Lilyhammer: Season 1

Waffles, Goat Head, Fermented Trout & Un-Organized Crime In Norway! Watched by 1/5 Of The Population Of Norway!
MINOR SPOILERS:

"If I didn't watch the Olympics in 94!" Frank "The Fixer" opts for witness protection in Norway. An important distinction is that Lilyhammer is not a program about the Mafia or even crime. What the show is about and what makes it work is the cultural differences. Steven Van Zandt to his credit does not try to create a new mob persona and plays Frankie as he played Sil.

While the cultural differences are the base of the show, it is the subtle and not so subtle comedic moments (including the facial expressions of Steven Van Zandt) that make the show a pleasure to watch. Whether it is the jail cell that looks like a college dorm room (along with a guard that apologizes for locking the door) or the Employment Counselor that is genuinely offended when Frankie (AKA Johnny) attempts to bribe to get a liquor license, so that he can purchase a bar, the ancillary cast of characters keep the show fresh.

I watched all 8-episodes in 2-sittings...

Silvio Dante goes on Vacation
Hi, I liked this a lot. Van Zandt reprises his role as Silvio from the Soprannos but in a different incarnation. It's funny and "Johnny" sprinkles his dialog with little "remarks";like when he refers to a local cab driver as Travis Bickle. Cultural armageddon ensues when gangster colides with the polite Norwegians. I'm looking forward to Season 2.

Wow....NetFlix at Top of Game w/ Orig. Shows i.e. Lilyhammer, House of Cards!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just discovered Lilyhammer tonight on NetFlix streaming. Not only loved the show but just now realized Steven Van Zandt is the guitarist of Bruce Springsteen's Band. How many people even realize this? Van Zandt revamps his mafia character from Soprano's but adds a bit more humor to it. The writing is fantastic. In a world with so many awful TV series out there. This one is a gem. Check it out!

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