, this show is unlikely to win you over; if you are, however, you will enjoy it.

..so many productions appear artificial, or produced for 'effect.' This is a show that feels 'real-life'. These characters do not come off as actors, and that is something so welcome in sitting back and watching things play out. Iben Hjejle is a favorite actor, on either side of the pond... she is just so natural. Have been fortunate to see her in other works... she never disappoints. She is someone you would just like to meet and really get to know. Of course the story lines have to been taken independently, because no one person would have so much happen to them in real-world situations. But there is something truly unique in this production, it has a warmth and closeness, and she and all the other regular cast members make that happen time and again. So glad it does sparingly occur, because it gives hope it will somehow come about again. Special is special... even if it does not happen very frequently.

I'm expecting more spin-offs from this show like Bob - Builder and Sam - Fireman, but seriously, I rather enjoyed this first UK showing of yet another Scandinavian crime series. Nordic Noir it isn't though, at least in this meet-the-characters episode, as we drop in on recently divorced, middle-aged, single mum and to top it all, crime reporter Dicte in the small town of Aarhus. Not unnaturally we quickly enter fully into her world, which brings forth her mildly rebellious teenage daughter, two forty-something girl-friends, still-sniffing-around ex-husband and her various newspaper colleagues and police contacts. These will no doubt provide plenty of back - stories in future episodes, especially, I don't doubt, her initially frosty relationship with the super-thin, also recently divorced police detective Wagner, which I expect to morph into something warmer in time.

Human interest aside, I was more entertained by the interesting plot line, surrounding surrogate mother Eastern European prostitutes, with Dicte unconventionally finding the first body while answering a call of nature. This was just one of many examples of the wry, pithy humour on display and while some of the connections in the story seem either contrived or coincidental, my enjoyment wasn't dulled too much.

I liked the acting too, especially Dicte and the detective, who also has a scene-stealing Bolshie young female assistant too. I hope future episodes concentrate on the criminal reporting side rather than the temptation to fall into "Sex and the City" territory, but for now this was an encouraging start to a series I'll return to for my latest subtitled cop-show.

This series, retitled 'Dicte - Crime Reporter' here in the UK, follows crime reporter Dicte Svendsen as she reports on, and gets involved in, various cases in her home city of Aarhus, which she has returned to after some time away. She lives with her teenage daughter, Rose, and usually ends up working with policeman John Wagner. The cases typically, but not always, concern murders. These cases are each two episodes long although they were combined into single double length episodes here. As well as the mysteries there are ongoing personal stories involving Dicte and her friends' various relationships, personal and professional problems.

Amongst all the 'Nordic Noir' this series is lighter fare with its shorter individual cases and a protagonist who is closer to the enthusiastic amateur of classic whodunits than more realistic police investigations. Dicte constantly gets herself into situations that put her in danger or could get her arrested in real life. The cases are intriguing and the characters' personal lives are entertaining if rather chaotic... some might say soapish. The cast does a fine job; although not being Danish I can't comment on their accents. Most notable amongst the cast are Iben Hjejle, who plays Dicte; Lars Brygmann, as Wagner; and Dar Salim, who plays photographer and Dicte's love interest Bo Skytte. Overall I'd certainly recommend this for fans of crime drama looking for something lighter than most recent Nordic offerings.

These comments are based on watching the series in Danish with English subtitles.

Denmark is a country/society well known for women with strong character and goals, women who do not lose heart because of setbacks. They are usually engaged at politics, law machinery, or journalism - as Dicte Svendsen in Aarhus, in the 2nd largest city. There is different kind of crime out there, but as there is more focus on women characters, the crimes are related to adultery, children, health, etc., i.e. "softer" topics. The course of action is quite smooth though, and leading actors like Iben Hjejle as Dicte and Lars Brygmann as John Wagner (I have discovered his talent and nicety rather recently) provide additional value to the series of 10 episodes (you better watch them in succession, flashbacks can be confusing). Moreover, there is a catchy supporting cast, particularly Dar Salim as Bo Skytte and Thue Ersted Rasmussen as Peter Boutrup; the ladies performing Dicte's best friends tend to remain in the shadow of Hjejle. Another "underplot" is provided by nice panorama of Aarhus and surroundings, making me feel like to visit the place again (after ca 20 years).

Well, Dicte is no Bro/Broen or Forbrydelsen, but in line with Anna Pihl, for example. Anyway, admirers of Hjejle and Brygmann will not be disappointed.

As so many have said, the first two seasons of Dicte were refreshingly different from other programs available on Netflix. The characters were believable, they generated strong emotional responses, and the story lines were unique and interesting.

This all rapidly changed for us in the third season when several of the principle characters were replaced, and Dicte's self adsorbtion, self righteousness, and tendency to believe she had the right answer to all questions exploded to unwatchable levels. Dicte changed from a flawed but likable character to a despicable one who treated the sacrifices and contributions of others as her due. . Bad job Danish writers! Kudos to actors--who delivered strong performances.

Loved season 1, 3 strong women characters, good plots, great interactions male detective adds value. Season 2 starts ok then goes off the rails. Dicté becomes a neurotic a$$ , my favorite character gets killed due to Dicte's actions. Season 3 is just stupid people doing stupid men things. Dicté is so hung up on her own problems that she hurts all around her. I rate season 1 a 9, season 2 a 7 and season 3 a 2. So, average 6.

We watched season 3 just for completeness. It was painful. Each character that we liked in season 1 (except Torsten, his wife and Dicte's daughter) did mean things over the course of time so we ended up disliking all of them. With no characters to like the truly simple minded plots became a series of who cares. Don't watch season 3, make up your own endings. They'll be much better.

This is a crime drama somewhat like "Agatha Christie's Poirot", not possible but amusing. I doubt any policeman or policewoman would work with a reporter like here and all the crimes were solved basically by this reporter. The leading woman, Dicte, is quite real, I bet in this world, you could spot one somewhere. She is really a pain the a**, but I like her. As long as I am not a guy who falls in love with her, I'd love to have a friend like her, she is truthful and very funny.

Crime reporter Dicte (Iben Hjejle) stays ahead of criminal investigators John Wagner (Lars Brygmann) and his snarky aide Linda Bendtsen (Ditte Ylva Olsen) in solving cases, and sometimes can't help getting involved as well.

Dicte is a light-hearted show about the continous dance between news reporters' drive to inform the public and police attempts to keep a lid on. In this show, solving a case usually takes two episodes. Meanwhile, Dicte and the rest of the characters have their own stuff to figure out. That usually involves a bit of banter, casual sex, but also more serious issues, such as searching for her son whom she had to give up for adoption when she was a teenager.

Dicte is an entertaining show, but don't expect extensive plot twists or a ground-breaking cinematic experience.

Unless I forgot something badly (and in this case it was probably not something good enough to remember) this may be my first TV series from Denmark that I see in the last 20 years or so, and the second after Lars von Trier's The Kingdom which amazed me in the mid 1990s. It certainly is not a masterpiece as I consider to be von Trier's series (and most of his movies) but a very decent detective story and good entertainment.

Aarhus is a place whose name I know about since I was a kid, and so does any kid or former kid who was a passionate of geographical atlases and was looking in the index and dreaming to travel to all those places. It was the first or one of the first in any index, a city too small to ignore on the map of a country it took me about 40 years to get to for the first time. Aarhus is also the place where the first season of Dicte - Crime Reporter happens, with the Big City (Copenhagen) reporter Dicte Svendsen (Iben Hjejle) moving to the local edition of a newspaper together with her teenage daughter, running a failed marriage. Actually almost everybody in this film runs away bad marriages, with the exception of the ones who are single (that includes also the very young ones) - I am wondering if anybody is happily married in Denmark. Dicte is joined by her two good friends who have each her own marital or relationship problems, but the skeleton in her closet (very soon taken out) is much darker, as her past includes a teenage pregnancy and having lost her child sent to adoption. All murder cases that start to appear (it is a detective series, after all, and a good one) are also to some extent related to kids, adoptions, and her own past. Of course, detective Wagner (Lars Brygmann) who is her police counterpart is ... divorced.

There is a lot of fuzz about Scandinavian crime novels, films and TV series, about the foggy or snowy landscape. Dicte - Crime Reporter is a little different, maybe it's the fact that Denmark is at the Southern extremity of Scandinavia that makes this film look a little more sunny and better lit than other Scandinavian series. However, what is missing in landscape is better articulated in the characters. Good acting helps, with Iben Hjejle, Lars Brygmann, Lærke Winther Andersen, Lene Maria Christensen - all giving good performances and the unknown faces (at least for viewers not familiar with Danish TV and cinema) helps making the characters more credible. The important thing I believe is that eventually we get to know them and care about them - this makes for the good quality of this refreshing crime series. I am looking forward for the next two seasons, and I hope that the Israeli cable channel acquired them as well.

Need I say more? Dicte drove me crazy. Are all Scandinavian ladies like her??? Like I said... hard to watch... but I couldn't stop.

Love this show. A cast of highly developed characters. All characters are flawed, but you still care about them. Dicte drives me nuts with her unbridled emotional response to life, but that's just excellent acting. My favorite character is John Wagner (Lars Brygmann). Thanks so much to MHz Choice to bring Dicte to the USA.

Dicte is very entertaining, also because of the main character's quite obnoxious behavior and the wide range of topics addressed. Also nice are the long developing character lines, although funny enough Dicte herself remains pretty much the same throughout. Nice to watch together, contains enough fun and thrill for any couple.

A great couple of series so far for the enjoyers of detecting thrillers. Coming from the journalistic angle, the impulsive behaviour of the main character, makes for a blessing and a curse

While Dicte doesn't pale totally in the comparison with other Nordic series production-wise, its script has lots of apparent flaws in terms of credibility and the characters lack depth of any kind. People behind the series seemed to have been too unfocused to decide whether they should develop a soup opera or a crime series.

Consequently, Dicte fails to satisfy a fan of hard-boiled crime series like me because the dramatic development of the plot of every episode is just way too schmaltzy to strike the right note.

And again, the main characters are not only flat and uninteresting but ridiculously unconvincing. For example, nobody who knows how things work in a Nordic country should believe that a journalist is allowed an entry into an office of crime investigators without some strict monitoring.

I like Netflix is adding international TV-shows. The first two seasons were great. The third season did a different turn out. Didn't like it.

I know I look to UK, Europe and Scandinavia for classy dramas. Crime dramas are my favorite genre. Costume dramas a close second. So, I ate up the Swedish "Wallander". I ate up the Swedish girl with the tattoo series. I like a darker Brit series, like "Luther".

"Dicte" must be for a different audience entirely. I guess even the Danes have the soap opera crowd who just want feel-good TV drama. This series really disappointed me. The writing is downright vapid in some cases. The dialog is curt and lacking any depth. It is like high school cafeteria fare. The characters are flat and undeveloped, almost laughable.

I feel like the actors did their best with what they were handed. There is the frequent glimmer of talented acting, despite the lousy story lines. However, that isn't enough for me to return to this brand in the future.