Borgen - Power & Glory Season 1 Episode 5 A Near-Arctic State

Borgen - Power & Glory season 1 episode 5, "A Near-Arctic State," follows the political turbulence surrounding the conflict between Denmark and Greenland over oil drilling rights. The episode opens with Prime Minister Birgitte Nyborg arriving in Nuuk, Greenland, for a meeting with the Greenlandic premier, Aleqa Hammond.

As Birgitte and Aleqa discuss the proposed drilling, tensions rise due to the fact that Greenland legalizes exporting their resources independently. Aleqa believes that Greenland deserves a larger share of the revenue from oil drilling, but Birgitte insists that the current arrangement is fair, which leads to a heated argument between the two women.

Back in Copenhagen, political strategist Kasper Juul discovers that his secret affair with journalist Katrine Fønsmark has been leaked to the media. Katrine, who is already struggling to keep her relationship with her married boss a secret, faces increased scrutiny from her colleagues.

Meanwhile, Birgitte's personal life is also thrown into turmoil as her husband, Pilou, becomes increasingly distant. The strain on their marriage also has an impact on Birgitte’s work, as she struggles to balance her role as Prime Minister with her responsibilities as a wife and mother.

The episode also sheds light on the strained relationships between Birgitte’s political advisors. Conservative Bent Sejro and idealistic Kasper Juul are constantly at odds, and Birgitte finds herself caught in the middle of their disagreements.

As the episode progresses, the tension between Denmark and Greenland over the oil drilling rights becomes increasingly strained, leading to a crisis that threatens to derail Birgitte’s government. The episode ends on a dramatic note, with Birgitte confronting her adversaries head-on as she works to resolve the conflict and protect Denmark’s interests.

Overall, "A Near-Arctic State" is a compelling episode of Borgen, filled with tense political drama and complex character relationships. The conflict over oil drilling rights is handled in a nuanced way, exploring the perspectives of both Birgitte and Aleqa as they clash over what is best for their respective countries. The personal struggles of the show's characters also add depth and emotional resonance to the episode, making it a standout entry in the show's first season.