Masterpiece Season 40 Episode 27 Wallander: The Man Who Smiled

Wallander: The Man Who Smiled is the third episode of the second series of Wallander. The Swedish procedural crime drama series is based on a series of novels of the same name by Henning Mankell, and the titular character is played by the talented actor and director, Kenneth Branagh. The show is produced by the British network, BBC, in collaboration with the Swedish production company, Yellow Bird.

The episode opens with Inspector Kurt Wallander coming back from a vacation in Rome. He seems rejuvenated and is glad to be back on the job. Wallander's happiness at being back, however, is short-lived as he is immediately called upon to investigate the murder of a young woman. The victim is found in a field, and her death soon leads Wallander to uncover a tangled web of corruption and deceit that seems to involve his own colleagues.

As Wallander digs deeper into the case, he discovers that the young woman had a particularly close relationship with his colleague, Martinsson. He begins to notice that Martinsson seems to be acting strangely and that he is not being completely truthful about his relationship with the victim. In addition, Wallander discovers that a retired detective, Sten Torstensson, who had worked on a previous case, is also involved in the current one.

As the investigation unfolds, Wallander finds himself caught up in a web of corruption that seems to involve his colleagues and the higher-ups in the Swedish police department. He must navigate through this tension-filled environment and try to remain objective as he pursues the truth.

The dynamic between Wallander and Martinsson is especially interesting in this episode. Martinsson is seen as a bit of a golden boy, having risen quickly through the ranks of the department. However, Wallander senses that there is more to Martinsson than meets the eye, and his suspicions are further aroused as he delves deeper into the case.

The tension builds steadily throughout the episode, culminating in a tense and gripping finale that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats. Wallander's journey through the episode is not just about solving a crime but also about his own personal growth as he is tested in ways he never thought possible.

The episode is beautifully shot and showcases the beauty of the Swedish countryside and urban landscapes. The performances are also top-notch, with Branagh delivering an incredibly nuanced and complex portrayal of Wallander. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with actors Tom Hiddleston and Sadie Shimmin delivering memorable and impactful performances.

Overall, Wallander: The Man Who Smiled is a compelling and gripping episode that captures the essence of the series perfectly. The combination of Branagh's magnetic screen presence, the beautiful cinematography, and the intricate plot make for a viewing experience that is not to be missed. Whether you are a fan of crime dramas or simply looking for an engaging and thought-provoking television show, Wallander is a must-watch series.