Borgen: Men Who Love Women

“Go through my ministers and list who you’ve slept with.”

The title’s a bit clever; it’s simultaneously an indirect reference to the political theme of the episode and a direct reference to the relationships of Katrine and Hanne, and the relationship failures of Kaspar. This is an episode far more focussed on character.

The Machiavelli quotes are back, and this time old Niccolo is talking about the relevant success rates of unarmed versus armed prophets, only for the very first word spoken after the caption appears- “Jesus!”- to nicely deconstruct the very distinction. Subtle and clever.

A simple idea- Birgitte’s determination to force all members of company boards to be 50% female and the varied reactions to it- leads to all sorts of fascinating revelations about attitudes to gender roles. Kaspar has little time for feminists, but is very happy to work, effectively, at implementing feminist policies- it’s all about the game of politics. The minister in question, Henriette Kiltgaard, is subjected to all sorts of vague misogyny in the newsroom, being nicknamed “the clit” and defined only as a former model, by her youth, and by her role as a mother. Torben even agrees to the suggestion that she be interviewed by a man for “balance”. And yet Ulrik is gentle with her and pulls his punches, while Hanne makes it clear that she would have been much tougher. There may be misogyny, even in progressive Denmark, but it’s more complicated than just boys against girls.

Improper corporate influence rears its head, too, as Joachim Crohne, the biggest tycoon in Denmark, blackmails Brigitte by threaten to take his business abroad. Fortunately, this is Denmark, and he proves to be far too patriotic and ultimately decent to carry out his threat. How very unlike certain voices from the British banking sector.

Philip is, of course, part of the solution here in his role as dispenser of sage advice, insisting to Birgitte that it’s all more or less a game of poker. And Philip continues to be a rock for her, looking after their children and everything at home. But there are cracks: a couple of scenes demonstrate how Birgitte is slowly losing touch with her husband, and a tired Philip rejects her advances at the end, taking All the bedclothes, and almost starts to show a little resentment at her bringing her laptop to bed. Even this happy family is beginning to look troubled because the wife and mother is absent. Of course, this is horribly unfair, as we all know perfectly well that the same expectations are not placed on husbands and fathers. This is every bit as relevant to the episode’s political themes.

It’s interesting, too, that this episode sees Kaspar as horribly clueless about all the women in his life. His flirting at Kiltgaard, and his terribly misjudged attempt to make a pass at her, only leads to arse-clenching awkwardness. And he seems to be losing Katrine to a fitness instructor who may be rude but is at least open and honest- the very qualities which Kaspar lacks.