Ep 1. Decency in the Middle

In the first episode of Borgen, titled "Decency in the Middle," viewers are introduced to Birgitte Nyborg, a rising star in Danish politics who shockingly becomes the first female Prime Minister. Birgitte is married with two children, and we see glimpses of her family life amidst her political career.

The episode opens with a meeting between Birgitte and other members of her party, the Moderate Party. They are discussing strategy for the upcoming election, with Birgitte suggesting they focus on healthcare. However, the rest of the party is skeptical, thinking it's a "losing issue."

Meanwhile, journalist Katrine Fønsmark is introduced as a hardworking and driven reporter for a news program. She's trying to break a big story, and she finally gains access to a high-ranking politician who tells her something explosive. However, before she can get the story out, the politician mysteriously dies, leaving her without any proof.

Back in Birgitte's world, we see how difficult it is for her to balance her political career with her personal life. Her husband wants her to attend their daughter's important soccer game, but Birgitte can't make it due to a scheduling conflict. This leads to tension in their relationship, and we can see how much strain Birgitte's job puts on her family life.

Later, Birgitte realizes that the party leaders have made a deal behind her back, promising a potential coalition partner a spot in the cabinet. Birgitte is furious that she wasn't consulted, and she starts to realize the political game is not exactly what she thought it was.

As the episode progresses, we see Birgitte winning over some of her opponents with her intelligence, poise, and charm. She starts to gain confidence and truly believe that she can make a difference in the political landscape.

One of the most striking scenes in the episode comes when Birgitte is brought to meet the outgoing Prime Minister, and she's told about how much he liked the paintings in his office. It's clear that the previous Prime Minister didn't accomplish much during his time in office, and Birgitte is determined not to let that happen to her.

Ultimately, the episode ends with a mix of triumph and uncertainty. Birgitte gives a compelling speech in front of a large crowd, and we can see her momentum building. However, we also see the weight of her job continuing to take a toll on her personal life, with her daughter upset that she might miss another important event.

Overall, "Decency in the Middle" sets the stage for the rest of the series, introducing viewers to the complex and challenging world of Danish politics. We see how difficult it can be to balance personal and professional responsibilities, and we witness Birgitte's determination to make a difference despite the obstacles in her way.