There were many things that made me love Eurovision 2014 in Copenhagen this year: the plea for tolerance from Pollaponk, the struggle to grow a moustache from Twin Twin, and the beautiful Conchita Wurst sobbing as she won, to name just a couple of my favourite moments. Aside from the music, I was simultaneously amused and baffled by one of the hosts, Pilou Asbæk, particularly when Graham Norton mentioned he was one of the stars of the Danish political drama, Borgen. I genuinely thought I had misunderstood who he was. I had not.
We finished watching Bron/Broen a few months ago, and the wait for season 3 is quite painful, so after seeing Pilou with his Ban Ki Moon love and his hilarious tour around the Museum of Eurovision history, we decided to give Borgen a go. It helped me that Pilou is ridiculously attractive. The Danish Joshua Jackson.
I knew it was popular (having seen the Guardian blog when it was on the BBC) but I wasn’t confident that I’d like it. I’m not really a fan of political programmes – dramas or comedies – so although I had an open mind, I didn’t expect to completely fall head-over-heels in love with it in the way that I have. We rushed through season 1 as soon as the Blu-Ray arrived and we’re halfway through season 2 right now. The season which has made me cry in every episode so far.
I still love Pilou of course, and Kasper Juul is such a great character, but I also have so many feelings for the rest of the cast. Beautiful, beautiful Birgitte Nyborg, adorable ‘Uncle’ Bent, determined Katrine Fønsmark, self-righteous Philip (who I just want to punch in his stupid face) – the casting is absolutely spot-on.
Who knew a political drama would make me yell at the TV so much. I don’t immediately get some of the plot points, partly because I’ve never been politically minded and partly because it’s a foreign government, but I like how the show helps you to understand without being too heavy-handed. The balance between the politics and personal is perfect, even if Magnus does piss his pants a lot, and the more they show the characters homes, the more I want to go mad at Magasin Du Nord – this programme is like crack for Scandi design.
I’m desperate to go and read everything I can about the show, but I know it isn’t coming back after the last season so I don’t want to spoil myself for the ending. Once I get to the end of season 3, I’ll be straight onto Google to find out what makes Pilou so damn handsome, what makes Sidse Babett Knudsen so gorgeously smiley, and where I can get Birgitte’s sexy headboard (my current fixation).
The photo at the top comes from my first visit to Copenhagen a couple of years ago. I didn’t know then that I would be obsessed with the fictional going-ons behind those doors, and I’m already planning on going on the Christiansborg Palace tour the next time I’m over there. If they don’t allow me in that room where they hold the press conferences so I can act like a drunken Hanne Holm, I’ll be a bit disappointed. For now, I’ll just have to settle for Pilou’s tour of CPH.
For helvede, Pilou, why are you so attractive?
untold blisses 
I remember accidentally recording a bit of Borgen because I thought it was the second season of The Bridge. I was wrong. Maybe I should have actually watched it?
The next season of The Bridge is the last one!
Oh, I thought you’d seen Borgen? You need to watch it!!
I will try. But bit limited where I am now 😦 Will try!