Home Ground

Think of this as a Scandinavian take on Ted Lasso, but more serious, feminist, and varying in its focus on football depending on the episode. The Norwegians have maintained their standard filmmaking quality, with beautiful cinematography of the stunning scenery. Some episodes were genuinely fantastic. However, the interpersonal relationships in the town could be a mixed bag. Helena, for example, was sometimes quite frustrating, even though I was rooting for her as the first female coach of a men's football team. Her behavior was often over the top, and her daughter felt like an unnecessary addition with her unrelated teenage drama. These scenes, along with some superfluous LGBT moments, dragged the series down a bit. Thankfully, the episodes that centered on football were a delight, and that enthusiasm carried through both seasons. Building a connection with the footballers, especially some key players, was effortless. I binged through the two seasons and found the ending to be quite satisfying. Despite plans for a third season that may never materialize, the show doesn't feel like a waste of time. (10/31/2022)