I’m definitely occupied. In this case I’m occupied with “Occupied,” a whip smart video series streaming on Netflixabout Russia occupying Norway for the fjord-loaded country’s crude – oil that is. I stumbled on it while clicking through dozens of Netflix options over a wintry weekend (one of several) and the 5 star rating prompted me to click.
I was thrilled in the opening credits when I caught that Jo NesbØ (pronounced Yoo Nesboo) created the series. NesbØ is an author of a dozen international bestselling thrillers, a literal rocker, economist, reporter and evidently now a TV producer. This Norwegian multi-tasker is the coolest thing to an iceberg. His thrillers are edge-of-your-seat reads and this TV show is the best I’ve seen since House of Cards.
Here’s the deal — Norway’s Prime Minister has closed off oil production to focus on a new eco-friendly production method he’s about to launch. But, thanks to Russia and the EU ganging up, he’s forced to comply with re-opening his plants and sending the oil to Russia. Over the 10 episodes, the poor PM schvitzes (a global term) through kidnappings, murders, Russian espionage, invasions and an in-country, anti-Russian terrorist group, “Free Norway,” not to mention a wife who leaves for Paris and a head of security who plays both sides of the fence while reeling from stage 4 cancer. Whew! There’s more high wire tension than even Philippe Petit could handle. Plus there’s a handsome Norwegian security guy who unwittingly becomes a crucial Norway-Russia go-between.
I’ve always been amazed when actors can also sing, or singers can also paint, but Jo takes the cake. This good-looking, kaffe-drinking, music loving writer is the best thing since sliced grovbrØd.