Aksel Borgen's return and the unjust conviction

He deserves a second chance, but is it possible to leave the past behind? This question permeates the Norwegian TV series 'Frikjent', where actor Nicolai Cleve Broch brings the character Aksel Borgen back to his hometown—a sleepy village caught between past verdicts and current TV drama. Premiering on March 2, 2015, on TV2 Norway and now also available on Netflix and TV 2 Play, the series is inspired by the real-life Birgitte Tengs case and depicts mysteries surrounding an unjust conviction. Created by Anna Bache-Wiig and Siv Rajendram Eliassen and directed by Rune Denstad Langlo and Geir Henning Hopland under TV 2 Norway, with Monster Scripted as a co-producer, 'Frikjent' unfolds a complex narrative about the challenging path of justice over 17 episodes across two seasons.

Frikjent's intense storytelling and ethical controversies

'Frikjent' excels at captivating audiences with an impressive storytelling style that navigates the nuances of morality and the justice system. However, the series also raises critical questions about using real symbols and images from the Tengs case, causing unrest among the bereaved. It places the audience in the tension field where fiction meets reality—a combination some critics find confusing. Still, 'Frikjent' is acknowledged for sharp character sketches and its ability to build an intense atmosphere. With an average viewership of 565,000 per episode, the series has garnered significant attention.

Norwegian miscarriages of justice and the justice system's dark sides

'Frikjent' goes further by expanding the debate on Norwegian miscarriages of justice, questioning the dark sides of the justice system often illuminated through media lenses. The series has sparked debate in Norway, particularly concerning its ethical considerations and portrayal of the Tengs case. Despite criticism, 'Frikjent' successfully engages a broad audience with its call to reassess journalistic and legal practices. Its blend of fiction and reality is surprising but manages to focus critically on the ongoing struggle for justice in the judicial system—a feat that earned it the Best Drama award at Gullruten 2016.

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