Ep 1. The Speechless God

Maria Wern is a Swedish crime drama series that follows Maria Wern, a dedicated detective who solves complex murder cases that take place on the picturesque Swedish island of Gotland. Season 1 episode 1, titled "The Speechless God" introduces us to Maria Wern and her team as they investigate the murder of a young girl on the island.

The episode begins with a young girl, Emma Pettersson, being found dead in a remote forest area on the island. Maria Wern, played by Eva Röse, is called to the crime scene to lead the investigation. We see her arriving on the island, which is stunningly beautiful and filled with rich history. The atmosphere is eerie and tense as the audience is taken on an emotional roller coaster ride alongside the characters.

The investigation starts with the discovery of a shrine in the forest dedicated to a pagan deity named Odin. The shrine is adorned with offerings and the entrance is protected by a rune stone. This immediately captures Maria's attention, and she sets out to find out everything she can about the shrine and its connection to the murder.

As the investigation progresses, Maria meets with Emma's family, friends, and classmates, trying to piece together what happened to the young girl. It becomes clear that Emma was not very popular and had a difficult time making friends. Her father is a pastor, and Emma was brought up in a strict religious household. Her mother, who is more lenient, reveals that Emma had been struggling with depression and had recently stopped attending church.

Maria and her team meticulously go over every clue, interviewing witnesses and suspects, and uncovering secrets that the residents of the island have been trying to keep hidden. Relationships, betrayals, and dark secrets are revealed as they dig deeper into Emma's life. The audience is kept on the edge of their seats, trying to figure out what happened to the young girl.

Throughout the course of the investigation, Maria struggles with her own personal demons, including the death of her daughter. She is a determined detective, but also a mother who knows the pain of losing a child. Her emotions are raw and she never shies away from showing her vulnerability, which makes her a relatable and sympathetic character.

The cinematography in this show is stunning, with beautiful shots of the island and its rugged coastline. The music is haunting and adds to the eerie atmosphere of the show. The acting is top-notch, with all the actors delivering gripping and convincing performances that keep the audience engaged.

In summary, Maria Wern season 1 episode 1, "The Speechless God" is a gripping crime drama that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. With great acting, beautiful cinematography, and an engaging plot, this Swedish crime series is a must-see for anyone who loves crime dramas.