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Nobel is a Norwegian television series that was produced by NRK1 and first aired in October 2016. The show follows Lieutenant Erling Riiser, played by Dennis Storhøi, a soldier who has just returned home after serving in Afghanistan as a member of the Norwegian Special Forces. Riiser's life is turned upside down when he is recruited to work for Forsvarets Efterretnings Dienste (FDE), Norway's military intelligence agency.

The series takes place in Oslo, and most of the action takes place within the FDE headquarters. Here, Riiser is tasked with investigating a potential threat against Norway's oil supply. His job is to gather information, decipher intelligence reports, and identify any potential threats to Norway's national security. However, as Riiser navigates his new job, he begins to uncover sinister forces at play within the intelligence community. With his own life in danger, Riiser must use all his skills and knowledge to protect not only himself but also his country.

Throughout the 8-episode season, Riiser faces many challenges that force him to question his own beliefs and values. The show skillfully depicts the psychological strains put upon soldiers after returning from war, and how that can affect their ability to integrate back into civilian life. Riiser is a character that the audience can easily identify with, as he tries to find his place in a society that no longer needs him as a soldier.

Dennis Storhøi's performance as Erling Riiser is the backbone of the show. He brings a sense of gravitas to the role, portraying the character as a fiercely intelligent, yet vulnerable man, haunted by his experiences in Afghanistan. His character is multi-dimensional, as he struggles with issues of morality, self-worth, and personal identity. Storhøi's nuanced portrayal of Riiser allows the audience to sympathize and empathize with a character that is not always easy to understand.

The show's attention to detail is impressive; the filmmakers have gone to great lengths to depict the inner workings of a military intelligence agency accurately. All the jargon, procedures, and protocols used in the show are based on actual military intel practices. This attention to detail adds an extra layer of authenticity to the show and helps to bring the audience deeper into the story.

The show's creators also take their time to develop the supporting cast of characters. Most notably, Aksel Hennie's performance as HÃ¥vard Bakkeli, Riiser's former commanding officer, is captivating. Bakkeli is a man full of secrets, and Hennie plays him with a sense of quiet menace. The relationship between Riiser and Bakkeli is central to the plot, and the actors' chemistry is electric.

One of the show's strengths is its cinematography. The desolate landscapes of Afghanistan are in stark contrast to the sleek, modern interiors of the FDE headquarters. The show's color palette is predominantly dark and muted, reflecting the somber tone of the plot. The camera work and lighting create an atmosphere of tension and suspense, which adds to the show's overall sense of unease.

The show is not without its faults, however. The pace of the plot is slow, which may frustrate some viewers who are used to high-octane action series. Also, the show's relatively short run time means that some plot threads are left unresolved, which may leave some viewers feeling unsatisfied.

Overall, Nobel is an engaging and thought-provoking drama that will leave you wanting more. It is a series that rewards patience and attention to detail, as the show's many plot twists and turns require the viewer to pay careful attention. The acting, writing, and cinematography are all top-notch, making Nobel one of the best Norwegian TV series of recent years.