Watch Alex

Alex is a gripping Swedish crime drama launched in 2017 and available on Amazon Prime. This intense and engaging show offers a unique blend of thrilling crime episodes and riveting personal drama, spinning both into a compelling narrative that keeps viewers coming back for more.

The story centers on the character of Alex Leko, portrayed by the charismatic Dragomir Mrsic. Alex is a seasoned cop with a troubled past, who attempts to wipe his slate clean but gets unintentionally drawn deeper into the underworld of Swedish organized crime.

Unlike the typical mainstream cop, Alex is a morally complex character. He's far from an ideal hero and has a dark side, deeply entrenched in the criminal underworld, while also trying to lead an ethical life. Due to his checkered past and tarnished reputation, he’s respected in the criminal world, but distrusted by his colleagues on the police force. Alex's internal struggle, his attempt to juggle two starkly different roles – a crooked cop trying to mend his ways, and a dedicated father and husband– forms the backbone of the series.

Co-starring in the series is Rakel Wärmländer who plays Frida Kanto, Alex's new partner and an ambitious homicide detective. She is the moral compass and counterweight to Alex. Unaware of his double life, Frida can't understand why Alex takes such reckless risks and is often caught in a moral dilemma. As she navigates her way through the dangerous terrain of crime investigations, she often finds herself in challenging situations, making her role an engaging watch.

The show primarily takes place amidst the stark, urban landscape of Stockholm, Sweden, creating a stark contrast with the dark underbelly of the city’s crime scene. The city becomes more than a backdrop and turns into an integral part of the narrative, with its cold, eerie beauty adding a sense of melancholy and unsettling calm.

The narrative of Alex is suspenseful and the pace is brisk, replete with unexpected twists and turns. While the series primarily delves into the world of organized crime, it skillfully balances tightly knit personal dramas alongside the high stakes crime plot. This equilibrium brings a distinctive layer to the narrative, keeping the viewers on edge and emotionally invested throughout.

The series doesn't shy away from dealing with mature themes like corruption, betrayal, and violence. Similarly, it does not gloss over the gritty details of the Swedish underworld, but instead delves deep into the machinations of mob syndicates, displaying the same in all their harsh reality. The conflicts between love, duty, trust, and the thin line between right and wrong, take center stage as the plot progresses.

Showrunners have ensured that the series stands out with its distinct visual style. Borrowing heavily from Nordic Noir, a popular Scandinavian film genre, Alex incorporates bleak landscapes, low-light scenes, and a blue-grey color palette to depict a somber but realistic portrayal of Swedish life. This adds to the overall gloomy atmosphere, acting as a perfect backdrop to the complex storylines and complicated characters portrayed in the show.

The performance by Dragomir Mrsic as Alex is undoubtedly a prime reason for the series’ success. His portrayal of the conflicted cop with an equally compelling personal life provides the character a raw realism that makes it resonate powerfully with the audience. Rakel Wärmländer also impresses with her heartfelt performance as Frida, brilliantly showcasing the character's internal struggles.

In summary, Alex is a brilliant concoction of intense crime drama, in-depth character studies, and engrossing personal dramas. It offers an immersive experience into a world suspended on the precarious balance between law enforcement and organized crime. With a leading pair of uniquely layered characters and its authentic depiction of Sweden's vibrant but murky environment, Alex is a must-watch for those who appreciate intelligent, suspenseful, and character-driven crime dramas.

Alex is a series that is currently running and has 4 seasons (104 episodes). The series first aired on December 9, 2017.