Cold Courage
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Cold Courage
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Cold Courage is a Finnish crime drama focused on two women whose lives become intertwined while working as part of a secret organization that's trying to seek justice for those the law fails. The series deals with heavy topics including human sex trafficking, racism, political oppression, and corruption. Many scenes include nudity, sex, and graphic violence. A focal point of the series is the operation of a secret sex trafficking ring. A child is hit with a brick during a protest and a character's face is burned off by acid. There is some brief nudity and a man and woman are shown naked having sex. There's regular use of profanity and characters are often shown smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol.
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What's the Story?
Based on Pekka Hiltunen's Studio book series, COLD COURAGE weaves a tale of justice and vigilantism against a backdrop of radical nationalist politics, corruption, and human trafficking. Lia (Sofia Pekkari) and Mari (Pihla Viitala) are both survivors of tradgedy and trauma. While Lia copes by keeping her head down and working through each day, Mari has other plans. Through blackmail, bribery, and intimidation, Mari attempts to recruit Lia into the "Studio," a secret organization with the goal of righting the injustices of the world for those who otherwise have no voice. Things get more personal for Lia when an old friend's body is discovered, with ties to a sex trafficking ring that's spread through London's high society. Under Mari's direction, Lia is thrown into a world of espionage, conspiracy, and vigilante justice. Will the duo be able to bring the corruption to light, or will the dark underworld they now live in swallow them whole?
Is It Any Good?
Most of this Finnish series is spent laying the foundation, moving the plot along at a glacial pace. Cold Courage is consumed with drawn-out detail like a deep dive into the lives of the main characters, Lia and Mari, the odd couple who seem worlds apart in personality but find common ground in their tragic pasts. The series doesn't really start to build momentum until the eighth episode of the first season. The world of Cold Courage is grim and girtty, made up of cloudy skies, dimly lit smoke-filled rooms, and whatever dark drab corner there might be to skulk around.
The series feels predictable and stale. It takes too long to get to the point, and in the rush to make all the pieces fall into place at the end of the first season, there are very few substantial or satisfying resolutions. Viewers are likely to be left scratching their heads.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about morality and justification. Are there ever situations where going against your morals or values to help others might be necessary? What are the risks of this?
How accurately does the show reflect modern world issues (racism, politics, sex trafficking)? What can be done to address these issues?
Who can you talk to if you or someone you know has been affected by any form of violence?
TV Details
- Premiere date: March 20, 2020
- Cast: Sofia Pekkari, Pihla Viitala, John Simm
- Network: AMC
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Activism, Book Characters
- TV rating: NR
- Last updated: December 16, 2022
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