How did this slip through the net? Don't think money was uppermost in the minds of the makers of 'Farang', but they've woven together a rich suspenseful thriller-drama that restores my faith in Scandi-noir. Shot in Thailand, locations are used cleverly and action filmed with handheld cameras so you feel like you're there on the ground (road, marketplaces, cafes, beaches etc.) with the chief protagonists. Ola Rapace plays Rickard, a man with a mysterious past, joined by his estranged 15-year old daughter Thyra played by Louise Nyvall. Most of the characters in the series are flawed and double-edged with 'history' which leaves you guessing, but information is cleverly revealed a bit at a time. The acting throughout 'Farang' is first-rate, and, after seeing some pretty lame efforts recently ('Modus' and 'Acquitted', please take note!) finally it felt like "the grown-ups have entered the room". Ironic in a way, as Nyvall's performance is a real standout in the series. There are too many good performances to mention here (good supports from the Thai's, for example), but delighted at Claes Ljungmark's appearance late on as the double-crossed Kovac (people may remember his chilling psycho 'P' in Danish thriller 'Follow the Money' last year?).

I'm not sure if the storyline for 'Farang' is based on a novel series, but I hope it gets picked up for another season.