The premiere episode of the Swedish Netflix limited series "Deliver Me" kicks off with a heart-wrenching and intense narrative that sets the stage for a gripping gang drama. Titled "What Have You Done?", the episode introduces us to the complex relationship between two teenage best friends, Bilal "Billy" Ali (played by Yasi Hassan) and Douglas "Dogge" Arnfeldt (played by Olle Strand), and the tragic events that unfold when one is forced to take a life-altering step against the other.
The episode opens with a chilling 911 call from Dogge, reporting a shooting. We then cut to the crime scene where Detective Farid Ayad (Ardalan Esmaili) identifies the victim as his acquaintance, Billy. The gravity of the situation is palpable as medics fight to save Billy's life while Farid begins his relentless pursuit to uncover the truth behind the shooting.
As the investigation unfolds, we are given glimpses into the past of Billy and Dogge, revealing how they became entangled with small-time criminal Mehdi Bah (Solomon Njie), who is known for recruiting minors to do his bidding. Their lives take a dark turn as they are drawn deeper into the gang's activities, which ultimately leads to the fateful night when Dogge shoots Billy.
The narrative skillfully interweaves the present with flashbacks, providing context to the boys' relationship and their descent into the criminal underworld. We see how Farid, who had been working with Billy to help him leave the gang, feels a deep sense of guilt and responsibility for not being able to protect him.
In a pivotal scene, Dogge is questioned by Farid, who tries to coax out the truth about why he shot his friend. Dogge's initial refusal to talk and his subsequent anxiety attack upon learning of Billy's death add layers to his character, suggesting a complex internal struggle. His eventual accusation against Mehdi, claiming that he was ordered to kill Billy, further complicates the case and points to a larger conspiracy within the gang.
Meanwhile, Billy's family is devastated by the news, with his mother Leila (Yusra Warsama) grappling with the shock and his father arguing against taking Billy off life support. The family dynamic is strained, with Leila having thrown Billy's father out of the house, and the tension is palpable as they confront the reality of Billy's situation.
As the episode progresses, Farid becomes increasingly determined to find Mehdi, who is now a prime suspect in the case. The police search for Mehdi intensifies, with Farid briefing Svante from the Major Crimes division about the case. Svante, initially unaware of Mehdi's activities, orders patrols to search for him, indicating a shift in the investigation's focus.
The episode concludes with Dogge being placed in juvenile detention for his own safety, a decision that leaves him distraught. The final scenes show Dogge being dropped off at his new home, a stark contrast to his previous life, and we are left with the haunting question of what led to this tragic event.
"Deliver Me" is a powerful series that delves into the dark world of gang violence and its impact on young lives. The first episode, "What Have You Done?", expertly lays the groundwork for a compelling story that explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the consequences of getting caught in a dangerous web of crime. With its strong performances, gripping plot, and emotional depth, "Deliver Me" is a series that promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.