On December 25, 2024, SVT will premiere its latest satirical drama titled Whiskey on the Rocks, shedding light on the infamous 1981 Soviet submarine crisis. The show depicts the absurdity and tension surrounding the grounding of the Soviet submarine U137 just outside Karlskrona, Sweden, during the Cold War.
Starring Rolf Lassgård as Thorbjörn Fälldin, the then Swedish prime minister, the series takes viewers through the trials Fälldin faced as he navigated this diplomatic minefield. Lassgård remarked on Fälldin's calm demeanor during the crisis, stating, “He was good at it, Fälldin. With a hot-headed prime minister, it could have ended quite badly,” according to GP.
Directed by Björn Stein and penned by Henrik Jansson-Schweizer, the narrative combines historical reality with satirical elements. The plot invites audiences to explore how Fälldin managed the chaos arising from the submarine incident, with Ronald Reagan and Leonid Brezhnev looming as pivotal characters—forging their part of the absurdity.
While the aesthetics of Whiskey on the Rocks impress with its quality costumes and beautifully shot scenes, critiques have emerged about its overall effectiveness. A review from another outlet highlighted the dual nature of the series, saying, "It takes not long before I must wipe my face clean from the remnants of 'Whiskey on the Rocks' after the series hit the ground like a rotten apple.” Critics argue the script might be lacking punch, failing to construct compelling dialogue or character depth.
The narrative, which uses elements of magical realism, attempts to satirize the precarious political climate of the time. The Soviet submarine’s antics culminate from themes of ‘stupid diplomacy’ and misunderstood leadership. Critics of the series noted, "The dialogue is slow, and it is not funny—what remains?” prompting laughter and groans from audiences.
Rolf Lassgård had his own reflections on this portrayal. At 26 during the 1981 crisis, he recounted, “I see it mostly as absurdity and believe many didn’t grasp the seriousness of the situation.” This sentiment echoes throughout the show, potentially mirroring today's similar tensions on the global stage.
Helmed with the intent of offering holiday entertainment, Whiskey on the Rocks promises to deliver hilarity with local flavors, but will it balance the serious history it wishes to portray with satirical finesse? The challenge of producing successful satire is well-known, as one source pointed out, mentioning the need for perfect timing and balance across every aspect of storytelling.
The show builds around historical incidents, often invoking giggles at the expense of solemn realities. Brezhnev’s portrayal, for example, invokes laughter through his drinking antics and “demented” decisions, adding intrigue to the character interactions with Fälldin.
Still, the series aims to provide both perspective and humor, maintaining engagement even as it trips at times with narrative pacing. Some moments truly shine—particularly when two seafood fishermen stumble upon the stranded submarine, showcasing the series' capacity for ridiculous moments tied to real-life events.
The creators seem aware of the high stakes involved, as Lassgård declared, “Had it been today, I would have been more worried.” The sentiment measures the change in fears today compared to the 1980s. With geopolitical climates ever-evolving, Whiskey on the Rocks reminds us of the past, placing it firmly before modern audiences. Will it resonate and garner the laughs, or will it fall flat as it dances around important historical issues with comedic ambition?
The premiere of Whiskey on the Rocks promises not to disappoint entirely. It seeks humor amid tense narratives typically shrouded by the gravity of history. Audiences will tune on Christmas Day to see how the series captures the delicate balance of historical satire wrapped within the extravagance of television entertainment.
