User reviews

I watched the entire series and thought the first season was an amazing, drama/mystery driven by Sci-Fi. Few series have been so well-written: it had me looking in many different directions - spending as much time trying to figure out the mystery as I did getting to know each character, the environment and the hard science (coupled with fictional science). The first season is easily a 10.

The second season went off the rails. I'd rate it a generous 4. While the central premise remained, it shifted toward pseudo-nonsense (I'm trying hard not to give anything away). The storyline wasn't nearly as tightly written (sloppy at times) while everything was forced through a new lens of pure mumbo-jumbo nonsense.

Many of the core characters remained in place, some just disappeared without a proper ending, some secondary characters were given back stories but it was the segue into mumbo-jumbo that did nearly all the harm. The only reason I stayed the course was because of the strength of the first season and to watch the backstories of some of the characters who were given greater roles. I also held out hope that the season would straighten itself out and shift back into Sci-Fi and tighter writing. I was disappointed...

The third season (only four episodes long) shifted back toward "sci-fi science" but the stench of the mumbo-jumbo, pseudo-nonsense hung in the air, intermingling with the stronger premise established in season 1. I'd rate this season a 5 overall. It doesn't quite close the chapter on all characters but does so on most central/core characters. Not sure why this season was only 4 episodes long, certainly the last episode felt rushed but by this point, I was happy to see the series end. I felt that a continuation would further damage one of the best first seasons of any Sci-Fi show I've ever watched.

Recommend watching the first season only (10 rating). The other seasons will disappoint.

Side notes: (1) I had to look this up: Dennis Quaid was 63-64 years old during the last two seasons. I just couldn't get over how much younger (and fit) he looked. (2) Verónica Echegui: great performance, an uncommon beauty. (3) Stanley Tucci: his character helped define the first season and keep it "real" (4) Michelle Fairley: as a GoT fan, nice to see her here (5) Edvin Endre: as a 'Vikings' fan (the Ragnar Lothbrok years only), it was good to see him here too. He's got an "edge" to his acting which comes across very well on screen (6) Robert Sheehan: great in 'Misfits' and 'The Umbrella Academy'. While Stanley Tucci represented a stabilizing force (made the first season smart and adult-driven), Sheehan (sadly) served as the vehicle that knocked 'Fortitude' off the rails and nearly destroyed the series.

First and second season were fantastic and really enjoyed watching, I was so looking forward to the final season but was very disappointied. I agree with other comments writers did not put much effort into tying up the whole story or characters stories.

Fortitude is not your typical drama. It moves slowly, like the ice locked landscape in which it is set.

Its not a series for the impatient. You have to be willing to invest time in this series and accept long periods where partial knowledge and confusion are the norm. If you can do this then you may "warm" to Fortitude.

Without giving too much away very little in this series is what it first appears to be. A police who dun-nit that ever so slowly reveals other secrets that have a lot to do with time, ice and the preservation of "seemingly" dead things.

The cast is top notch and includes the likes of the wonderful Michael Gambon, for those who remember exceptional series like The Singing Detective.

A well deserved eight out of ten from me.

The best summary I saw here said, "Superb show not for faint hearts or the lazy." That about sums it up. I'm shocked at all the negative reviews here.

I just finished Season 1. The story can be very hard to predict at times. When it's predictable I still wasn't *sure* I was predicting correctly.

Other reviewers' complaints: Character names aren't realistic - I don't care. Characters seem to act stupid or erratic - I agree, but that's part of the mystery of the story. Characters don't zip up their coats properly for the supposed temperature - really? Norway doesn't have sheriffs - this show is clearly intended to attract a global audience, not just Norwegians, so who cares if some aspects get watered down a bit for the general viewing public? Story is boring - I'm sure they didn't watch the same show I did.

There are a LOT of characters in Fortitude. It's the new style of TV, and it works here. There's a lot going on, including a lot of back-story explained along the way. And, most important to me, the characters are easily distinguishable. They look different, dress different, have unique faces (some are actors I recognize which helps). The casting here is superb and really helps one follow the twisting storyline.

Dark, moody, cold and somehow claustrophobic, Fortitude is a very fun show. Sort of like Northern Exposure but with the creepiness of X-Files.

I'd love to know the story behind the debacle of series three. The first series was reasonably well constructed, lovely vistas. The second series tried to move the original themes forward and failed. The third series looked like somebody got the viewing figures and said, " right, that's enough, this has descended into melodramatic gory crap. Let's cut our losses now!".

Note: - I am writing this review after watching only episodes 1-6 out of 12.

When you first start watching Fortitude, or see the trailers for this series, you would be forgiven for thinking that this is simply a by-the-numbers Danish inspired thriller, which even stars Sofie Gråbøl from The Killing! However, as the episodes roll on, it soon becomes clear that Fortitude is an entirely different piece of television. It may be a bit of a cliché to say this, but there is a vibe of Twin Peaks around this series. I cannot say much without spoiling it, but let's say that as the show continues it is becoming more and more genre fluid. It is no longer simply a crime drama. Fortitude is evolving into something that is dark, weird and unnerving, and I mean that all in a good way.

The series is set in the Norwegian community of Fortitude, a place of so-called perfection where crime does not exist… until one of the local residents is found brutally murdered, and the secrets of this community start to unravel. The writing in this series is simply wonderful. It is intelligent, and seems to be deliberately paced slower than most modern crime dramas. This helps to give gravitas to the story, and build a heavy atmosphere, which is equally helped by a wonderful and dark soundtrack. Praise should be given to the fantastic location this series is filmed in. Fortitude and its barren, icy landscape are simply beautiful to watch and they hold an eerie charm.

The large list of characters serve the story well, with Stanley Tucci being a particular highlight as the kind, but manipulative DCI Eugene Morton, who is sent over from the UK to investigate the murder. Michael Gambon also puts in a joyful performance as the dying and mournful Henry Tyson, while Richard Dormer plays the emotional and rock headed Sheriff of Fortitude. Christopher Eccleston plays local biology researcher Professor Charlie Stoddart and as I mentioned above, Sofie Gråbøl plays the mayor of Fortitude, who trying to hang on as her vision of the town and its future crumble around her. There are many other character I would like to comment on (Such as Darren Boyd's creepy resident, and Phoebe Nicholls as the no-nonsense local Doctor) and my one complaint about the series, perhaps, is that the cast is so large that I fear some characters could be side-lined and even forgotten about. With six episodes still to go, I hope that is not the case.

A final note of warning though, episode 6 probably contained the goriest scene I have experienced on TV before. This will not be a series for the faint-hearted, but if you enjoy something that is smart, dark and a little weird, then Fortitude may just be perfect for you.

First two seasons were really good and me and my partner loved the show. Third season was short and rushed and disappointing. There was enough going on in the storyline to make it a full 10-12 episode season, but they hurried and crammed it all into the fourth episode

From the first episode I found this show to be mesmerizing. The dark, cold atmosphere of the area is well depicted but doesn't depress. The characters are true to life and all seem to have their histories, loves and hates. The community is close knit although the inhabitants come from various parts of the world. The determined FBI agent sent to the town is viewed with suspicion.The woolly mammoth that was dug up early on in the series lies in a shed and one feels the menace emanating from its carcass. Is this the source of the horrors? The story unfolds slowly but dramatically, the build up is excellent. From the start it keeps the watcher thinking is this sci fi or is there another dark secret. Can't wait for the second season.

Fortitude is a great show: exotic, thrilling, well played, with an outstanding story.

The photography as well as the music are perfectly in tune with the story, making it a must-watch thriller series in my opinion.

At about episode 7, I must say I fear for the worse as I'm not sure the story can develop and keep getting interesting and still realistic with no cheap trick, but I'm placing hope in the screenwriters that did a brilliant job so far.

TV seems to be the best format for actors to show their worth. I'm never been that impressed with Stanley Tucci.

I did not know the other actors that well, but many deliver super solid performances, among them Richard Dormer, Sofie Gråbøl and Darren Boyd.

I'm not sure where to start. I have just finished the last episode of the third season.

The first season was absolutely enthralling. Set in a remote community in Norway/Iceland (!) the governor of Fortutude has plans to build an hotel in the glacier. It is designed to be the ultimate in luxury accommodation. The planning report has gone in and is waiting to be approved. However the discovery of a relic revealed to the guy doing the report forces him to review it and he is murdered. Then begins a complex but reasonable storyline of an insect suspended in permafrost, which begins to infect inhabitants of Fortitude. 10/10 for the first series!

The second series continues the storyline but with a more conspiratorial side. Politics and business madness intoxifies the scientific research and progression of the infestation from the first series. 8/10 for the second!

HOWEVER. The third is just a spoof. The characters become ridiculous and the storyline is held together by a gnat's hair. Pardon the pun. If you seriously enjoyed the first and second series I would suggest you will gain nothing from watching the third. There is no conclusion and it feels almost as if one of the producers said "we got them hook line and sinker with the first two series, let's make a third and charge £12.99 for the dvd. That'll get 'em!!" Third series 2/10.

I got caught out! It really is so disappointing, I thought the overall tone was very "Twin Peaks" but it felt it went offline in the very same way. Shame. Sad face.

It's really annoying, that Imbb hasn't got the feature, so we can rate each season, but only episode by episode, or an overall rating for all seasons

I would very much appreciate if they would introduce this feature.

So far I have rated season 1 with a 7, I found it creepy,and a well told story, with few mistakes.... For season 2 I have only watch 2 epsiodes......but it seems like it will be a 6'er, but let's see

Especially the 'season rating' would go for series like Game of Throbes....season 1-5 was a 9. Season 6 was a 8. Season 7-8 was a 1 or 2

So please imdb, if you read this, please introduce the feature to rate each season...thanks.

Season 1 was good .Season 2 was far fetched and Season 3 was ridiculous .I felt like I did when LOST ended - all that for nothing .Started off well and then seemed to lose direction .Nice shots of the snow though !

I don't believe IMDb anymore. This is a really interesting show, intriguing and enigmatic. It's probably too complicated for many on here who cannot connect the dots because of its complicated story-line. Brilliantly acted and beautifully filmed. I am totally hooked and cannot wait for the next episode. By no stretch can this be called boring. I am slowly learning that there are many on here who cannot discern good TV or movies. I was shocked to the core recently that most people liked 'I Saw the Devil,' A ridiculous South Korean movie and gave it high ratings, when it is the biggest pile of drivel ever committed to film. Watch it and see. My goodness, it is bad, but Fortitude has my backing for sure. I realise that we all have different tastes, but in a court of law, Fortitude would be vindicated as good but I Saw the Devil would be laughed out of court for the pile of dross that it is.

Scenery that makes you think, "Is this really our planet?", but also draws you into an almost desolate place with a fear of death not only by the elements, or polar bears, but now a murderer.

A town like this in the middle of nowhere needs to thrive on something, and when one of its main sources of income shows sign of possible loss, the town now relies on another source of income, and this income that could be their hope for the future, comes under threat.

There are many interesting characters introduced quickly, perhaps too quickly, but enough to let you know - you have no idea who is guilty of what, yet. However, the plot gives enough away to throw possible red herrings, and the end of the episode leaves you wanting more.

Two thirds of the way through, though hooked, I felt, "What is going on here?", not good, but not bad either. By the end of the episode though, there is enough to make you need to see the next step, to see the new detective in town prove his worth against people that either want him in, or want him out. Everyone has a reason to see that detective leave or stay.

Come on now, please do a Broadchurch season 1, not a season 2;)

/refers to Season 1/

At present, Brits and Scandinavians (Danes and Swedes in particular) are apparently the most versatile and distinct creator of thrilling crime series; even when clichés available, there are always new angles or approaches, plus competent choice of talented performers, many without global fame. All this also applies to Fortitude, where e.g. always great Stanley Tucci, Michael Gambon, Sofie Gråbøl do not stick out too much, so there is a nice team playing and level differences are conditioned by the "goodness" of a character, not by talent (in my opinion, Gråbøl's character was not too versatile and visible).

As the plot, there were moments when I feared that events would take a too sci-fi turn, but, with the help of flashbacks, mysterious and criminal events found their satisfactory solution (well, a certain scene with flies was too much though). And the Nordic nature, wow... I have had some opportunities to experience it with my own eyes, but it is still magnificent to watch - usually not outside, but inside - as snow is beautiful, but -20 and below C are not...

All in all, another strong brick in the wall of thrilling series. And yes, combining the best from Brits and from Scandinavians can provide a meaty result as well, with inclusion of some other good actors from outside of these areas.

PS Season 2 is even catchier, due to Squaid and Stott.

Season 1 was riveting. It was interesting, suspenseful and intelligent. I particularly enjoyed Stanley Tucci as a detective sent to the tiny, snow covered Norwegian town to investigate a possible serial killer. His Det. Morton is calm, serious, and dedicated to his mission. He is met with resentment from Sheriff Anderson who does not want an outsider taking over his case, especially since he too may have something to hide. Tucci's understated performance as Morton is a perfect counterpoint to the quirky inhabitants of the town who live in that isolated community. The investigation takes an unusual turn and a plausible sci-fi element is added to the plot. The show is highly recommendable.

Unfortunately, season 2 was quite different. Season 2 is again about solving murders but involves supernatural forces, mad doctors, corporate plots and bizarre plot twists not remotely believable. Det. Morton is not in season 2. Sheriff Anderson's personality is far different from season 1 and less interesting. Without Tucci, it seems the producers wanted another "name" American actor and hired Dennis Quaid. But while Tucci always disappears into his characters, Quaid always plays Quaid. Here he is again the tough, smart, honest, forthright town citizen trying to help solve the mysteries. The entire production seems more like a cheesy Si-Fi network movie.

This is a high class, high production value series. Well-written, well-acted with important and also unsettling themes. The start does make demands of the viewer but it is worth sticking with as all will, eventually, become clear. Far, far better than the dross that is so often served up on TV. Not everyone will have enjoyed this series because it is intricate, has a number of story lines running throughout and has a slow burning Scandinavian-style pace. There are surprises and real, genuine shocks combined with genuinely scary parts. The mirroring of characters' actions and movements is used a lot and works very well. Music is used to very good effect and is of high quality. There is humour and horror (some truly eye-shutting moments). I loved the development of characters and their links. The cinematography is wonderful, as is some of the visual imagery: favourites, apart from landscapes, were blood on snow and the 'Viking' burial. Themes of infatuation and obsession, love, protection, violence, greed and that all actions have consequences. We have just watched it a second time to pick up all the little things we missed the first time around e.g. The foreshadowing. Not a show that can be easily pigeon-holed as a specific genre. Very, very happy that there will be a second series. Unreservedly recommended.

First season was great. Great characters, very interesting and complex characters, very gray. Although it was a slow burn, it kept you engaged.

You can stop right there because the second season falls off a cliff. First of all, it's clear there were diversity quotas since they shove in a bunch of new characters and EVERY SINGLE one of them is "diverse". It's not full on woke, yet, but it's starting to look like it.

Unfortunately, every time I've seen blatant diversity shoved in, the story suffers. This is the case here as well. In the second season gone are the characters we knew, no one acts like themselves anymore. Major character plot threads are not explained, the writers perform giant leaps to get them where they want them to be, but it doesn't feel authentic.

It's clear that this was supposed to be a 1 season show and everything from season 2 on is forced.

See just the 1st season, that at least is worth it.

For all the new viewers...it is a very good show, story is good, characters are good, cinematography excellent...everything is very good...

I don't care what everybody thinks...I always liked British shows, comedies, crime series, movies, whatever...and they are very very good at it...

This is very slow show, it builds up and you can't wait to see...even if you do realize what is happening, you still want to see, at least I am...

The cast is great, many actors not known to us, especially those from Denmark, but they do excellent job...

Location, location, location...Iceland, a place to visit...

One problem I had with the show is that, and I am saying this even though I've never lived in such small community, everybody goes everywhere, you can waltz in hospital, sheriffs office, and sit behind his desk..a bit strange for me, but maybe it's just me.

Enjoy the show...

Of all 'Fortitude' 3 seasons, season 1 (an 8.6) is the best and most compelling. It has a thrilling storyline with very good and solid acting & performances, especially those of Richard Dormer, Sofie Gråbøl and Robert Sheehan (in season 2).

Unfortunately, the next seasons lack in logic and the nicely built thrilling atmosphere that the first season had and is praised for. To its credit, it has very realistic special effects and the harsh climate and "spooky" atmosphere are very well shown, but these are not enough for seasons 2 and 3 to shine like the first.

It was finished weakly and hurriedly in the last season with some basic nonsense, many unanswered questions, destroying the flow, including some beautiful yet unfitting jazz music, untrue to the show's soul.

Overall, a good series worth watching but a miss to the Drama, Mystery, Horror genre depicted.