When Borgen returned in 2022 with its fourth season, subtitled “Kingdom, Power and Glory,” nearly a decade had passed since the Danish political drama last graced our screens. The timing of its revival proved remarkably prescient, offering commentary on issues that have only intensified since the show’s original run ended in 2013. The series follows Birgitte Nyborg, Denmark’s first female prime minister, as she navigates the complexities of political leadership. In season four, Nyborg has moved on to become Foreign Minister, facing new challenges that speak directly to our current moment.
The Climate Crisis Takes Center Stage
Season four places environmental politics at its heart, specifically the discovery of oil in Greenland and the geopolitical scramble that ensues. This narrative choice reflects our contemporary reality, where climate concerns collide constantly with economic interests and national sovereignty. The show doesn’t offer easy answers but instead portrays the genuine difficulty of balancing environmental protection with economic development, energy security, and political pragmatism. As the world continues grappling with the urgency of climate action while nations compete for resources, Borgen’s exploration of these tensions feels urgent rather than theoretical.
Geopolitics and Great Power Competition
The season’s focus on foreign policy and international relations mirrors today’s increasingly multipolar world. The show examines how a small nation like Denmark must navigate between larger powers with competing interests, a dynamic that resonates as countries worldwide face similar pressures. The portrayal of diplomatic maneuvering, strategic alliances, and the limits of idealism in foreign policy offers a nuanced look at challenges that dominate current headlines.
Media, Truth, and Democracy
Borgen has always been astute about the role of media in shaping politics, and season four continues this examination in an era of declining trust in institutions and rising misinformation. The show explores how political narratives are constructed, manipulated, and consumed, reflecting concerns about democratic discourse that have only grown more acute. In a time when many democracies face questions about their resilience and health, Borgen’s careful attention to the mechanics of democratic governance feels particularly valuable.
Women in Leadership
Birgitte Nyborg’s journey remains relevant as we continue to see women breaking barriers in politics globally while facing distinct challenges. The show doesn’t shy away from depicting both the progress and the persistent obstacles women leaders encounter, offering a portrait that acknowledges complexity without resorting to simple narratives of triumph or victimhood.
The Price of Political Life
Perhaps most enduringly, season four explores what political engagement costs those who pursue it—the toll on personal relationships, mental health, and moral certainty. In an era of intense political polarization and exhaustion, the show’s honest depiction of these sacrifices resonates with anyone who has felt overwhelmed by the state of public discourse. Borgen’s return reminds us that thoughtful political drama can serve as more than entertainment. It offers a space to examine the contradictions and dilemmas of democratic governance with nuance and empathy, qualities that feel increasingly rare but desperately needed in our current political conversations.
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