Continuing TV Ate My Wardrobe’s “Best of 2013″ costuming series and rather than doing a straightforward countdown we’re going to do a variety of posts that look at which costumes and shows have made a huge impact this year. From items that we want in our own wardrobe to pieces that got everyone talking, we want to look at this year’s TV through the prism of costume.
Borgen has come to an end and while season 3 didn’t hit the lofty heights of the previous years, it has still been one of the most enjoyable watching experiences of 2013. Watching Birgitte Nyborg return to politics reminded me of Coach Taylor taking the helm at the East Dillon Lions on Friday Night Lights and both shows feel like a ray of optimism in a cynical world.
The coats on display on Borgen rival any of the Scandal outerwear and like The Good Wife red is the color of power. Birgitte demonstrated her most political and strong self in the final episode, switching her black coat from the previous episode to the bold belted red. Birgitte’s has a huge decision that will impact the entire political landscape of Danish politics and she works through her options with mentor Bent, in the shadow of the magnificent building the show is named after (it’s the nickname of the Christiansborg Palace).
In an incredibly striking shot Birgitte stands alone in her red coat in the snow looking at her second home; the world of politics where she believes she can make a difference. Birgitte is different to the other politicians on the show (and those in real life) as she does admit when she is in the wrong and her idealism guides her decisions without being the sole driving force. For all the faults of this season (the Kasper/Katrine relationship resolution is a big letdown); one factor is consistent and that’s Birgitte Nyborg. As consistent as her bun of glory.
Sidse Babett Knudsen’s performance has been exceptional from the lows during the debate in which she floundered in a way we had previously not seen, to the portrayal of her breast cancer diagnosis as she at first went at this alone to the various personal and political victories. The reason why I mentioned Friday Night Lights in my intro is I realized last night while I was watching this finale is that both shows give me similar chest bursting feelings of happiness and I’m going to miss Borgen and Birgitte.
TV Ate My Wardrobe 