Best Episodes
Borgen (The Government) is a drama series about the fight for political power – and about the personal sacrifices and consequences this has for those involved on and behind the political stage The central figure is the 40-year old political leader Birgitte Nyborg, who through her idealism and huge effort secures her party a landslide victory and thus faces the biggest challenge of her life: how most effectively to use the newly won seats, and how far she is willing to go in order to gain as much influence as possible. Privately, Birgitte leads a happy family life with her husband and two children. She is a woman with a burning commitment, a big heart and little time. Will she be able to be a successful and professional top politician and stay true to herself at the same time?
Written by Sophie and last updated on oct 09, 2020.
PS: The following content contains spoilers!
PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!
Birgitte's government is losing steam -- internal differences are growing and only compromise legislation is being passed. Just as opinion polls indicate Birgitte may lose the next election, financier Joachim Crohne emerges with an idea that could save her political career. But can his motives be trusted? Meanwhile, Kasper and Katrine are growing close again, but their jobs are at odds: Katrine's role is to uncover secrets, while Kasper's is to conceal them.
The episode was rated 7.72 from 137 votes.
A year has passed since we last saw Prime Minister Birgitte Nyborg. In the season opener, Birgitte is visiting soldiers stationed in Afghanistan when their encampment is attacked, and several soldiers are killed. Now she must choose: send the troops home or stage a counterattack? Reporter Katrine Fønsmark approaches the father of one of the fallen soldiers for a story, while Kasper Juul juggles his job as the PM's spin-doctor and his new journalist girlfriend.
The episode was rated 7.81 from 144 votes.
Birgitte's government prepares to present a new reform package, which is being polished at a political seminar. But when party leader Bjørn Marrot comes under a personal media attack, Birgitte senses a rebellion brewing, and the seminar dissolves in chaos. Meanwhile, the tension grows on the homefront where Phillip has a new girlfriend. And Katrine covers the political seminar for Laugesen, but he has his own agenda on the table.
The episode was rated 7.89 from 135 votes.
Birgitte Nyborg is about to negotiate the environmental element of the new reform package, but she must face the reality of parties unwilling to compromise. Kasper convinces her that underhanded tactics can help win her a majority for the reform. Meanwhile, Katrine receives an unusual job offer that tests her personal beliefs. And at home, Birgitte's children are clearly affected by their mother's stress; Laura in particular.
The episode was rated 7.95 from 126 votes.
After Bjørn Marrot's exit, Höxenhaven steps in as the new party leader, jumping at the opportunity to exploit the turn of events. When pirates hijack a Danish ship off Somalia's coast, Höxenhaven diverts attention from Birgitte, who badly needs a success story. Meanwhile, compromising photos of Höxenhaven turn up at the Ekspres. Laugesen wants to use them against Höxenhaven, but Katrine is skeptical.
The episode was rated 8.04 from 133 votes.
Birgitte Nyborg must appoint a new EU-commissioner and her old mentor, Sejrø, is the obvious candidate. Seeing it as a ploy to get rid of him, Sejrø refuses Birgitte's offer, which leads to a power play with serious consequences. Meanwhile, Kasper prepares to move in with his girlfriend, Lotte, but is haunted by his history with Katrine. Katrine and Hanne have grown closer, united by daily battles with their boss at Ekspres: Michael Laugesen.
The episode was rated 8.07 from 137 votes.
Laura's illness has worsened over the past few months, and Birgitte now feels terrible about failing to recognize it. When Laura's psychiatrist suggests admitting her to a private psychiatric hospital, Birgitte and Phillip immediately agree. This move becomes problematic when Birgitte's own tax reforms force her to pay out of pocket for the hospital cost. At home, Birgitte and Phillip are rediscovering some of their lost love, despite Philip's continued relationship with Cecilie.
The episode was rated 8.13 from 147 votes.
The eyes of the world are on Copenhagen and Birgitte Nyborg as peace talks draw near between North and South Kharun. Everyone has been working around the clock, and although Kasper is now living with Katrine, they rarely see each other. When Birgitte realizes Denmark is only a small piece in a major international power game, her negotiation skills are put to the test. Can she end the bloody civil war?
The episode was rated 8.15 from 130 votes.
In the season finale, Birgitte is on a month leave from her post as prime minister to focus on family, and Hans-Christian Thorsen, Labor Party chairman, has positioned himself to be her possible successor. Birgitte is torn about whether or not she will return to work. Meanwhile, as Kasper and Katrine hunt for apartments together, their plan is derailed by an argument about the possibility of having children. Will one of them relent?
The episode was rated 8.29 from 146 votes.
Just as Birgitte's new government is getting back on track after the Green Party's exit, internal strife erupts among coalition partners. This time it's from the right, as Svend Åge Madsen submits a bill to lower the age of criminal responsibility to 12 years -- an issue that splits the political system. Meanwhile, Laura is recovering from a panic attack, but Birgitte won't admit to herself that her daughter is ill.
The episode was rated 8.41 from 145 votes.
