The premiere episode of the Swedish Netflix limited series, "Deliver Me," unfolds with a harrowing and intense narrative, paving the way for a gripping and engrossing gang drama titled "What Have You Done?" This episode introduces us to the intricate bond shared by two teenage best friends, Bilal "Billy" Ali, portrayed by Yasi Hassan, and Douglas "Dogge" Arnfeldt, brought to life by Olle Strand. Tragedy strikes as one is compelled to take a life-altering action against the other, unraveling a tale of unspeakable consequences.
The episode commences with a chilling 911 call from Dogge, his voice trembling as he reports a shooting. We are then swiftly transported to the crime scene, where Detective Farid Ayad, played by Ardalan Esmaili, identifies the victim as his acquaintance, Billy. The tension in the air is almost tangible, as medics battle to save Billy's life while Farid embarks on a relentless quest to uncover the truth hidden behind the shooting.
As the investigation delves deeper, we are granted fleeting glimpses into the past of Billy and Dogge, uncovering how they became ensnared in the web of small-time criminal Mehdi Bah, masterfully portrayed by Solomon Njie, who is infamous for exploiting minors for his gain. Their lives take a perilous turn as they are dragged further into the depths of the gang's treacherous activities, culminating in the fateful night when Dogge pulls the trigger on Billy.
The narrative masterfully intertwines the present with haunting flashbacks, offering a profound context to the boys' relationship and their descent into the shadowy realm of criminality. We witness Farid's poignant struggle with guilt and responsibility, as he had been working tirelessly with Billy to help him escape the clutches of the gang, feeling an overwhelming sense of failure for not being able to shield him from harm.
In a crucial scene, Dogge finds himself under Farid's scrutinizing gaze, who endeavors to extract the truth behind the motive for shooting his companion. Dogge's initial stonewalling and the subsequent anxious breakdown upon hearing about Billy's demise enrich his character portrayal, hinting at an intricate internal turmoil. His eventual imputation against Mehdi, asserting that he was instructed to terminate Billy, adds another layer of complexity to the case and hints at a broader conspiracy brewing within the gang's ranks.
Meanwhile, Billy's family is torn apart by the tragic news. His mother, Leila (portrayed by Yusra Warsama), battles with the shock, while his father fiercely opposes disconnecting Billy from life support. The family dynamics are stretched to their limits, with Leila having ejected Billy's father from their home. The tension is almost tangible as they confront the harsh reality of Billy's predicament.
As the episode unfolds, Farid's determination to locate Mehdi, now a prime suspect, intensifies. The police hunt for Mehdi escalates, with Farid briefing Svante from the Major Crimes division about the unfolding case. Initially oblivious to Mehdi's machinations, Svante orders patrols to search for him, marking a pivotal shift in the investigation's focus.
The episode concludes with Dogge being relegated to juvenile detention for his own protection, a decision that leaves him heartbroken. The closing scenes depict Dogge being deposited at his new abode, a stark juxtaposition to his former life, leaving viewers with the haunting enigma of what precipitated this calamitous event.
"Deliver Me" is a profound series that delves deep into the sordid realm of gang violence and its profound impact on youthful lives. The premiere episode, "What Have You Done?", skillfully sets the stage for a compelling narrative that explores themes of camaraderie, allegiance, and the repercussions of being ensnared in a perilous web of criminality. With its stellar performances, gripping storyline, and emotional depth, "Deliver Me" is a series poised to keep audiences thoroughly engrossed.
