LILYHAMMER Netflix TV Series-It Makes for a Show You Shouldn't Refuse

LILYHAMMER is a joint venture Norwegian/American TV series starring Steven Van Zandt.  The genre is a unique blend of comedy/drama & crime/detective format.  The central character is a likeable, somewhat reformable gangster (Van Zandt.)  The show is a hilarious hybrid of Northern Exposure, Dexter & Sopranos. Van Zandt is a Renaissance man.  He's a musician, songwriter and original member of Springstein's E Street Band.  He's also an accomplished actor starring in LILIHAMMER which he co-wrote & directed in a Norwegian/American colloaboration.  The premise centers around "Johnnie" (Van Zandt) an American mafioso overlooked as head boss.  He testifies against the new head honcho and hightails it out of town to Lilyhammer, Norway under the witness protection program.  Why Lilllyhammer?  Johnnie fell in love with the city during the former Olympics with its natural beauty and female beauties.  Besides,  who would think to find him there of all places?  He's warned before he leaves for Norway with his new identity & clean slate, should he gets into trouble with the local authorities, he's on his own.  The clever comedy comes from a fish out of water scenario.  Johnnie uses his resourceful forceful way of getting things done despite the backwards, slow paced procedures of the local yocals.  The series is filmed in Norway using local actors who are eccentric & credible, disarming & intriguing.  Most beguiling is Van Zandt who wins you over with his "Good Guys" ways of getting things done & doling out justice & affection in various directions.   We root for Van Zandt with his churlish lips as Johnnie and empathize with his softer, sensitive side.  The show 1st aired in 2012 with 3 seasons.  Van Zandt announced the series was cancelled in 2014 but hopeful it will get another shot.  He only needs to make them an offer they can't refuse.