When the Danish series The Killing was first shown in the UK it was acclaimed by both critics and audiences. Since then, there has been a boom in European dramas shown on UK TV screens, particularly thrillers. (Dramas from Italy, Germany, France, Denmark, Spain, Sweden, Iceland are just some examples.)

However, what seems "fresh" at first soon becomes familiar. This is particular true of Scandinanian thrillers. Once you watch a few, you realise they swap one set of familar tropes with their own set. For example, for thrillers:

- Many red herrings in the murder case (often not making any sense but carefully planted by the writers to keep audiences guessing).

- The death of at least one major (likable) character usually after the audience has warmed to the character.

- At most a "bittersweet" ending is provided. A 'happy' ending is never executed: some distress or anxiety must always accompany the main character at the end of a series.

Sounds familar?