Borgen – Season 3

OVERVIEW | NEWS | CAST | SEASON 1 | SEASON 2 | SEASON 3 | SEASON 4 | SOUNDTRACK

1. A Child Of Denmark
Two and a half years after Danish prime minister Birgitte Nyborg called a general election, she has left the political arena and is now a well-paid speaker in business circles and sits on several boards. Following the divorce from her husband, Birgitte and her children are in the process of moving house. Her old friend and mentor Bent Sejro is disillusioned with the political situation in Denmark and the compromises the Moderate Party are making with the new government, and he tries to persuade Birgitte to re-enter politics. At TV1, Katrine Fonsmark and Kasper Juul juggle their broadcasting careers with their new responsibilities as parents as well as their volatile relationship. Meanwhile, the new management at the TV station are keen to focus on positive stories and chasing ratings, causing problems for the head of news, Torben Friis.

2. The Land Is Built On Law
Birgitte Nyborg is forced to recognise her defeat to Jacob Kruse in the battle for the leadership of the Moderates. But she has not lost her political ambitions, and in anger over the current government’s immigration legislation she quietly chooses to start a new party. All she needs are some members and a press advisor. At TV1, Torben Friis is being challenged by the new boss, Alex Hjort, who feels there is too much bad news being broadcast and demands positive news instead.

3. The Right Shade Of Brown
Chaos and confusion rule in the party rooms of the New Democrats as many people have now attached themselves to the party. TV1 has invited them to participate in a panel discussion on the integration of ethnic minorities and so they need to find a party spokesperson on integration. They also need to find funding for the party. Chaos also rules at home as Gustav is sick, and Birgitte and the children move into a new, cheaper apartment, which does not impress Magnus. At the same time, Birgitte is having a problem with one of her hands, sometimes losing sensation in some of her fingers.

4. Their Loss…
The quality of Danish bacon is called into question as Birgitte’s English boyfriend, Jeremy, falls ill after eating pork. At the same time, the government are trying to relax the rules applying to Danish pig farms. Birgitte appears on TV1 where she argues for protecting citizens, not the industry, and for quality rather than quantity. In order to learn as much as possible about the pig farming industry, Katrine takes Birgitte to visit her brother, who is a pig farmer.

5. Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery
There is unrest amongst the New Democrats when the sex trade is placed on the agenda. In Copenhagen, police have found three women who have been locked up and forced to have sex against their will. The case causes the political parties to discuss the need for a law prohibiting the purchase of sex in Denmark. During the negotiations on the bill, however, Birgitte requests time for reflection when she becomes in doubt about what prostitutes themselves actually want or need. This comes as a disappointment to Katrine, who supports a rapid ban. Torben’s problems escalate when his boss, Alex, finds out about his affair. Katrine and Kasper work out where it all went wrong in their relationship. Birgitte wonders whether to introduce Jeremy to her children, while he has concerns for her health.

6. Sons Of The Past
The New Democrats finally have enough signatures to run for Parliament but need more candidates. Birgitte suggests economics professor Soren Ravn, but not all of the candidates in the party share her enthusiasm about him as he is very left-wing, and had previously been a member of the Communist Party. When the press catch on to this, they dig up his past and put him under intense personal pressure. Meanwhile, Birgitte receives bad news from the doctor which she tries to conceal from those around here.

At TV1, viewing figures are up which has pleased the management, but the newsroom staff are unhappy with the changes in the programmes. Torben is under pressure both at work and at home, but is offered sympathy from his colleague Pia.

7. The Fall
When prime minister Lars Hesselboe calls a general election, he takes everyone by surprise. TV1 swing into action, as do the political parties. However, with Birgitte undergoing daily radiation treatment, she is already struggling to keep up with work. How long can she keep making excuses and keep her illness a secret?

8. If You Never Change Your Mind
As election day nears, Birgitte comes clean to her party about her recent performance. Meanwhile, unable to make their mark with the opposition’s policies, the New Democrats try to highlight the differences between their party and the Moderates. But when Jacob Kruse steals a key policy, a mole is suspected within the party.

9. Sense And Sensibility
With the general election nearing, the mudslinging begins. Can Birgitte keep both her integrity and win votes? Can TV1 win viewers with their new election debate format?

10. The Election
The day of the election finally arrives. However, politics is not the only thing on Birgitte’s mind.